potato cheese and ham soup recipe

The Best potato cheese and ham soup recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes – potato cheese and ham soup! This hearty, comforting soup has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m sure it will become one of yours too. The origin of this recipe is unclear, but it’s likely a variation of traditional European soups that have been adapted to suit American tastes. The combination of tender potatoes, savory ham, and rich cheese creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and satisfying.

As a busy mom, I love how this recipe can be made in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. My kids devour it in seconds, and I’m happy to serve it at family gatherings or potlucks. But what really sets this recipe apart is the ease of preparation – simply chop the veggies, boil some potatoes, and blend the mixture with cheese and ham. It’s a breeze to make, even on a Monday evening when we’re all feeling tired and stressed out.

I remember my grandmother used to make this soup for me when I was a kid. She’d simmer the potatoes until they were tender, then blend them with milk or cream to create a creamy texture. She’d add diced ham and shredded cheese to give it that salty flavor we all love. My kids adore helping me in the kitchen, so I involve them in the process by letting them mash the potatoes or sprinkle shredded cheese on top.

As for the technique behind this recipe, it’s all about getting those potatoes cooked just right. You want them to be tender but still hold their shape. If you overcook them, they’ll break down into mush – not what you want in your soup! So, aim for tender but still slightly firm potatoes as you blend them with the cheese mixture.

One thing I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. We enjoy it as a main course or as a side dish alongside some crusty bread or crackers. Another great thing about this recipe is its health benefits! With potatoes as the main ingredient, we get complex carbohydrates and fiber from these starchy tubers.

Cheese provides protein and calcium while ham contributes lean protein from pork. I often serve this soup at family gatherings because everyone loves it so much! It’s perfect for holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas Eve when we’re all craving something comforting.

Potato Cheese and Ham Soup

4.7 from 1098 votes

A hearty and comforting soup featuring tender potatoes, melted cheese, and savory ham. Perfect for a cozy dinner.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

4 cups diced potatoes
2 cups diced ham
1 onion
2 cloves garlic
2 carrots
2 stalks celery
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika

👨‍🍳Directions

1Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2Add diced onions, carrots, and celery.
3Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
4Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
5Stir in flour to make a roux, cooking for 2 minutes.
6Gradually add chicken broth and milk, stirring continuously.
7Bring the mixture to a boil.
8Add diced potatoes and ham to the pot.
9Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
10Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until it is fully melted and the soup is smooth.
11Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
12Stir well to combine.
13Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
14Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 11g❤️Cholesterol: 70mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 25g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 22g

📝Notes

Tips: For a creamier soup, you can add a bit more milk or use half-and-half instead of milk.

Watch Video Of How Potato Cheese and Ham Soup Works

This potato cheese and ham soup is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a comforting meal after a long day or something easy to serve at family gatherings.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

When reheating leftovers, add more broth if needed and adjust seasoning accordingly.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Potato Cheese and Ham Soup

Q: What type of cheese should I use?

For this recipe, I recommend using cheddar or mozzarella cheese for its mild flavor and smooth texture.

Q: Can I use leftover ham?

Yes, leftover ham works beautifully in this soup! Just chop it up into small pieces before adding it to the pot.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Sure thing! Just replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta if you’re serving it with noodles.

Q: What if I don’t have any milk on hand?

No worries! You can substitute milk with water or broth if you prefer.

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