Ham and Potato Soup – Easy Comfort Food Recipe

Looking for a warm and hearty meal that’s easy to make with everyday ingredients? This creamy ham and potato soup is the ultimate comfort food, packed with tender potatoes, savory chunks of ham, and a rich, flavorful broth. Whether you’re using up leftover ham or just craving a cozy bowl of soup, this recipe is sure to satisfy, no fancy ingredients or special tools required!

Why You’ll Love Ham And Potato Soup

• This soup is creamy, hearty, and full of rich, comforting flavors. The combination of tender potatoes and salty ham makes every spoonful satisfying. It’s perfect for cold days or anytime you need something cozy. Everyone in the family will love it.

• It’s an easy one-pot recipe that comes together quickly on the stovetop. No complicated steps or fancy techniques, just simple cooking with great results. Clean-up is a breeze with fewer dishes to wash. Perfect for busy weeknights.

• A great way to use up leftover ham from the holidays. This soup turns leftovers into something brand new and delicious. You won’t believe how flavorful it is with just a few pantry staples. It helps cut down on food waste too.

• The ingredients are flexible, so you can adjust the recipe to your taste. Add carrots, corn, or peas to bulk it up. Swap milk for cream if you want it extra rich. It’s a forgiving recipe that still tastes amazing every time.

• It stores well and tastes even better the next day. Make it ahead for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. The flavors continue to develop as it sits. You’ll be glad to have leftovers!

Ingredients For Ham And Potato Soup

• Potatoes – The heart of the soup! They make it thick, hearty, and filling.

• Water – Used to cook the potatoes and help create the soup base.

• Cooked Ham – Adds a salty, savory flavor and a nice meaty texture.

• Celery – Gives the soup a bit of crunch and adds a fresh taste.

• Onion – Adds depth and a mild sweetness to the broth.

• Chicken Bouillon Granules – Boosts the flavor of the soup without needing stock.

• Black or White Pepper – Adds warmth and seasoning. Adjust to taste.

• Salt – Enhances all the flavors. Just a little goes a long way.

• Butter – Used to create a rich roux for the creamy soup base.

• All-Purpose Flour – Thickens the soup and gives it that classic creamy texture.

• Milk – Makes the soup smooth and creamy without being too heavy.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Ham And Potato Soup

• Large Soup Pot or Stockpot – For boiling the potatoes, ham, and vegetables together.

• Medium Saucepan – Used to make the creamy roux with butter, flour, and milk.

• Measuring Cups – Helps you measure out liquids and solids accurately.

• Measuring Spoons – Perfect for adding just the right amount of spices and bouillon.

• Whisk – Essential for making the roux smooth and lump-free.

• Wooden Spoon or Spatula – For stirring the soup as it simmers and combines.

How To Make Ham And Potato Soup

• Start by adding the diced potatoes, ham, celery, onion, and water to a soup pot. Bring it to a boil, then simmer until the potatoes are soft and cooked through.

• Stir in the chicken bouillon, pepper, and salt so the flavors soak into the broth.

• In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and whisk in the flour to form a roux.

• Slowly add the milk to the roux while whisking, letting it thicken into a creamy sauce.

• Once thick, pour the milk mixture into the soup pot and stir everything together.

• Let the soup simmer a few more minutes until everything is heated through. Serve and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a main dish, it’s filling and hearty all on its own.

• Pair with warm, crusty mini baguettes or a flaky biscuit for dipping.

• Add a brussels sprouts slaw salad on the side for a complete meal.

• Top each bowl with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped chives, or bacon crumbles for extra flavor and texture.

• For a cozy dinner, serve with a mug of hot cocoa or a simple dessert like homemade applesauce or baked cinnamon apples.

Tips For Success

• Ham and potato soup is a simple recipe, but a few helpful tips can take it from good to absolutely delicious. First, make sure the potatoes are diced into small, even pieces so they cook evenly and soften at the same time. If they’re too big, they’ll take longer to cook and may not blend well with the creamy texture of the soup. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best because they break down nicely and help naturally thicken the broth.
• Use cooked ham that has a nice smoky or savory flavor. Leftover holiday ham is perfect for this, but deli ham or even ham steak cut into cubes works great too. If your ham is very salty, you may want to cut back on the added salt or bouillon, and always taste the soup before adjusting the seasonings.
• When making the roux, whisk the flour into the butter until it forms a smooth paste. This step helps thicken the soup and gives it that classic creamy texture. Slowly add the milk while whisking to avoid lumps, and cook just until the mixture thickens. Don’t rush this part—it only takes a few minutes and makes a big difference in the final texture.
• Add the roux mixture to the soup slowly while stirring. This helps it blend evenly and prevents clumps. Once it’s all combined, let the soup simmer for a few more minutes to bring everything together and heat it through.
• Feel free to add extra ingredients to make the soup your own. Carrots, peas, corn, or even a sprinkle of shredded cheese stirred in can give it more flavor and variety. This soup is very forgiving and still turns out creamy and comforting every time.
• Lastly, let the soup sit for a few minutes before serving. It thickens as it cools slightly, and the flavors really come together. Leftovers taste even better the next day, so it’s a great recipe to make ahead for easy lunches or dinners.

Variations And Substitutions

• One of the best things about ham and potato soup is how flexible it is. You can easily change it up based on what you have on hand or your dietary needs. The base recipe is simple, which makes it perfect for customizing. Here are some ideas to make this soup your own.
• If you want to make it extra rich and creamy, you can swap the milk for half-and-half or heavy cream. This gives the soup a more luxurious texture and a slightly sweeter taste. For a lighter version, use low-fat milk or even unsweetened almond milk. Just keep in mind that the soup may not be as thick with non-dairy milk unless you add a bit more flour to the roux.
• Don’t eat meat? No problem! You can easily make this soup vegetarian by skipping the ham and using vegetable bouillon instead of chicken bouillon. Add extra veggies like carrots, corn, peas, or even spinach to bulk it up and add more flavor. A handful of shredded cheddar cheese stirred in at the end will still give it that satisfying, hearty taste.
• For a gluten-free version, simply use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your bouillon and ham don’t contain hidden gluten. Be sure to whisk the roux well to avoid any clumping.
• You can also switch up the meat if you don’t have ham. Cooked bacon or leftover turkey would be delicious, or even shredded chicken if that’s what you have on hand. The creamy base pairs well with many proteins, so it’s easy to adjust.
• Love spice? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to give the soup a little heat. You can also sprinkle in some smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
• No matter how you mix it up, this soup is forgiving, comforting, and always tasty. Feel free to get creative!

Storage and Reheating

• Store any leftover ham and potato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, you can warm it up in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave—just heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
• If the soup thickens too much in the fridge, simply add a splash of milk or water while reheating to loosen it up. The flavors often taste even better the next day as they continue to develop. This soup is perfect for meal prep and makes a delicious, cozy lunch or quick dinner.
• Freezing is not recommended for this recipe. The potatoes can become grainy after thawing, and the creamy base may separate when reheated from frozen. For best results, enjoy it fresh or store it short-term in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! Ham and potato soup is a great make-ahead meal. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day because the flavors have more time to develop. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to eat.

What kind of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal. They soften nicely and help give the soup a naturally creamy texture. If you use waxy potatoes like red potatoes, they’ll hold their shape more, but the soup won’t be as thick.

Can I use leftover ham?

Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for using up leftover ham from a holiday dinner or ham steaks from another meal. Just chop it into small pieces and add it to the soup.

Is it okay to use milk alternatives like almond or oat milk?

Yes, you can substitute non-dairy milk if you need to. Choose an unsweetened, unflavored variety so it doesn’t change the taste of the soup. You may need to adjust the roux slightly to get the same creamy texture.

Can I freeze ham and potato soup?

It’s not recommended. Potatoes can get grainy and break apart when frozen and reheated. The creamy base may also separate. For best results, store it in the fridge and eat within 4 days.

How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?

If the soup turns out a little thinner than you like, just let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken. You can also mix a little more flour with cold milk and stir it in, then cook until thickened. Be sure to whisk well to avoid lumps.

What can I add to make this soup more filling?

To bulk up the soup, try adding extra veggies like carrots, corn, or peas. You can also stir in cooked rice or small pasta shapes for more texture. A handful of shredded cheese melted in at the end is another great option.

How do I make this soup gluten-free?

Just swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend when making the roux. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, just double-check that your bouillon and ham don’t contain hidden gluten.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

This version is made on the stovetop, but you can adapt it for a slow cooker. Just add all the ingredients (except the roux and milk) and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the roux and milk at the end, and cook until heated through and thickened. For the Instant Pot, use the sauté function to make the roux, then pressure cook the potatoes and ham for about 10 minutes.

Other Easy Ham Recipes

Cheesy Ham and Potato – This cheesy ham and potato bake is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for breakfast or dinner.

Honey Glazed Baked Ham – Tender baked ham coated in a sweet honey glaze makes a show-stopping centerpiece for any holiday meal.

Baked Ham and Cheese – These baked ham and cheese sliders are warm, melty, and perfect for parties or easy weeknight dinners.

Ham and Cheese Sandwich – This air fryer ham and cheese sandwich has a crispy golden crust and gooey melted center in every bite.

Other Easy Potato Recipes

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes blended with roasted garlic for a rich, flavorful side dish everyone will love.

Potatoes and Eggs Breakfast – This easy skillet breakfast combines crispy potatoes with fluffy scrambled eggs for a simple morning meal.

Air Fryer Stuffed Potatoes – Crispy on the outside and loaded with a cheesy, savory filling, these air fryer stuffed potatoes are a delicious twist on a classic side.

More Soup Recipes

• Creamy Homemade Pea Soup
• Beef and Vegetable Stew
• Homemade Mushroom Soup