Name: Creamy Ham and Potato Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ½ cups peeled and diced potatoes; 3 ¼ cups water; ¾ cup diced cooked ham; ⅓ cup diced celery; ⅓ cup finely chopped onion; 2 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules; 1 teaspoon ground white or black pepper, or to taste; ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste; 5 tablespoons butter; 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

There’s something so comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s creamy, hearty, and filled with tender potatoes and savory ham. This Creamy Ham and Potato Soup Recipe is one of those go-to meals that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly day. From lazy Sundays to quick weeknight dinners, it always hits the spot without any fuss.

I’ve found that this soup shines because it combines simple, humble ingredients in a way that’s both satisfying and flavorful. The potatoes melt into a rich, velvety broth, while the diced ham adds just the right amount of smoky saltiness. Once you try this Creamy Ham and Potato Soup Recipe, I bet you’ll keep it on rotation whenever you need a little kitchen comfort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays its part in creating that rich, creamy texture and deep savory notes that make this soup so special. When shopping, look for fresh potatoes that are firm and free of blemishes, and quality cooked ham — leftover ham works beautifully here!

Potatoes: I like using Yukon Gold or Russet because they break down nicely and add thickness when cooked.
Water: This forms the base before we thicken the soup, so using filtered water can help keep flavors clean.
Diced cooked ham: If you have leftover holiday ham, this is a perfect way to use it up without waste.
Diced celery: Adds a subtle crunch and a fresh herbal note that balances the creaminess.
Finely chopped onion: I always sauté it first to bring out its sweetness — that little step transforms the whole soup.
Chicken bouillon granules: These deepen the savory flavor beautifully; if you prefer, a low-sodium broth concentrate works too.
Ground white or black pepper: A little pepper gives it a gentle heat that wakes up the flavors.
Salt: Add gradually and taste as you go — the ham already contributes saltiness.
Butter: The richness begins here, providing a luxurious mouthfeel.
All-purpose flour: Used for thickening; make sure to cook it long enough so your soup isn’t floury.
Milk: I prefer whole milk for creaminess, but 2% works if you want it lighter.

Variations

This Creamy Ham and Potato Soup Recipe is a great canvas for making it your own. Over time, I’ve tinkered with it based on what I have in the fridge or the season, and it never disappoints.

Vegetable twist: Sometimes I add chopped carrots or leek for extra sweetness and color — it adds freshness without overpowering the soup.
Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika gives it a cozy warmth that’s wonderful on winter evenings.
Dairy-free option: Swapping milk for coconut milk works surprisingly well if you’re avoiding dairy, though the flavor is a bit different.
Cheese boost: Stir in a handful of shredded sharp cheddar just before serving for an extra creamy and cheesy flavor I adore.

How to Make Creamy Ham and Potato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prep the veggies and ham

Start by peeling and dicing your potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Chop the celery and onion finely — the smaller, the better, so they melt into the soup nicely. Dice your cooked ham into small cubes; this ensures each spoonful has a hit of that smoky flavor. Having everything prepped before you start cooking makes the process smooth and enjoyable.

Step 2: Cook the potatoes and season

Place the potatoes, water, diced ham, celery, onion, chicken bouillon, pepper, and salt into a large pot. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook gently for about 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender when poked with a fork. This step builds your soup’s foundation — the veggies and ham soak up that savory broth.

Step 3: Make the roux and thicken

While your potatoes simmer, melt the butter in a separate small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a paste (this is your roux). Cook it for a couple of minutes, stirring constantly to avoid browning — you want a pale golden color. Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth and slightly thickened; this is what turns your broth into a creamy dream.

Step 4: Combine and finish cooking

Once potatoes are tender, gradually stir your milk and roux mixture into the soup pot. Keep stirring gently over low heat for another 5-10 minutes until the soup thickens and becomes silky. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If you like a chunkier texture, you’re done; for a smoother soup, I sometimes mash a few potatoes with the back of a spoon.

How to Serve Creamy Ham and Potato Soup Recipe

Creamy Ham and Potato Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I love topping my bowl with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and mild oniony freshness. A bit of shredded cheddar or crispy bacon bits makes it feel extra indulgent — perfect when you want to impress the family or guests.

Side Dishes

A warm slice of crusty bread or a soft dinner roll is my go-to for dipping into this creamy soup. Sometimes, I serve it with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted vegetables also pair beautifully if you want to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this soup in hollowed-out bread bowls — it’s cozy and feels a little festive. Another fun idea is topping each serving with a dollop of sour cream and a few crunchy croutons for texture contrast. It’s all about making that homemade feel a little extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Creamy Ham and Potato Soup Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I like to store leftovers in an airtight container — it helps the soup stay fresh and prevents it from absorbing other fridge flavors. Just give it a good stir before reheating to bring back that smooth texture.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen this soup in individual portions, which is a lifesaver for busy weeks. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little space for expansion. When thawed, the texture may be just slightly different, but a good stir and gentle reheating bring it back to life perfectly.

Reheating

Reheating on the stove over low heat is my favorite method since I can control the temperature and prevent scorching. Stir often and add a splash of milk or water if the soup thickens too much. Microwaving works too, just heat in intervals and stir in between to keep it smooth and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use leftover ham for this Creamy Ham and Potato Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover ham is ideal for this soup and adds wonderful flavor without extra effort. Just dice it up and toss it in when you cook the potatoes. It’s a great way to make sure nothing goes to waste.
Can I make this soup vegetarian or gluten-free?

You can adapt it fairly easily. For a vegetarian version, substitute the ham with diced mushrooms or smoked paprika and use vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon. To make it gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry for thickening.
What type of potatoes work best in this Creamy Ham and Potato Soup Recipe?

I recommend Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. They cook down nicely and help thicken the soup naturally while providing a creamy texture without turning mushy too quickly.
How do I avoid the soup becoming too thick or too thin?

Keep an eye on the consistency when adding your milk and roux. If it feels too thick, whisk in a little extra milk or broth. If too thin, let it simmer a bit longer uncovered to reduce, or mash some potatoes in the pot to thicken naturally.
Can I prepare this soup ahead and reheat it later?

Yes! In fact, the flavors often deepen after sitting overnight. Just store it in the fridge, reheat gently on the stove, and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Ham and Potato Soup Recipe is truly one of my favorite comfort foods because it’s straightforward, satisfying, and flexible enough to suit your mood or fridge inventory. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or enjoying a quiet night in, it feels like a warm embrace from the inside out. I hope you’ll try it soon and make it your own cozy kitchen classic — I know you’re going to love it as much as I do!