Ham and potato soup is a classic comfort food that combines tender potatoes, savory ham, and a creamy broth into a hearty and satisfying meal. Using a slow cooker to make this soup allows the flavors to meld together slowly, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish with minimal effort. This recipe is perfect for cold days when you want something warm and filling, or for those busy weekdays when you need a hands-off meal that can cook while you go about your day.
1. Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup Recipe
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 4 cups potatoes (about 4-5 medium potatoes)
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Finish
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- Chopped green onions or fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients
Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into small cubes. Dice the ham, chop the onion, slice the carrots, and chop the celery. Mince the garlic if you’re using fresh cloves.
If you have leftover ham from a holiday meal, this is an excellent opportunity to use it. If not, any pre-cooked ham from the grocery store will work.
Step 2. Assemble the Soup in the Slow Cooker
In your slow cooker, combine the diced potatoes, ham, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the ingredients are fully submerged. Add the dried thyme, dried parsley, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
Give everything a good stir to ensure the herbs and seasonings are evenly distributed.
Step 3. Cook the Soup
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The soup is ready when the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork. Slow cooking allows the ham to release its flavors into the broth, creating a rich, savory base for the soup.
Step 4. Add the Creamy Elements
Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the heavy cream. If you prefer a thicker soup, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry, and stir it into the slow cooker. Continue cooking on low for another 20-30 minutes to let the soup thicken slightly.
Step 5. Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed. Ham can be quite salty, so make sure to taste the soup before adding any additional salt.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions or fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the soup hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
2. Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup
Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are a great choice for this soup because they break down slightly during cooking, giving the soup a creamy texture. If you prefer your potatoes to hold their shape, opt for Yukon gold or red potatoes.
Pre-Cook the Ham (If Needed): If you’re using leftover ham, it’s already cooked, so you can add it directly to the slow cooker. If you happen to buy uncooked ham, cook it beforehand to ensure it’s tender and flavorful by the time the soup is done.
Blending for Extra Creaminess: For an extra creamy texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup directly in the slow cooker. Alternatively, remove a cup or two of the soup, blend it until smooth, and stir it back into the pot.
3. Variations
Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup: For a richer, more indulgent version, stir in 1-2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese at the end of cooking. Let the cheese melt into the soup for a creamy, cheesy finish that pairs perfectly with the ham and potatoes.
Ham and Potato Soup with Bacon: Add crispy bacon bits to the soup for an extra smoky flavor. Cook the bacon separately and stir it in just before serving, or sprinkle it on top as a garnish.
Loaded Ham and Potato Soup: Take inspiration from a loaded baked potato and top your soup with sour cream, chives, bacon, and extra cheese. This transforms the soup into a hearty, decadent meal.
Lightened-Up Version: For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk. You can also reduce the amount of cream used and blend a portion of the soup to achieve a creamy texture without the need for too much dairy.
4. Serving Suggestions
Ham and potato soup is a hearty dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to round out your meal:
Crusty Bread: A loaf of crusty sourdough or French bread is perfect for dipping into the soup.
Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the soup.
Biscuits: Warm, flaky biscuits are a comforting side that complements the creamy soup.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans for a vegetable-packed meal.
With minimal prep and the convenience of slow cooking, this recipe allows you to enjoy a delicious homemade meal with little effort. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a way to use up leftover ham, this slow cooker soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
