Introduction
A warm and hearty bowl of Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup is the perfect comfort food, especially on chilly days.
This easy-to-make soup combines tender potatoes, savory ham, and a creamy base that comes.
together effortlessly in the slow cooker. It’s a satisfying meal that everyone in the family will enjoy.
Ingredients
8 cups russet potatoes, diced
1 yellow onion, diced
2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup chopped celery
16 ounces cubed ham (2 packages of Smithfield Anytime Favorites™ Cubed Ham)
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
1/4 cup flour
4 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or whole milk)
1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
Begin by preparing your vegetables. Dice the russet potatoes, chop the onion, peel and chop the carrots, and slice.
the celery into small pieces. This will ensure that all the ingredients cook evenly in the slow cooker.
Once everything is prepared, place all of the vegetables and the cubed ham into the slow cooker.
Add the kosher salt and cracked black pepper to season the mixture.
In a small bowl, combine the flour with the chicken broth and stir until the flour is fully dissolved.
This step helps to thicken the soup as it cooks. Pour the mixture into the slow cooker, ensuring it’s evenly distributed over the other ingredients.
Next, pour in the heavy cream (or milk, if you prefer). This will give the soup a creamy texture and a rich.
Comforting flavor. Add the sour cream at this stage as well, and stir everything to combine.
Set your slow cooker to cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, depending on your schedule. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will develop and intensify.
Once the cooking time is up, give the soup a good stir to ensure everything is well mixed and that the potatoes are tender.
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes directly in the slow cooker to create a creamy texture.
Serve hot, garnished with additional sour cream or fresh herbs, if desired. Enjoy your delicious, comforting bowl of soup!
How to Make
To make this Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup, start by prepping all your vegetables and cubing the ham.
It’s important to cut the potatoes and carrots into similar sizes so they cook evenly in the slow cooker. After everything is diced and ready, toss them into the slow cooker with the seasonings.
Adding the flour and chicken broth is a key step in creating a rich, thick soup. The flour helps to bind the ingredients and create a smooth, creamy texture.
After stirring in the liquids and sour cream, you’ll set the slow cooker to low heat for 7-8 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop, and the potatoes will soften to perfection.
You’ll know your soup is ready when the potatoes are tender and the broth has thickened. The heavy cream and sour cream create a luxurious texture.
while the ham adds a savory flavor that ties everything together. Stir everything well to ensure the ingredients are combined, and taste for seasoning adjustments.
If you like a thicker consistency, you can mash a few potatoes in the slow cooker with a potato masher or the back of a spoon.
This will give the soup more body and creaminess without needing to add extra ingredients.
This recipe is a great way to use up leftover ham from a holiday meal or to make a delicious, comforting dish with minimal effort.
If you need a shortcut, you can also use pre-cubed ham from the store, which saves time in the preparation process.
The soup can also be made in advance and stored in the fridge for a few days, or frozen for later use.
When reheating, simply add a little extra cream or broth to loosen it up if it thickens too much.
Variations
If you’re looking for a lighter version of this soup, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or use low-fat milk instead.
This will reduce the overall richness while still keeping the creamy texture. Alternatively, for a richer flavor
you could try adding some grated cheese, like cheddar or parmesan, to the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
For added flavor, try throwing in some garlic cloves, either minced or whole, at the beginning of the cooking process.
Garlic pairs wonderfully with ham and adds another layer of complexity to the dish.
If you’re a fan of spicier food, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce can give the soup a little kick.
You could also incorporate diced green chilies for a subtle heat without overpowering the flavor of the soup.
In place of the ham, turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter alternative. For a vegetarian version.
you can omit the meat entirely and add extra vegetables, such as corn or peas, to provide additional flavor and texture.
For a slightly different take on the soup, add some cooked bacon or pancetta for a smoky flavor. This will pair nicely with the creamy base and give the soup a savory twist.
Another variation is to add some fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves during the cooking process.
These herbs will infuse the soup with a fragrant, earthy aroma and enhance the depth of flavor.
Finally, for a fun topping, try adding crumbled crackers, crispy fried onions, or a dollop of pesto when serving the soup.
These add both texture and flavor that complement the creamy base of the soup.
Tips
To ensure the soup doesn’t become too watery, be mindful of how much chicken broth you add.
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can reduce the amount of broth or mash the potatoes at the end of cooking.
For an even creamier texture, consider blending part of the soup with an immersion blender, or transfer a portion to a blender and puree.
before returning it to the slow cooker. This will create a silky smooth consistency.
If you plan to freeze the soup, make sure to leave out the sour cream and heavy cream when cooking. Add these ingredients after reheating to ensure the soup doesn’t separate when frozen.
Using russet potatoes gives the soup a fluffy texture, but other varieties of potatoes like Yukon gold or red potatoes can also work.
Keep in mind that different potatoes may alter the texture of the soup slightly.
Be cautious when adding salt, especially if your ham is already salted. Taste the soup before adding extra salt to ensure you don’t overdo it.
For a quicker meal, you can cook the soup on high heat for about 3-4 hours, but the longer cooking time on low heat will allow the flavors to meld together more richly.
If you’re short on time, you can sauté the onions, carrots, and celery before adding them to the slow cooker. This will enhance the flavors and give the soup a slightly deeper taste.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup is a timeless dish that’s easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying.
With its creamy texture, tender potatoes, and savory ham, it’s a meal that warms you from the inside out.
Whether you’re serving it on a cold evening or making it in advance for a busy week, this recipe offers a comforting solution that never disappoints.