Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup

Warm up with this comforting Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup, featuring tender potatoes, savory ham, and a rich, creamy cheese base. This hearty dish is perfect for chilly days and is sure to become a family favorite! Whether you are hosting a cozy dinner or looking for an easy meal after a busy day, this soup is versatile enough to suit any occasion. With its delightful flavors and creamy texture, it stands out as a true comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This soup can be made in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Flavorful Comfort: The combination of ham, cheddar cheese, and fresh vegetables offers a rich taste that warms the soul.
• Versatile Servings: Great as a main dish or served alongside crusty bread for dipping.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the cheesy goodness, making it an easy way to get them to eat their veggies.
• Freezer-Friendly: You can easily make a large batch and freeze leftovers for future meals.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup effortlessly, gather the essential tools beforehand. Having the right equipment will streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Immersion blender (or standard blender)
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for sautéing vegetables and simmering the soup all in one place.
• Immersion blender: Perfect for creating a creamy texture without needing to transfer hot soup to another container.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 pound potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

For Flavoring

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

For Creaminess

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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How to Make Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Broth and Potatoes

Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced potatoes, ham, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.

Step 3: Blend the Soup

Using an immersion blender, carefully blend part of the soup for a creamier texture. Alternatively, transfer a portion of the soup to a blender and pulse until smooth before returning it to the pot.

Step 4: Stir in Cream and Cheese

Add the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese to the pot. Stir until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy this cheesy, hearty delight!

How to Serve Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup

Serving Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup can be a delightful experience for you and your family. This creamy soup pairs well with various sides and toppings that enhance its flavor and texture.

Toppings

• Chopped Green Onions – Add a fresh crunch and a hint of flavor with finely chopped green onions.
• Croutons – For extra texture, sprinkle some crunchy croutons on top before serving.
• Extra Cheese – A sprinkle of shredded cheese on top just before serving makes it even more indulgent.

Accompaniments

• Warm Bread Rolls – Soft, warm bread rolls are perfect for dipping into the soup.
• Salad – A light, refreshing salad balances the richness of the soup.
• Pickles – The tangy bite of pickles can complement the creamy flavors beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

• In Bread Bowls – Serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun twist.
• With a Side of Crackers – Offer an assortment of crackers for added crunch alongside each bowl.

How to Perfect Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup

To achieve the best version of Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup, consider these helpful tips that can elevate your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh potatoes and high-quality ham will enhance the overall flavor.
• Adjust Seasoning – Taste as you cook, adjusting salt and pepper to suit your preference for balanced seasoning.
• Blend for Creaminess – Blending part of the soup creates a creamy consistency without losing texture.
• Experiment with Cheese – Try different types of cheese, such as Gouda or Monterey Jack, for unique flavors.
• Add Veggies – Incorporating additional vegetables like bell peppers or corn can add color and nutrition.
• Slow Cook Option – Consider using a slow cooker to develop deeper flavors over time; just add ingredients in the morning and enjoy at dinner!

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Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread – Toasted garlic bread complements the soup’s creaminess while adding robust flavor.
2. Caesar Salad – A crisp Caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
3. Steamed Broccoli – Bright green steamed broccoli adds nutrition and color to your meal.
4. Stuffed Peppers – Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa make for a hearty side.
5. Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread muffins are deliciously comforting when served warm alongside.
6. Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges offer an extra potato fix that pairs nicely with the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Skipping the Sauté Step: Failing to sauté the vegetables can lead to a lack of flavor. Always sauté onions, carrots, and celery to enhance the soup’s overall taste.
• Not Using Fresh Ingredients: Using old ingredients will affect the freshness of your soup. Always opt for fresh potatoes and ham for the best results.
• Overcooking Potatoes: If you cook potatoes too long, they can become mushy. Monitor them closely and remove from heat once they are tender.
• Ignoring Seasoning: Neglecting to season properly will result in bland soup. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
• Rushing the Cheese Addition: Adding cheese too quickly can cause it to clump. Stir in cheese gradually and allow it to melt completely for a smoother texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Let the soup cool before placing it in the fridge to maintain freshness.

Freezing Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container as the soup may expand when frozen.

Reheating Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in a covered oven-safe dish for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a paper towel, and heat for 2-3 minutes or until hot, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup?

Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup is a hearty dish made with tender potatoes, savory ham, creamy cheese, and aromatic vegetables. It’s perfect for cold weather!

How do I thicken my Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup?

You can thicken your soup by blending part of it or by adding more cheese or heavy cream during cooking for added richness.

Can I make Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this soup ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator or freeze it for later use.

What are good toppings for Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup?

Consider topping your soup with crispy bacon bits, additional shredded cheese, or fresh herbs like parsley for added flavor.

Is Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup healthy?

While deliciously comforting, this soup is rich due to cream and cheese. You can make it healthier by using low-fat options or adding more vegetables.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl! Its creamy texture combined with hearty ingredients makes it versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite veggies or spices!