If you’re craving something comforting, rich, and satisfying, this ham and potato soup is the answer.

It’s a perfect dish for chilly evenings when you want something that fills you up and brings a smile to your face.

The combination of tender potatoes, savory ham, and a creamy broth is both hearty and flavorful.

Plus, it’s an easy-to-make recipe that you can enjoy all week long. Here’s how to make this delightful soup from scratch.

Ingredients List

Main Ingredients

3 1/2 cups (about 2 large) russet potatoes, peeled and diced medium
1 1/2 cups (9 oz) cooked honey ham, diced medium
1/2 cup celery, diced small
1/2 cup onion, diced small
4 cups (2 15oz cans) chicken broth
5 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup and 1 tablespoon (44g) all-purpose flour
2 cups milk (any percentage)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Salt, to taste

Optional Toppings

Shredded cheddar cheese
Freshly chopped parsley
Crumbled bacon
A dollop of sour cream

When preparing this soup, having a few key tools will make the process much smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:

Required Kitchen Tools

Large Pot or Dutch Oven: This is where all the magic happens. You’ll need a big pot to cook the potatoes, ham, celery, and broth together.
Medium Saucepan: This is for making the roux (the flour and butter mixture that thickens the soup).
Whisk: A whisk will help you stir the roux and avoid lumps when adding the milk.
Sharp Knife: You’ll need a sharp knife to dice your vegetables and ham evenly.
Ladle: For serving up this soup in style!

These tools are essential for making sure your soup turns out perfectly creamy and comforting.

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes and Ham

Start by preparing the base of your soup. In a large pot, combine the diced potatoes, cooked honey ham, celery, onions, and chicken broth. Bring everything to a low boil over medium heat. Let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are fork-tender. This allows all the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and hearty base for your soup.

Step 2: Make the Roux

While the potatoes and vegetables are cooking, it’s time to make the roux, which will give the soup its creamy texture. In a medium saucepan, melt 5 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, whisk in 1/4 cup and 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour. Stir constantly for about a minute until the mixture turns a light golden color.

Step 3: Add Milk to the Roux

Slowly pour in 2 cups of milk while stirring continuously to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue to cook this mixture for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens to a creamy consistency. This will form the foundation for your creamy soup base.

Combining the Soup Base

Step 4: Combine the Roux with the Soup

Now that your roux is thickened, it’s time to bring everything together. Pour the flour and milk mixture into the pot with the boiled potatoes, ham, and vegetables. Stir well to combine, ensuring that the creamy mixture is evenly distributed throughout the soup. This step will transform your soup into a smooth and velvety bowl of comfort.

Step 5: Season to Taste

Once everything is well-mixed, it’s time to add the final touches. Season your soup with a 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper and salt to taste. Stir again, and give the soup a final taste to make sure the seasoning is just right. If you feel it needs more salt or pepper, adjust accordingly. Remember, seasoning can make or break a dish, so don’t be afraid to tweak it to your preference.

Serving the Ham and Potato Soup

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once your soup has reached the perfect creamy consistency, it’s time to serve! Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with optional toppings such as a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few extra bits of diced ham for that added touch of flavor. If you love a bit of extra creaminess, you can even add a dollop of sour cream or a handful of shredded cheese on top.

This hearty soup is perfect for chilly evenings and is sure to warm you up from the inside out. Serve with a side of crusty bread or a warm roll for a complete meal that your whole family will love.

Storage Tips

If you happen to have any leftovers, don’t worry – this soup stores wonderfully! Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of milk to get the consistency back to its creamy, comforting state.

Freezing the Soup

Want to make a larger batch and save some for later? Ham and potato soup freezes really well! Simply let the soup cool completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it gently on the stove.