Slow Cooker Comfort The Easiest Creamy Ham and Potato Soup Youll Ever Make

Creamy Crockpot Ham Soup

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:240 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 3 cups (450g) Cooked Ham, cubed
• 2 lbs (900g) Russet Potatoes, peeled & diced into 1-inch pieces
• 1 large Yellow Onion, chopped
• 3 medium Celery Stalks, chopped
• 6 cups Low Sodium Chicken or Vegetable Broth
• 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1 large Bay Leaf
• 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
• 2 Tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
• 1 cup Milk or Half-and-Half
• 1 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (optional garnish)
• 2 Tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

• Dice the potatoes, chop the onion and celery. Cube the ham into bite-sized pieces (if not already done).
• Place the cubed ham, diced potatoes, onion, celery, dried thyme, black pepper, and bay leaf into the slow cooker insert.
• Pour the chicken/vegetable broth over the contents, ensuring the solids are mostly submerged.
• Cover the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are completely fork-tender.
• Carefully locate and discard the bay leaf before proceeding. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning (salt/pepper) as necessary.
• If thickening is desired: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until a pale paste (roux) forms.
• Slowly whisk in the milk/half-and-half until smooth. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking constantly, until slightly thickened (about 3–5 minutes).
• Pour the thickened milk mixture into the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine. Allow the soup to heat through for another 15 minutes on the LOW setting.
• Ladle into bowls. Garnish immediately with shredded Cheddar cheese (if using) and fresh parsley.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:786 kcal

Protein:15.6 g

Fat:24.9 g

Carbs:56.8 g

Fiber:16.3 g

Sugar:0.0 g

Sodium:318 mg

Recipe Info

Category:Soup

Cuisine:American

The Magic of Hands-Off Cooking: Why This Soup Shines

There are certain meals that feel like they require an entire afternoon devoted to tending a simmering pot—soups, stews, and chilis often fall into this category. However, the beauty of this Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup recipe is that it completely defies that expectation. Utilizing the slow cooker unlocks deep, integrated flavours without demanding constant supervision. This method allows the smoky notes from the ham to slowly marry with the earthy potatoes and aromatic vegetables, creating a depth of flavour far beyond what a hurried stovetop preparation could achieve. It truly is a triumph of modern, effortless cooking designed for busy schedules while delivering maximum comfort.

A British Hug in a Bowl: Modern Slow Cooker Convenience

When you picture ultimate comfort food, what comes to mind? For many, it’s a thick, hearty bowl of something warm that requires nothing more than a spoon and a cosy spot on the sofa. This particular Ham and Potato Soup Crock Pot version delivers precisely that rustic, home-cooked satisfaction. By transferring the preparation to the slow cooker, we bypass the tricky temperature management required on the hob. We simply combine the core ingredients, set the timer, and walk away, knowing that when we return, a complete, ready-to-eat meal awaits. This ease of use makes it an absolute staple for weeknight dinners.

Maximizing Flavor with Minimal Stirring

The slow, moist heat environment of the Crockpot is incredibly effective for breaking down starches and softening root vegetables. For this Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup Recipe , this means our diced Russet potatoes will soften perfectly, releasing just enough of their starch into the surrounding broth to naturally begin thickening the mixture. We introduce flavour layering right at the beginning by combining the ham, aromatics like onion and celery, thyme, and bay leaf before the long cook time commences. This allows the robust, savoury essence of the cooked ham to permeate every single element of the soup base.

The Ideal Recipe for Repurposing Holiday Ham

If you have recently hosted a gathering and are staring down a sizable chunk of leftover ham, this recipe offers the most delicious solution. Dealing with Soup Recipes With Leftover Ham is a perennial challenge, but using pre-cooked ham means we save valuable cooking time while ensuring incredible smoky flavour. We recommend cubing about 3 cups of your cooked ham for this preparation. Even if you aren't recovering from a holiday feast, purchasing a small portion of quality smoked ham is well worth the investment to create this fantastic Leftover Ham Soup Crockpot meal.

Essential Components for Hearty Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup

To achieve the satisfying texture and robust flavour profile of a truly great Crock Pot Ham Soup , selection of ingredients matters. Our goal here is richness, balanced by saltiness from the ham, resulting in an approximately 6–8 serving yield. The preparation is quick, clocking in at about 20 minutes of active prep time before the slow cooker takes over for its 6 to 8-hour journey on LOW. This ease firmly places it in the 'Easy' difficulty category, perfect for novice cooks or seasoned chefs looking for a break.

Sourcing & Preparing Your Core Ingredients

The success of any slow cooker recipe hinges on the quality of the initial input. We are focusing on simplicity here—no complicated steps, just good, honest ingredients that work together beautifully in the low-and-slow environment.

The Must-Have Pantry Staples for Richness

The aromatic foundation begins with one large yellow onion and three medium celery stalks, both finely chopped. These vegetables sweat down beautifully in the moisture of the broth, releasing sweet and earthy undertones. Flavour enhancers are simple but crucial: one teaspoon of dried thyme and a single bay leaf contribute herbal warmth. For the liquid, we rely on 6 cups of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth—using low-sodium gives us precise control over the final salt level, which is important given the saltiness of the cured ham.

Selecting the Perfect Potato for Slow Cooking Success

When making Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup with Heavy Cream , the potato choice directly impacts texture. For this application, we look for starchy potatoes, specifically Russets. You will need about 2 pounds (roughly 900g), which translates to about four medium potatoes. Crucially, they must be peeled and diced into uniform 1-inch cubes. Uniformity ensures that all pieces soften at the same rate, preventing a frustrating scenario where some are tender while others remain unpleasantly hard.

Choosing Your Liquid Base: Broth vs. Water Ratio Guide

While some very basic versions of this soup might suggest using water, the broth is non-negotiable for developing true flavour in this Ham Chowder Crockpot style preparation. We use 6 cups of broth to ensure the ingredients are mostly submerged, allowing them to simmer rather than dry out. Should you find your ham has released an incredible amount of salty liquid during cooking, you can always top up with a cup of plain water during the final stage to balance things out, but starting with quality broth sets the standard high.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Slow Cooker Assembly

Getting everything into the appliance is the most straightforward part of the process. Remember, we are assembling for a long cook, so the order is straightforward but important for even cooking.

First, place the cubed ham, the uniform potato dice, chopped onion, and celery directly into the basin of your 6-quart slow cooker. Next, sprinkle in the dried thyme and about half a teaspoon of black pepper. Tuck the single bay leaf into the ingredients. Finally, pour the 6 cups of broth over everything. Cover the appliance securely. The general rule of thumb is to cook this combination on the LOW setting for 6 to 8 hours , or if time is short, on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours . The soup is ready when the potatoes yield effortlessly when pierced with a fork.

Achieving Peak Creaminess: The Final Stages

Once the lengthy cooking time is complete, the soup will be deeply flavoured, but we need to address texture and richness to elevate it from a simple broth into a truly luscious dish.

Layering Technique: Prep Order Matters in the Crockpot

While many ingredients go in at once, the creamy elements are strictly added near the end. After the potatoes are tender, the first mandatory step is to locate and discard the bay leaf—it has served its purpose. Now, we taste for preliminary seasoning; ham and broth vary widely in salinity, so adjust pepper now. If you are opting for the truly decadent version, this is where we build richness.

Cooking Duration Settings: Low and Slow Mastery

Resist the temptation to crank the heat after the vegetables are tender. For the final 15 minutes, we keep the slow cooker on the LOW setting. This gentle warmth is just enough to incorporate the final additions—whether it’s a thickening agent or just the milk—without causing the dairy to curdle or separate.

Thickening Secrets: Turning Broth into Velvety Goodness

For those who prefer a substantial, chowder-like texture for their Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup with Cheese , a light thickening step is recommended. This is best achieved by creating a simple roux in a separate small saucepan: melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, cooking for one minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly incorporate 1 cup of milk or half-and-half into this paste, whisking until it begins to simmer and slightly thicken. Pour this creamy mixture back into the slow cooker and stir gently. For a naturally starch-thickened alternative, scoop out one cup of the cooked potatoes and broth, mash them vigorously until smooth, and stir that starchy mixture back in instead.

Final Flavor Check: Adjusting Seasoning Before Serving

The final flourish involves tasting critically after any thickening agent has been incorporated. If the soup seems bland, a small dash of Worcestershire sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the heavy flavours. If it seems too thin (and you skipped the thickening steps), let it cook uncovered on HIGH for another 15 minutes to allow some moisture to evaporate.

Customizing Your Comfort: Creative Variations and Add-Ins

While this foundational Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup Recipe is superb as is, it’s also an excellent canvas for personalization.

Boosting Nutrition: Adding Greens to Your Ham Soup

To increase the nutritional profile of your Ham and Potato Soup Crock Pot meal, consider introducing vegetables during the final hour of cooking. One cup of frozen broccoli florets, added during the last 30 minutes, retains a nice bite. Alternatively, stirring in a few handfuls of fresh spinach or kale during the last 15 minutes allows them to wilt beautifully into the hot liquid, providing colour and vitamins without turning mushy.

Can You Freeze This Crockpot Masterpiece? Storage Tips

This soup reheats exceptionally well. Store cooled leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you know you won't consume it within that timeframe, this soup freezes beautifully for up to three months. It’s important to note that if you used a flour-based roux for thickening, the texture might become slightly looser upon thawing; simply reheat gently and give it a vigorous whisk to help reintegrate the starch. If you need a Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup Gluten Free version, simply omit the flour roux and rely solely on the natural starch from the potatoes for body.

Serving Suggestions: What Garnishes Elevate This Dish?

Serving this dish hot is essential, and presentation enhances the experience. The optional but highly recommended addition of shredded sharp Cheddar cheese melting over the top takes this straight into indulgent territory—creating a true Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup with Cheese experience. Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley for a pop of colour and herbaceous brightness. For dipping, nothing beats thick slices of crusty sourdough bread or warm, freshly baked Cheddar cheese scones.

Troubleshooting Common Issues (Too Thin, Too Salty, etc.)

Occasionally, slow cooker preparations don't turn out exactly as planned. If your soup is too thin , revert to the potato mashing technique mentioned earlier, or if you prefer a richer mouthfeel, whisk in 1/4 cup of heavy cream during the final 15 minutes. If the soup is too salty , this is a common issue when using cured meats. Combat this by adding 1/2 cup of plain, unsalted water or milk, or by adding a starchy element like a few extra diced potatoes (if you have time to cook them down a bit more). If the flavour is generally flat, a splash of apple cider vinegar can surprisingly enhance savoury notes.