Easy Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup Recipe
This cheesy ham and potato soup is pure comfort food, perfect for chilly days when you’re craving something warm and hearty. With simple ingredients like leftover ham, sharp cheddar cheese, and creamy potatoes, make this easy cheesy ham potato soup to use holiday leftovers or make a satisfying main dish for the whole family.
How to Make Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup
This cheesy ham and potato soup is straightforward and simple, thanks to easy-to-find ingredients and basic kitchen techniques. I’ve made it with ham left over from Sunday dinners. And I’ve even made it to use up sliced deli ham that’s nearing its “end of life,” as my daughter says!
Serve this soup with homemade sweet dinner rolls. Or, if you really love cheese, slice up a loaf of no-knead cheesy bread.
Want the printable recipe card? It’s down at the bottom of this post.
Add a couple of dill pickle spears on the side. And for dessert, serve simple 4-ingredient chocolate chip cookies. Follow the steps below for a hearty soup that will become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this soup. It’s pretty filling and almost a stew-like consistency. Go ahead and use different cheeses if you like, as long as you get two cups.
- 3 cups whole milk at room temperature
- 1/3 cup butter
- 3 cups large potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes), diced
- 2 cups chicken broth or chicken stock
- 3 tablespoons chicken bouillon
- 1 tablespoon Cholula hot sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup carrot, diced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 3 cups diced cooked ham (leftover holiday ham or savory ham works well)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Do you prefer hearty soups that almost verge on being stews? If so, you’ll love this zesty sweet potato soup with black beans.
Directions
Use these step-by-step instructions to make cheesy ham and potato soup. And by the way, if you’re trying to get your kids cooking independently, this is a good beginner recipe as well.
- Prep the Base: Melt butter in a large stock pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery, cooking until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Ham and Potatoes: Stir in the diced ham and potatoes, cooking for another 2 minutes to warm the ham and soften the potatoes. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, around 1 minute.
- Create a Thick Base: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and ham. Stir constantly for 3 minutes to cook the flour and prevent a raw taste.
- Simmer the Soup: Add the chicken broth and bouillon. Stir well, increasing the heat to bring the soup to a gentle boil. Cook until potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes.
- Add the Dairy and Cheese: Lower the heat to medium-low and gradually stir in the whole milk, allowing the soup to thicken slightly. Add shredded cheese and mix until melted, creating a creamy, cheesy soup. Season with salt and black pepper as desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with additional shredded cheese, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess. Serve with crusty bread or crackers for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup FAQs
What’s the best way to store leftover cheesy ham and potato soup?
Store leftover cheesy ham potato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid separating the milk mixture. Avoid freezing, as dairy-based soups may become grainy.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker or pressure cooker?
Yes, this cheesy ham and potato soup can be adapted for a slow cooker. Add all ingredients except the milk and cheese to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in milk and cheese at the end, allowing the soup to thicken and become creamy. For a pressure cooker or instant pot, set on the “soup” setting for 10 minutes, then add milk and cheese before serving.
What can I add for extra flavor?
For added richness, stir in cream cheese or heavy cream at the end, or try adding a bit of pepper jack or white cheddar for a unique twist. Bacon grease or a splash of olive oil can bring even more savory flavor. Add extra vegetables like green peas, green beans or corn to make this a good soup for chilly days.
This frugal soup recipe is hearty, filling and flavorful. It’s a cozy meal that will become a favorite way to use leftovers and enjoy soup season to the fullest.
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Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 Cup Milk whole
- 1/3 cup butter
- 3 cups large potatoes – diced
- 2 Cup chicken broth
- 3 Tbsp chicken bouillon
- 1 tbsp Cholula hot sauce optional
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups of cheese shredded
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1/2 medium onion diced
- 1 cup carrot diced
- 1 cup celery chopped
- 3 cups cooked ham diced
Instructions
- Melt butter in a pot over medium . Add onions, carrots and celery – cook until tender – 3 -4 minutes
- Add ham and potatoes, cook for 2 minutes then add garlic and saute.
- Mix flour and cook for 3 minutes
- Stir in stock and bouillon, mixing all ingredients. Increase heat and bring to a boil until potatoes are tender- 10 minutes
- Reduce heat, add milk and stir until thick
- Add salt and pepper to taste
- Serve with crackers or bread
