Creamy Ham and Potato Soup Recipe
This Creamy Ham and Potato Soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for using up leftover ham. Featuring tender potatoes, savory ham, and a rich, creamy broth thickened with cornstarch, this soup combines simple ingredients into a delightful meal that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup carrots, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover cooked ham or ham steak, cut into cubes
- 3 cups gold or russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Thickening and Finishing
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- Parsley for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Heat Butter and Sauté Vegetables: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the diced onion, chopped celery, and chopped carrots. Sauté the vegetables for 4-5 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
- Add Broth and Main Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the cubed ham and peeled, cubed potatoes. Season with garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Simmer Soup: Allow the soup to simmer for about 10 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender, indicating they are cooked through and soft.
- Prepare Cornstarch Slurry: While the soup is simmering, stir the cornstarch into the heavy cream thoroughly to dissolve any lumps, creating a smooth slurry. Remember cornstarch dissolves best in cold liquids.
- Thicken Soup: Pour the cornstarch and cream mixture into the pot, stirring constantly. Maintain a low heat—do not boil the soup after adding the slurry—to allow it to thicken for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the soup from heat, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately. This soup pairs wonderfully with crackers or crusty bread.
Notes
- Use leftover ham or ham steak for the best flavor and texture.
- Russet or gold potatoes work well for both texture and creaminess.
- Do not boil the soup after adding the cornstarch slurry to prevent it from breaking down.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste before serving.
- For a thicker soup, increase the cornstarch slightly, or for a thinner soup, add more chicken broth.
Keywords: Creamy ham and potato soup, leftover ham recipe, hearty soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, thickened soup with cornstarch
