Oh, sweet friends, there’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a hearty bowl of slow cooker ham and potato soup on a chilly evening. It’s like a warm hug from the inside out, a symphony of creamy, savory flavors that just melts away the day’s worries. This particular recipe for creamy slow cooker ham and potato soup truly captures that feeling, with tender ham, soft potatoes, and a rich, velvety broth that will have everyone asking for seconds.
I remember my grandmother, with her flour-dusted hands, stirring big pots on the stove, her kitchen always smelling of something wonderful. While this creamy slow cooker ham and potato soup is a modern marvel, the essence of that homemade goodness, that patience, and that love infused into every bite, takes me right back to those precious childhood afternoons. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, given time and a little warmth, can transform into pure magic.
This recipe is not only wonderfully easy, letting your slow cooker do most of the work, but it’s also incredibly family-friendly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend gatherings. It’s a comforting classic that brings people together, and truly, my top tip for any slow cooker creation is to resist the urge to peek! Let the magic happen undisturbed.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Crafting this delightful soup requires just a handful of wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. We’re talking about savory cooked ham, creamy Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes that practically melt in your mouth, and a comforting blend of aromatics like onions, carrots, and celery that build the perfect flavor foundation for this slow cooker ham and potato soup. The full list and measurements for these treasures are waiting for you in the recipe card below, ready for your kitchen adventure!
How to Make slow cooker ham and potato soup
Creating this cozy creamy slow cooker ham and potato soup is a breeze, truly! We begin by sautéing our aromatics to build a rich flavor base before everything takes a lovely, slow swim together in your trusty slow cooker. With a generous cook time, all those beautiful ingredients meld into a harmonious, comforting blend. Finally, we’ll whisk in a creamy mixture to thicken things up, turning simple broth into a velvety masterpiece, resulting in the most comforting slow cooker ham and potato soup.
Hearty Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Dice the cooked ham, peel and dice the potatoes, onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and dried thyme, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker. Add the diced ham, diced potatoes, chicken broth, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- About 30-45 minutes before you’re ready to serve, in a small bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream (if using), and all-purpose flour until completely smooth and no lumps remain. This creates a slurry.
- Carefully stir the milk-flour slurry into the soup in the slow cooker. Increase the heat to high (if not already there) and continue cooking for another 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Pro Tips for Making This slow cooker ham and potato soup
To truly elevate your creamy slow cooker ham and potato soup from delightful to absolutely divine, I’ve gathered a few cherished secrets from my own kitchen adventures. These little touches make all the difference, ensuring every spoonful is bursting with flavor and comfort, just the way you like it.
My Secret Trick: When adding the milk and cream mixture to thicken the soup, always ensure your slow cooker is on a low setting or even turned off for a few minutes. Whisk the flour into the cold milk before adding it to the warm soup. This prevents any lumps and ensures a perfectly smooth, luscious consistency for your hearty ham and potato soup.
I always recommend a good quality, flavorful cooked ham for this slow cooker ham and potato soup. Whether it’s leftover holiday ham or a store-bought ham steak, the better the ham, the richer the soup will be. The savory notes truly shine through the creamy broth.
Don’t skip the step of sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery before adding them to the slow cooker. I find that this quick step truly deepens their flavor and softens them beautifully, giving the entire slow cooker ham and potato soup a more developed and inviting taste.
Finally, I always hold off on adding fresh parsley until just before serving. It brings a bright, fresh pop of color and flavor that really lifts the rich, creamy notes of the soup, making this creamy ham and potato soup feel extra special and vibrant.
Fun Variations for slow cooker ham and potato soup
One of the joys of cooking, dear friends, is making a recipe truly your own! This creamy slow cooker ham and potato soup is wonderfully adaptable, a canvas for your culinary creativity. Here are a few ways my family and friends love to twist this classic, making it uniquely theirs.
Cheesy Goodness
For a richer, more indulgent slow cooker ham and potato soup, try stirring in a cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese or a blend of Gruyere and Parmesan during the last 30 minutes of cooking. My sister always asks me to add extra cheese, and it melts into the creamy broth beautifully, adding an incredible depth of flavor.
Veggie Boost
Don’t hesitate to toss in other vegetables! Frozen peas, corn, or even some diced bell peppers can be added during the last hour of cooking to boost the nutritional value and add extra texture to your slow cooker ham and potato soup. It’s a great way to use up those bits and bobs in your fridge.
Spice It Up
If you enjoy a little warmth, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the slow cooker along with the other seasonings. A friend of mine loves a subtle kick in her hearty ham and potato soup, and it truly complements the savory ham wonderfully.
What to Serve With slow cooker ham and potato soup
When I serve a comforting bowl of slow cooker ham and potato soup, I love to think about what will complete the meal and make it feel truly special. It’s all about creating that cozy, inviting experience, making this creamy ham and potato soup the star of a delightful spread.
- Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: There’s nothing quite like a warm, crusty slice of bread or a soft dinner roll for soaking up every last bit of that luscious, creamy broth. My mom always makes sure we have a fresh baguette on hand when this soup is simmering.
- A Simple Green Salad: To balance the richness of the slow cooker ham and potato soup, a light, crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette is absolutely perfect. It adds a refreshing contrast that makes each spoonful of soup even more enjoyable.
- Cornbread: For a truly classic, Southern-inspired pairing, a warm slice of homemade cornbread is simply divine. Its slightly sweet, crumbly texture complements the savory soup wonderfully, creating a truly comforting meal.
How to Store slow cooker ham and potato soup
After enjoying a wonderful meal of slow cooker ham and potato soup, you’ll want to make sure any delicious leftovers are kept just as fresh and delightful. Properly storing your creamy ham and potato soup ensures you can savor those comforting flavors for days to come, or even pull them out for a quick, wholesome meal later on!
Fridge Storage
Once your slow cooker ham and potato soup has cooled completely, transfer it to airtight containers. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I always recommend storing it in smaller portions; it makes reheating much easier and quicker.
Freezer Friendly
Yes, this hearty ham and potato soup freezes wonderfully! Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little headspace for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. My personal tip is to give it a good stir when reheating to bring back that creamy consistency!
Nutritional Benefits
This delightful slow cooker ham and potato soup is more than just a comforting treat; it’s also packed with goodness! The hearty ham provides a wonderful source of lean protein, while the potatoes offer essential vitamins and dietary fiber. Combined with fresh vegetables like carrots and celery, this slow cooker ham and potato soup makes for a satisfying and nourishing meal that’s both indulgent and wholesome.
FAQs
How can I make my ham and potato soup thicker?
To thicken your creamy ham and potato soup, create a slurry with a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with an equal amount of cold water, or use a roux of butter and flour. Stir either into the simmering soup until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I use leftover ham in this recipe?
Absolutely! This slow cooker ham and potato soup recipe is perfect for using up leftover holiday ham. Simply dice your cooked ham into bite-sized pieces and add it to the slow cooker as directed, embracing the flavors you already have.
What kind of potatoes are best for ham and potato soup?
I recommend using Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for this creamy slow cooker ham and potato soup. They have a lovely starchy texture that breaks down slightly, helping to thicken the soup and create a wonderfully creamy mouthfeel.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
While this specific slow cooker ham and potato soup recipe calls for dairy, you can experiment with dairy-free alternatives for the milk and cream, such as unsweetened almond milk and full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer, to achieve a similar creamy texture.
Conclusion
And there you have it, dear friends — a truly heartwarming recipe for creamy slow cooker ham and potato soup that brings together the best of comfort and convenience. It’s a dish that warms the soul, fills the belly, and makes memories around the table, all with minimal fuss thanks to the magic of the slow cooker. I truly hope this recipe brings as much joy and comfort to your home as it does to mine. So go on, gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let the aroma of this incredible slow cooker ham and potato soup fill your kitchen with love and anticipation. Happy cooking!
