Are you craving a hearty, soul-warming dish that combines the rich, smoky flavor of ham with the creamy, comforting texture of perfectly cooked potatoes? Look no further! This Creamy Ham Potato Soup is about to become your new favorite go-to recipe that will have your family begging for seconds. With just a few simple ingredients and less than an hour of cooking time, you'll create a restaurant-quality soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon thyme
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing potatoes into small, uniform cubes (approximately 1/2 inch pieces), finely chopping the onion, and cutting ham into small bite-sized pieces.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add diced potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Once potatoes are soft, use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to partially mash some potatoes, creating a thicker soup base while leaving some chunks for texture.
- Stir in diced ham, milk, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together and the soup to become creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the soup is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or milk to reach desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 2-3 minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or additional cracked black pepper.
Tips
- Potato Perfection: Dice your potatoes into uniform 1/2 inch cubes to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the soup.
- Flavor Layering: Sauté the onions until they're translucent to build a deep, rich flavor base before adding other ingredients.
- Texture Trick: Partially mash some potatoes to create a naturally thick and creamy soup without adding extra thickeners.
- Ham Selection: Use high-quality, slightly smoky ham for the best flavor profile. Leftover holiday ham works wonderfully in this recipe.
- Seasoning Secret: Add thyme for an extra layer of aromatic flavor that complements the ham beautifully.
- Consistency Control: If the soup becomes too thick, don't panic! Simply add a little more chicken broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance and reheat gently before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 221kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
