Ham and Potato Soup
Ham and Potato Soup
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of homemade soup, especially when it’s packed with hearty ingredients and full of cozy flavor. This Ham and Potato Soup is loaded with tender chunks of ham, soft potatoes, and sweet onion simmered in a savory chicken broth with just a splash of milk for a light, creamy finish.
Unlike thick potato soups that feel heavy, this one is brothy and comforting with just a hint of creaminess. The broth is rich with flavor from the ham and spices, while the potatoes make it filling enough to be a complete meal.
It’s the perfect recipe for chilly evenings, using up leftover ham, or anytime you want a simple homemade soup that tastes like it simmered all day.
Why You’ll Love This Ham and Potato Soup
This soup is hearty and satisfying without being overly rich. The broth stays light while the ham adds deep savory flavor.
It’s perfect for:
• Using leftover ham
• Easy weeknight dinners
• Cozy winter meals
• Simple homemade comfort food
• Meal prep lunches
Because it’s broth-based instead of heavy cream-based, the soup feels comforting but not too rich.
Ingredients
• 2 cups ham, cut into bite-size pieces
• 3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust depending on the ham)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
How to Make Ham and Potato Soup
Step 1: Cook the onion
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced onion over medium heat with a small drizzle of oil or butter. Cook for about 3–4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Add the broth and potatoes
Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced potatoes. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the potatoes begin to soften.
Step 3: Add the ham and seasoning
Stir in the ham pieces, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let the soup simmer for another 8–10 minutes, allowing the ham to flavor the broth.
Step 4: Add the milk
Pour in the milk and stir gently. Heat the soup for a few minutes until warmed through. The milk adds a light creaminess while keeping the soup brothy and comforting.
Avoid boiling the soup after adding the milk.
Step 5: Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serve warm with bread, crackers, or biscuits.
Jennie’s Thoughts
This soup is one of those meals that feels simple but incredibly satisfying. I love that it’s packed with ham and potatoes but still has a light broth instead of being thick and heavy.
The ham gives the soup so much flavor, and the little splash of milk at the end softens the broth just enough to make it cozy. It’s the kind of soup you can make on a weeknight but still feels like something special.
Sometimes the best recipes are the ones that come together from simple ingredients you already have in the kitchen.
Tips for the Best Ham and Potato Soup
• Use leftover ham if you have it for extra flavor
• Dice potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate
• Taste before adding salt since ham is naturally salty
• Simmer gently to keep the broth clear and flavorful
Variations to Try
You can easily customize this soup depending on what you have on hand.
Try adding:
• Carrots or celery
• White beans for extra heartiness
• A pinch of thyme or rosemary
• A little shredded cheese on top
How to Store
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat until warmed through.
This soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
This Ham and Potato Soup is the kind of cozy, homemade meal that’s simple, hearty, and full of flavor. Loaded with ham, tender potatoes, and a savory broth with just a touch of creaminess, it’s a soup you’ll want to make again and again.
Serve it with warm bread or biscuits and enjoy a bowl of true comfort food.
