There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Ham and Potato Cheddar Soup on a chilly day, where creamy goodness meets hearty chunks of potato and smoky ham. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have your family flocking to the table faster than you can say, “Dinner’s ready!” With every spoonful, you’ll experience the delightful blend of flavors that make this soup a comforting classic. German potato salad recipe creamy potato soup recipe.
Picture this: a rainy afternoon, you’re curled up in your favorite chair, and the only thing missing is a steaming bowl of Ham and Potato Cheddar Soup. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in a cozy hug, perfect for family gatherings or simply enjoying on your own while binge-watching your favorite series. Trust me; it’s hard not to smile with this deliciousness in hand. For more inspiration, check out this loaded cheesy potato waffles recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful Ham and Potato Cheddar Soup is super easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners stress-free
- The rich, cheesy flavor combined with tender potatoes creates a satisfying dish for everyone
- Its inviting golden hue makes it visually appealing and perfect for entertaining guests
- This versatile soup can be enjoyed as an appetizer or main course, adapting beautifully to any occasion
I still remember the first time I made this soup; my kids declared me “Mom of the Year” when they slurped up their bowls faster than I could ladle them out.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ham: Use leftover ham or diced smoked ham for that irresistible smoky flavor; it adds depth to the soup.
- Potatoes: Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Golds for creaminess without losing texture during cooking. crispy potatoes with pesto.
- Onion: Sweet onions bring out the best flavors; sauté until translucent for maximum sweetness.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the soup with aromatic warmth; avoid powdered garlic if possible.
- Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth allows you to control saltiness while enhancing the overall flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully into the soup, giving it that creamy, cheesy goodness we all love. For more inspiration, check out this overnight ham swiss cheese strata recipe.
- Heavy Cream: A splash of heavy cream at the end takes this soup over the top into richness territory.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaves are essential for elevating all those incredible flavors!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by dicing your ham and potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Chop the onion and mince the garlic until aromatic; this sets up your flavor base beautifully.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add some olive oil and sauté onions until translucent and soft. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant—about one minute should do!
Add Potatoes and Ham: Toss in your diced potatoes along with the chopped ham. Stir everything together for about two minutes to allow those ingredients to mingle nicely.
Create Your Broth Base: Pour in low-sodium chicken broth until everything is submerged. Toss in bay leaves and thyme before bringing it to a gentle simmer—let those flavors work their magic!
Add Creaminess & Cheese : Once potatoes are fork-tender (about 10-15 minutes), reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream slowly followed by shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until melted and smooth.
Final Seasoning Touches : Taste your soup before serving! Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed; then serve hot with crusty bread or crispy crackers for dipping!
Now go ahead! Make that comforting bowl of Ham and Potato Cheddar Soup tonight! Your taste buds will thank you!
You Must Know
- This delightful ham and potato cheddar soup combines cozy flavors with creamy texture, making it perfect for chilly evenings
- The aroma of simmering ham and velvety cheese will fill your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table for a warm bowl of comfort
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant. Add diced potatoes and ham, then pour in broth and let simmer until tender. Finish with cream and cheddar for a rich, hearty soup.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the ham for smoked turkey or add veggies like carrots and celery. A sprinkle of fresh herbs can elevate the flavors even more.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to maintain creaminess without curdling.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve a balanced flavor, use low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness
- Ensure potatoes are cut evenly for uniform cooking
- Stir often while reheating to prevent sticking or burning on the bottom
Sharing this recipe reminds me of when my friend first tasted it during a snowstorm; she declared it “the best soup ever” while clutching her bowl like a prized possession.
FAQ
What kind of potatoes work best in ham and potato cheddar soup?
Yukon gold or russet potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture when cooked.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! It tastes even better after sitting overnight in the fridge.
How can I make this dish vegetarian-friendly?
Substitute ham with mushrooms and use vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian version.
Ham and Potato Cheddar Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Ham and Potato Cheddar Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days. This rich, creamy soup combines smoky ham, tender potatoes, and sharp cheddar cheese, delivering a delightful blend of flavors that warms both your heart and your home. With minimal prep time, it’s a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal that invites everyone to gather around the table.
Ingredients
- 1 cup diced smoked ham
- 2 cups Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
- 1 medium sweet onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp thyme (dried or fresh)
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Dice ham and potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Chop onion and mince garlic.
- In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté onions until translucent; add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add diced potatoes and ham to the pot; stir for about two minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth until ingredients are submerged. Add bay leaves and thyme; simmer gently until potatoes are fork-tender (10-15 minutes).
- Reduce heat to low; stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
