Ham and Potato Soup - I Heart Naptime (2024)

This delicious ham and potato soup is so easy to make and done in 30 minutes in one pot! It is thick, and creamy and a great way to use up leftover ham.

I have mastered a potato leek soup, a classic crockpot potato soup, and Instant Pot potato soup that is similar to this ham and potato soup!

This post may contain affiliate links. Read disclosure policy.

Creamy Potato Soup with Ham

This ham potato soup is super hearty and delicious with a thick and creamy consistency. It is the best way to use leftover baked ham.

The key to this successful ham and potato soup is the secret ingredient half and half. It makes all the difference! This soup is perfect for busy week nights and will become a family favorite.

Why This Recipe Works

It is creamy, flavorful, and an easy meal to make in less than 30 minutes.

• Super creamy. The milk, half and half, and cooked potatoes all three contribute to the perfectly creamy texture of this soup. Just like my clam chowder this is ultimate comfort food!
• Great use for leftover ham. This ham and potato soup is one of my favorite ways to use up any leftover ham. Ham and bean soup, ham and potato casserole and scalloped potatoes and ham are other ways!
• Made in 30 minutes. An easy one-pot meal that’s ready from start to finish in only 30 minutes. Yes, please!

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

• Ham: Leftover baked ham, crockpot spiral ham or my honey-baked ham recipe work great in this recipe. Just dice it into cubes before getting started. You can also use a precooked ham steak.
• Vegetables: A mix of diced carrots, onion, celery, garlic, and russet potatoes add great flavor and texture to this hearty ham potato soup.
• Roux: All-purpose flour and unsalted butter are used to make the roux so that the soup gets extra creamy and delicious.
• Broth: Chicken broth or stock is used as the base of the soup. I’ve also made this recipe using water and 3 chicken bouillon cubes. Both ways work great.
• Milk and half and half: Added for rich flavor and creaminess. I recommend using the full-fat versions for the best results. You may swap half and half with heavy cream if you prefer.

1. Sauté. Cook the diced carrots, onion, and celery with the butter in a large pot on the stove until the vegetables are soft. Next, add in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Then whisk in the flour until thickened.
2. Boil. Stir in the diced potatoes and season with salt and pepper. Then pour the chicken stock or broth into the pot. Bring the soup to a light boil and cook until the potatoes are tender.
3. Simmer. Turn the heat down to low and mix in the diced ham. Then add in the milk and half and half and stir until combined. Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes until the consistency has thickened.
4. Serve. Taste and add more seasonings if needed. Then ladle the soup into bowls and finish it off with any desired toppings.

Favorite Toppings

This soup tastes amazing garnished with your favorite toppings. You can even serve it in a bread bowl for an extra fun and delicious twist!

• Cheese: Shredded cheese is always an easy addition. You can use cheddar or a Colby jack is always a popular choice!
• Green onions: Dice and slice the green onions into thin pieces to garnish over top the ham and potato soup.
• Bacon: Cook and crumble your bacon ahead of time. This adds a delicious boost of flavor and texture to the soup base.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley is chopped and sprinkled on top of the soup. It is colorful and flavorful.
• Cornbread croutons: The croutons will soak in the soup giving you a soft and thick texture that is a delicious twist.

Expert Tips

Follow these helpful tips to make the best ham and potato soup recipe!

• Ham. Choose quality ham for this soup recipe! It will have the best flavor.
• Preparing ingredients. Make sure that the veggie ingredients are chopped or cut the same thickness and size. This will ensure that your ingredients will be cooking together.
• Thickening the soup. For a thick texture, it’s all about the flour mixture (also known as a roux). The flour mixed together with the butter, milk, and half and half creates the perfect roux that gives it that starchy and creamy consistency.
• Half and half.The half-and-half is the key ingredient for making this soup perfectly creamy with a rich flavor.
• Broth or stock. The amount of broth or stock that you use will also contribute to how thick the texture of this soup is. I recommend using less broth at first, then adding in more at the end if you need to thin it out. This way you have a little more control over the consistency.

Storing Homemade Potato and Ham Soup

Learn the best ways to store and reheat this potato ham soup!

• Storing: Any leftovers will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: It is not always best to freeze ham and potato soup recipes. I have found that the texture of the potatoes will change once frozen and break down. Soups with a milk or cream base don’t hold up that well in the freezer. They sometimes separate when reheating and taste a little grainy.
• Reheating. Place the leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop. Heat slowly and in small increments in the microwave.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all the newest recipes!