Hearty, tasty and filling, cheesy ham and potato soup is the ideal meal on cold winter nights. This soup is also truly easy to make. Everything comes together quickly in two saucepans, so you’ll have dinner on the table in 30 minutes or less. Just be prepared to not have leftovers—because you’ll find that everyone adores cheesy potato and ham soup.
Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup Ingredients
- Potatoes: There’s no need to peel the potatoes if you don’t want to; this will also cut down on prep time.
- Carrots: Carrots add a nice sweetness to this soup.
- Onions: Be sure to give the onion enough cooking time to soften (at least 10 to 15 minutes).
- Butter: When combined with flour and milk, the butter in this soup forms a paste that thickens the liquid and makes it taste richer and more flavorful.
- Flour: Flour acts as a thickening agent here, giving the soup its thick, creamy texture.
- Milk: For this recipe, 2% milk is ideal. The texture of the soup won’t be as thick otherwise.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is best; add a little bit at a time, and let it melt before adding more.
- Ham: Feel free to use pre-cooked cubed ham to save on time.
- Frozen peas: Adding frozen peas at the end of the cooking process will prevent them from getting too mushy and losing their bright green color.
Directions
Step 1: Cook the potatoes and carrots
In a large saucepan, combine the potatoes, water, carrots and onion. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover and cook until tender, 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 2: Combine the butter and flour
In another saucepan, melt the butter. Stir in the flour until smooth. Gradually add in the milk, then the salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cook and stir until thickened (about two minutes).
Step 3: Add the cheese
Stir in the cheese until melted, then stir the combined mixture into the undrained potatoes and vegetables.
Step 4: Add the ham and peas
Add the ham and peas, heat through, then serve.
Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup Variations
- Use celery: Ramp up the nutritional value and flavor of this cheesy ham and potato soup recipe with some diced celery (to be added along with the onion, carrots and potatoes).
- Add cream: While this soup is already rich and creamy, adding a bit of cream at the end (with the peas and ham) will add flavor and thickness.
- Try it with bacon: Crisp up some bacon in a separate pan, chop it up and sprinkle it on at the end.
How to Store Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup
Store your cheesy ham and potato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long does cheesy ham and potato soup last?
This soup will last about three days when stored properly.
Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup Tips
Can I use a slow cooker to make cheesy ham and potato soup?
Definitely. Just be sure to add the ham, peas and cream (if using) at the end, after the soup has been cooked.
How do I reheat my leftovers?
You can reheat your cheesy ham and potato soup in the microwave, but you’ll likely need to thin it out a little with some milk or cream if it’s too thick.
What should I serve with cheesy ham and potato soup?
Buttery cornbread goes particularly well with this soup, and you can also serve a leafy green salad with it to make the meal healthier.
