If you’re craving a comforting, hearty bowl that warms you from the inside out, this Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender russet potatoes, sweet carrots, savory ham cubes, and a creamy broth that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. This soup is not only easy to make but brings together simple ingredients to create a masterpiece of flavors and textures that everyone will love. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend, this soup will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this soup are straightforward but essential, creating a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors that make each spoonful delightful. From the hearty potatoes to the rich cream, each component plays a vital role.
- 8 cups russet potatoes, diced: The star of the show, providing creaminess and body when lightly mashed.
- 1 yellow onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the broth.
- 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped: Contribute a gentle earthy sweetness and vibrant orange color.
- 1/2 cup chopped celery: Offers a mild crunch and fresh aroma.
- 16 ounces cubed ham: The smoky, savory element that gives this soup its soul; I used Smithfield Anytime Favorites for convenience and great flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and spice.
- 1/4 cup flour: Helps thicken the soup into a luscious, creamy consistency.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The flavorful base that ties everything together.
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or whole milk): Brings richness and velvety texture to the soup.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and smooth finish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients
Start by adding the diced potatoes, onion, carrots, celery, cubed ham, Kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and chicken broth into your slow cooker. This medley of fresh and savory ingredients is where the magic begins. Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its wonder for 7 to 8 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 2: Mash and Thickening Time
Once your soup has cooked and the vegetables are tender, take a potato masher and gently mash about one-third of the potatoes right in the slow cooker. Don’t worry if the ham cubes remain firm; their texture adds a satisfying bite to the creamy base. This mashing step is what gives the soup its wonderfully thick and creamy body.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Base
Next, stir in the flour, heavy cream (or whole milk if you prefer a lighter finish), and sour cream. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly will transform your soup into a rich and indulgent delight, with a perfect balance between creamy and hearty that makes every spoonful truly special.
Step 4: Final Simmer
Cover your slow cooker again and cook on high for an additional 15 minutes. This final heat-through lets the soup thicken and the flavors develop even more, ensuring it’s just right when you’re ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup Recipe, sprinkle some shredded sharp cheddar cheese or chopped fresh chives on top. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits can add an extra layer of indulgence and texture, making your bowl look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This soup shines bright on its own, but pairing it with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls is a beautiful choice for soaking up every last drop. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing contrast to this rich and hearty soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this soup in hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls or individual mini slow cookers for a cozy, rustic feel. You can also top it with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or add a swirl of chili oil for a surprising kick that will excite your taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prepping or for enjoying as a comforting lunch the next day. Just give it a good stir before serving to recombine any settling ingredients.
Freezing
If you want to keep this soup longer, freeze it in single-serving portions using freezer-safe containers or bags. It freezes well but keep in mind that the potatoes may become slightly grainy when reheated, which you can remedy by giving the soup a good stir or gently reheating it on the stove rather than the microwave.
Reheating
For the best texture and flavor, reheat your Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup Recipe on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. This gentle reheating keeps the cream from separating and allows the flavors to revive, making your leftovers just as delightful as fresh.
FAQs
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream in this soup?
Yes, using whole milk will make the soup lighter while still maintaining a creamy texture. If you prefer a richer, thicker soup, go with heavy cream. Either way, this recipe adapts well to your taste and dietary preferences.
Is there a substitute for cubed ham?
While cubed ham is ideal for the authentic smoky flavor, leftover roasted chicken or turkey can be a good substitute. Keep in mind the flavor profile will be milder, so you might want to add a bit of smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that classic ham taste.
Can I prepare this soup without a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can make this soup on the stovetop by simmering the ingredients in a large pot over medium heat for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
How thick should the soup be?
The soup should be creamy and hearty but not too thick — think a consistency that coats the back of a spoon. If it gets too thick after chilling, simply add a splash of broth or milk when reheating.
Can this soup be made dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the heavy cream and sour cream with coconut milk or cashew cream alternatives. The soup will have a slightly different flavor but will still be creamy and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup Recipe is the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. It’s incredibly satisfying, simple to prepare, and makes your kitchen smell like a slice of heaven. Try it the next time you want a meal that feels like a warm embrace and watch it become an instant classic for your family and friends.
Print
Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours (low) or 4.5 hours (high) plus 15 minutes final heating
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes (low) or 4 hours 45 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for chilly days. Combining tender russet potatoes, flavorful ham, fresh vegetables, and creamy broth, this soup simmers slowly to develop rich, savory flavors. It’s easy to prepare and delivers a satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 8 cups russet potatoes, diced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
Meat
- 16 ounces cubed ham (2 packages of Smithfield Anytime Favorites Cubed Ham)
Seasonings and Flour
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/4 cup flour
Liquids and Dairy
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or whole milk)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Place the diced potatoes, yellow onion, carrots, celery, cubed ham, Kosher salt, black pepper, and chicken broth into your slow cooker. This combination will form the soup base as it cooks low and slow.
- Slow Cook the Soup: Cook the mixture on low for 7 to 8 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Mash Some Potatoes: Once cooking is complete, use a potato masher to gently mash about one-third of the potatoes directly in the soup. This helps thicken the texture while leaving chunks for heartiness. The ham will remain mostly cubed.
- Add Creaminess and Thicken: Stir in the flour, heavy cream (or whole milk if preferred), and sour cream into the soup. Mix thoroughly until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Final Heating: Cover your slow cooker again and cook on high for an additional 15 minutes to thicken the soup and heat everything through evenly.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with whole milk for a lighter version, though it may be slightly less creamy.
- For a thicker soup, increase the flour quantity slightly or mash more potatoes.
- If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute sour cream and heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based alternative, but flavor will vary.
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Frozen leftover soup can be thawed overnight in the fridge and reheated thoroughly before serving.
