This Creamy Ham and Potato Soup comes together in about thirty minutes, making it the ideal wholesome weeknight meal. It is chock full of chopped ham, potatoes, onions, carrots, and celery in a creamy, lightly seasoned broth.
Any time of the year is perfect for a warm bowl of soup. Whether it is 110 degrees or 10 degrees, our house always welcomes soup. We love it! This Creamy Potato Ham Soup is a delectable combination of sweet ham and creamy potato goodness!! This superb soup recipe takes no time at all to make. Your family will be filled with healthy, good-for-you, creamy wholesome soup.
This beautiful bowl of soups starts with skillet-sauteed onions, celery, carrots, potatoes, and ham and takes it to new heights of delicious goodness and flavor. Butter, flour, and milk are added to create a creamy broth, making this soup the perfect comfort food. Have I told you that I LOVE this recipe?
What ham is best for this soup?
I personally like good quality sweet smoked deli ham that I can crisp the edges on. However, any sweet smoked ham diced into small bites works well. Ham leftovers from Christmas and Easter are perfect. You can also use a ham bone or smoked ham steak. They are vacuum sealed and sold in the refrigerated meat section of your local grocery store.
How to make Creamy Ham and Potato Soup
First, heat olive oil in a heavy pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Add the vegetables and ham. Be patient and cook until the onions and ham start to crisp on the edges. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the garlic, onion powder, and parsley. Cook for just under one minute. Garlic cooks fast, so don’t cook it too long, or it will become burnt and bitter.
In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt butter and whisk in flour. Whisk over low heat for 3-4 minutes. Slowly whisk in the milk to make it creamy and get out any lumps. When thoroughly mixed and thickened, slowly stir into soup. Simmer for at least five minutes or until thoroughly warmed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
What potatoes are best for soup?
Red Potatoes and Yukon Gold Potatoes hold their shape best in soup. I have also used white potatoes and fingerling potatoes. Do not use Russet Potatoes, as they will break down and make a mushy mess.
Helpful recipe tips
- I use deli-style ham for slightly crisp edges and a little more texture, but you can use a ham bone, leftover ham, or smoked ham steak.
- Yukon Gold potatoes or red potatoes are best for this soup. They are less starchy than russets and don’t break down as much in soup.
- Garnish the soup with chives, green onions, sour cream, or cheddar cheese.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave at reduced power or on the stovetop on low, so you don’t overcook the potatoes.
- To freeze first, fully cool. Ladle the fully-cooled soup into quart or gallon-size freezer zipper bags. Keep in mind that liquids expand when frozen, so leave about an inch at the top of the bag for expansion. On the other hand, you don’t want it to get freezer burnt, so remove any excess air. Lay the soup bags in a single layer on baking sheets and place them in the freezer. Once fully frozen, stack the bags in the freezer to save on space.
So if you expect twelve inches of snow, or if fall is beginning to show its lovely face, or maybe it’s 95 degrees, and there is no way you are turning on the stove, then this delectable creamy soup is just what you need. Put the ingredients on your shopping list today and make your family a wholesome treat.
Other soups you will love!
Creamy Ham and Potato Soup Recipe
This delicious luscious soup is full of hearty, wholesome goodness. It combines ham, potatoes, onions, carrots, and celery in a creamy, lightly seasoned broth.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 bowls
- Category: soup
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 1 carrot sliced into thin rounds
- 3 cups Yukon Gold potatoes chopped in large bite-size pieces (jackets on)
- 1/2 lb sweet deli ham cut in strips (see notes)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a large stockpot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, celery, carrot, red potatoes, and deli ham. Sauté until the onions and ham start to crisp on the edges; approximately 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic, onion powder, and parsley; cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in the low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce and simmer until the potatoes are tender, approximately 15 minutes.
- In a skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour. Whisk over low heat for 3-4 minutes. Slowly whisk in the milk to make it creamy and remove any lumps. When thoroughly mixed and thickened, slowly whisk or stir into soup. Simmer until warm and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- I use deli-style ham for slightly crisp edges and a little more texture, but you can use a ham bone, leftover ham, or smoked ham steak.
- Yukon Gold potatoes or red potatoes are best for this soup. They are less starchy than russets and don’t break down as much in soup.
- Garnish the soup with chives, green onions, sour cream, or cheddar cheese.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave at reduced power or on the stovetop on low, so you don’t overcook the potatoes.
- To freeze first, fully cool. Ladle the fully-cooled soup into quart or gallon-size freezer zipper bags. Keep in mind that liquids expand when frozen, so leave about an inch at the top of the bag for expansion. On the other hand, you don’t want it to get freezer burnt, so remove any excess air. Lay the soup bags in a single layer on baking sheets and place them in the freezer. Once fully frozen, stack the bags in the freezer to save on space.
Keywords: easy potato soup, ham potato soup, how to make potato soup, loaded potato soup
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Lori K.
This soup is delicious!! Because of celiac disease I can’t eat flour so I thickened the soup with instant mashed potatoes. Thanks for a great recipe. I’ll be making this soup again soon.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Lori! I am glad that were able to modify the recipe for your needs.
Linda
This is an excellent recipe! Thank you for sharing it. I had leftover smoked ham so I used that and had to make it with lactose-free milk. So good and comforting as we watched the early for us snow melt.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Linda! So glad that you liked the soup. I can not imagine the first snow already. Where did the summer go?
Marilyn
I made this soup today for the second time. Was very tasty, although for some reason the carrots took a long time to get soft. But that’s ok. I don’t like creamy soups, but this one is very good. thanks for the recipe.
★★★★
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Marilyn!
Lori Del Verde
Hi,
How can I convert this recipe into an instant pot recipe?
Thank you,
Lori D
Cory
My 2nd time making it…everyone raved about it the first time, even the picky eater! Thank you!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Cory. So happy to hear that everyone liked it!
Kat
Really easy and very tasty
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Kat!
Lisa
Made this tonight with some left over honey baked ham. It was wonderful! Great depth of flavor in a soup that didn’t take a long time to make! I added a bit of fresh frozen corn we had left over also. We will definitely be having this again.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Lisa. So glad that you enjoyed the soup!
Lourdes
Tried it with Easter left over ham and it was just delicious. Thank you so much for the recipe
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
My pleasure!
Sue
Making for the 4th time!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Sue! Enjoy!!
Sharon
I can’t wait to make your Chunky Ham and Potato Soup. It sounds so good!!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Sharon! Enjoy!!
Carol Gonzales
I made this for dinner last night! It was delicious! Thanks, Beth!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome Carol! So glad that you liked it!
Denice G
This has become our favorite soup. My youngest son loves it and asks for it often. He likes to cook and oven had hi. Make it or help me make it several times.
Beth Pierce
That is awesome! So glad that you enjoy it!
Ginger
I didn’t add the roux, but even without, this was an excellent soup! I will be 100% be making this again. It was super simple!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Ginger! So glad that you liked it!
Effie
Made this soup exactly as written, loved it as did my picky husband, serve with crusty bread and it’s a meal
Beth Pierce
Thanks Effie! So glad that you and your husband enjoyed it!
Brenda
Delicious and quick and easy to make! I added Thyme because I like it, but fantastic as is!
★★★★★
Rosemary
I made this exactly like recipe! 3 people ate the whole pot I did put 5 cups of potatoes too! Will definitely make again when we have left over ham!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Rosemary! So glad that you liked the soup. It is definitely soup weather!
Evie Laxton
I made this soup and it was delicious and so easy to make. It sure will be on my list for one of my favorite soups! Definitely a five star!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Evie! So glad that you like it!
Jessica
What a great tasting soup! We scarfed it down so quickly, including our two teenagers!
Will be making this again for sure!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Jessica! So glad that you liked it!
holly rheachel
So no white potatoes too
Beth Pierce
White potatoes are fine as they too are waxy and hold their shape well.
Carol
This sounded so warm and comforting. I had it on the stove and was just going to serve it for dinner when my son called and said he was working near by and was going to have to spend the night locally and finish the job in the morning, and could he come over and spend the night? We live in the mountains, about 45 minutes from the nearest stop light. I looked at the pot of soup and knew I needed to do a bit more than just soup, and I was out of bread. I had a pie crust in the freezer. I took it out and thawed it. Used a beurre manié to thicken just a bit more and poured the soup into a casserole dish and covered it with the pie crust, sprinkled a bit of ground clove over the crust and baked… Ta – da! Ham and potato pot pie. Served it with a green salad and my 6 foot 4 son loved it. So did my picky eater husband. There was nothing left! My DIL called me the next day for the recipe. Thank you.. I will make this often.
Beth Pierce
Thanks for sharing that Carol! I loved it. Sometimes you just have to improvise! I bet it was delicious!!
Cindy Stein
This soup was so easy to make and delicious too! I also love a great recipe that I already have all or most of the ingredients on hand to make, bonus! Thanks so much!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine, Cindy! So happy that you like the soup!
Laura Pelz
Beyond delicious and I had everything I needed at home! Will definitely be making again!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Laura! So glad that you liked it!!
BJ'S HARRIS
Can this be made in a crock pot?
Beth Pierce
I am sure that you can but I do not know all the details since I have not tested it.
Ger
We really enjoyed this lovely ham and potato chowder. It was quick and easy to make with excellent results. Thick, rich, creamy and delicious. Thank you for sharing your lovely recipe. made for What’s on the Menu tag game. (BK)
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Ger!! So glad that you liked it!! Have a fabulous Wednesday!
Karen
Has anyone added cheese to this soup?
Don
Can this be made in a crockpot
Beth Pierce
I am sure it can but I always make mine in a dutch oven.
Lilyana
This soup is so delicious and easy. I am not good cook , but this soup came out great.
Thank you so much for sharing your recipe.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Awesome! You are most welcome Lilyana! So glad that you enjoyed it!
Barbara
Amazing! I just made this tonight and it is now my favorite soup. Super easy and quick, but tastes so good! ❤️
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Barbara! So glad that you liked it! We love it too!
Julie
Can you put white beans on the soup??
Beth Pierce
Yes you most certainly can! Enjoy!
Barbara Mikulenka
Can you use almond milk without affecting the taste of the soup?
Beth Pierce
No that will affect the taste.
Jamie
I would go with a lacrosse free milk over almond milk if you’re looking for an equal non dairy replacement. If you’re feeling like experimenting you can try half plain almond milk (avoid the flavored kind)/hemp milk/soy milk/pea milk, etc and half and cashew cream (can easily be made at home) or non dairy yogurt. I haven’t done that with this recipe but I’ve done it with others with good results. Definitely make a half ot quarter batch for the first test!
Sarah
How do you think this would be if made with canned evaporated milk??
Beth Pierce
I am not sure as I have never tried it. If you try please let us know the results. Thank you!
Daisy Rose
Sarah, I always use evaporated milk when I cook. It will make your broths and gravies richer, though. My Mama said evaporated milk plus a can of water equals whole milk. I buy it by the case and always keep it in my pantry. Also it does not curdle like regular milk when you add it to hot foods Mama even made formulas for our bottles when we were babes. When I make mashed potatoes I use it in place of milk or cream as we really like the taste. I always use it in my baking too! . Calorie counters should probably beware, but I’m over 70 and I’m still here If I don’t use all of a can, I just pour it in a little closed jar and refrigerate it. Also, I also buy the cheapest, I find it’s all the same name brands are just more costly. Hope this helps.
Brie
Can you use Russet potatoes for the red?
Beth Pierce
No I would not. They break down too much.
Patty Weeks
Got left over ham. Soup on the menu tomorrow. Thanks for sharing. Love 90% of your recipes.
Beth Pierce
I love soup. I think I could eat it every other day. Glad that you like my recipes.
Patty Zedek
Does it freeze good
Beth Pierce
Yes it does.
Madonna
Can you use left over roasted ham
Beth Pierce
Yes you most certainly can!
Cathy
Oh I love the flavors in this! Creamy soups are the best!
Erin
This looks absolutely delicious! Yummy! This couldn’t look any more perfect!
★★★★★
Sara
Wow! I know what I will be having for dinner tonight! This looks like a restaurant worthy dish, indeed!
★★★★★
Meghan
What a comforting soup! I love how creamy it is!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Meghan!
Taylor
So creamy with tons of flavor! Love this soup recipe!
★★★★★
Melanie Bauer
My ultimate comfort food! So tasty and loaded with flavors, need to make this!
★★★★★
Jessy Freimann
This soup is so flavorful! Love it!
★★★★★
Julie
This is so good! Delicious and easy to make (my two favorite things)!
★★★★★
Aimee
Perfect comfort food. Taste was amazing!
★★★★★
Katie
So yummy and perfect for cool or rainy day. Whole family loved it!
★★★★★
wilhelmina
This recipe turned my picky eater into a die-hard soup fan! Thanks!
★★★★★
Eden
This was such an amazing soup… the flavors are perfect!! Thank you for sharing 🙂
★★★★★
Gale
I have found it isn’t as thick as I thought it would be.
Taylor
Such a great way to use up leftover ham! So yummy!
★★★★★
Becky Hardin
Everyone here loves this soup! So comforting and delicious.
★★★★★
Trang
Totally agree that anytime of the year is good for soup! Love!
★★★★★
Kristyn
Mmm..this looks so tasty & comforting!! Love ham & potatoes, so I can’t wait to try!
★★★★★
Jodi
I have many ppl asking me to make this!
Looks so delish ?
It’s happening tomorrow
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Jodi! Enjoy!!
Natasha
Ooh delish! Great way to sneak in some veggies for those picky littles!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Indeed! Thanks Natasha!
Winnie
This soup is so creamy and delicious!
★★★★★
Linda
There’s always room for a good bowl of soup on the table. I love the creaminess in this soup and how hearty it is to fill the hungriest family member. I think I’ll warm up with this tonight!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Linda! I hope you enjoy it!
Trudy
Can I substitute corn starch for the flour to make this gluten-free?
Beth Pierce
Sorry about the delayed response. My puppy had surgery and things are just a tad crazy! Yes you most certainly can. Just a couple tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with a couple tablespoons of cold water should do the trick.
Christa Kish
Can you throw everything in your Crock-Pot? I don’t have a stove.
Betty
I would throw everything in the crackpot & cook on low for 4-6 hrs. I would then take out some of the juice & add a little milk in it & thicken it up. I would then put back in crockpot & stir gently together with salt/pepper to taste…yummy
carol barlow
someties I add Italian seasoning and celery or celery seeds seasoning
bpierce
Sounds delicious! 🙂
Shirley
I’m going to try this looks yummy ?
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Shirley! Enjoy!
Sherry
I made it. It was delicious. Easy too. I had never made a roux in my life. It was perfect. My son and my sister are the potato soup lovers. They loved it. Making it again this weekend
Beth Pierce
Thanks Sherry! So glad that everyone liked it! Have a fabulous weekend!