When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing more comforting than a big bowl of Creamy Potato and Ham Soup. This rich and hearty soup is packed with tender potatoes, savory ham, and a velvety, creamy broth that will warm you from the inside out.

It’s also the perfect way to use up leftover ham from the holidays! Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this soup is guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, it’s easy to customize—add extra veggies, swap out the cream for a lighter version, or make it in the slow cooker!

🛒 What You’ll Need

For the Soup:

2 tbsp butter
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced (russet or Yukon gold)
2 cups cooked ham, diced
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup whole milk
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)

For Garnish (Optional, but Recommended!):

Crumbled bacon
Shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped fresh parsley or green onions
Cracked black pepper

👩‍🍳 Pro Tips for the Best Potato and Ham Soup

Use Starchy Potatoes – Russet or Yukon gold potatoes break down slightly and give the soup a naturally creamy texture.
Don’t Skip the Sauté – Cooking the onions and garlic in butter before adding the broth adds an extra layer of flavor.
Mash for Extra Creaminess – Lightly mash some of the potatoes with a spoon before serving for a thicker consistency.
Make It Lighter – Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version.
Make It in a Slow Cooker – Just dump everything (except the dairy) into the slow cooker and let it simmer for 6-8 hours on low. Stir in the milk and cream at the end.

🔄 Substitutions & Variations

No Heavy Cream? Use half-and-half or extra milk for a lighter soup.
Vegetable Boost – Add carrots, celery, or peas for extra nutrients.
Spice It Up – A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce gives a little kick.
Dairy-Free Version – Use coconut milk instead of cream for a dairy-free option.
Thicker Soup? Stir in 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with a little cold water at the end.

⏳ Make-Ahead Tips

Chop everything ahead – Dice potatoes, onions, and ham the night before to save time.
Make the soup in advance – It tastes even better the next day! Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Freeze for Later – Leave out the dairy, then freeze. Add milk/cream when reheating.

🍲 How to Make Creamy Potato and Ham Soup

1️⃣ Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft (about 3 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

2️⃣ Add the Potatoes, Ham, and Broth

Add the diced potatoes and ham to the pot, then pour in the chicken broth. Stir in salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.

3️⃣ Make It Creamy

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in milk and heavy cream, mixing well. Let simmer for another 5 minutes (but don’t let it boil). If you like a thicker soup, use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes in the pot.

4️⃣ Add Cheese & Final Touches

If using cheese, stir in shredded cheddar until melted and fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

5️⃣ Serve & Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon bits, extra shredded cheese, and fresh parsley or green onions. Serve with crusty bread for dipping!

🥡 Leftovers & Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers (without dairy) for up to 2 months. Add milk/cream when reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If too thick, add a splash of broth or milk.

🍽️ Time to Get Cozy!

This Creamy Potato and Ham Soup is everything you want in a comforting meal—rich, hearty, and full of flavor! Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or freezing a batch for later, this soup is guaranteed to be a hit.

Tried this recipe? Let me know how it turned out in the comments, or share your favorite add-ins! Happy cooking! 🥄🍲✨