Print

Creamy Ham and Potato Soup Recipe

4.7 from 117 reviews

This hearty and comforting Ham and Potato Soup combines tender diced potatoes, savory ham, and a creamy broth for a satisfying meal. Perfect for cold days, it delivers warm flavors with a smooth, velvety texture enhanced by traditional ingredients like celery, onion, and a hint of pepper.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup Base

  • 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

Roux and Cream

  • 5 tablespoons butter
  • 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Soup Base: In a large pot, combine the peeled and diced potatoes, water, diced cooked ham, diced celery, chopped onion, chicken bouillon granules, ground pepper, and salt. Stir to mix the ingredients well.
  2. Cook the Soup Base: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the potatoes and vegetables are tender, approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. Make the Roux: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour until a smooth paste forms. Cook this roux for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid browning, until it turns a light golden color.
  4. Add Milk to Roux: Gradually whisk in the 2 cups of milk to the roux, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy. This should take about 5 minutes. Ensure the heat is kept moderate to prevent scorching.
  5. Combine and Simmer: Slowly pour the thickened milk and roux mixture into the simmering soup base while stirring continuously. Continue to cook the soup over low heat for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken to your desired consistency.
  6. Adjust Seasonings and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or croutons for added texture and flavor.

Notes

  • For a smoother texture, partially mash some of the potatoes after cooking before adding the roux mixture.
  • You can substitute chicken bouillon granules with vegetable bouillon for a slightly different flavor profile.
  • Use whole milk for a creamier soup, or substitute with low-fat milk for a lighter version.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid curdling the milk component.

Keywords: ham and potato soup, creamy potato soup, easy ham soup, comforting soup recipe, stovetop potato soup