Picture the comforting aroma of savory ham mingling with tender potatoes as they simmer together in a cozy crockpot.
This Ham Potato Soup is the epitome of easy comfort food, perfect for a slow day when you want something warm and satisfying.
As the ingredients meld over hours, the flavors deepen, transforming simple staples into a luscious, hearty soup.
Ready to bring this delicious bowl of comfort to your table? Let’s get cooking!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Crockpot
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Chef’s knife
- 1 Ladle
- 1 Measuring cups set
- 1 Peeler
Ingredients
- 4 cups diced potatoes
- 2 cups diced cooked ham
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons butter
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage time while preparing and cooking Ham Potato Soup in a crockpot, follow this timeline:
- Reading & Preparation (10 minutes)
- Read through the entire recipe to understand the steps and gather all necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Set up your workstation with the cutting board, chef’s knife, peeler, measuring cups, and crockpot.
- Prep Work (20 minutes)
- Peel and dice the potatoes.
- Dice the cooked ham.
- Chop the onions.
- Slice the carrots.
- Chop the celery.
- Measure out the chicken broth, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and butter.
- Crockpot Setup (5 minutes)
- Place the diced potatoes, ham, onions, carrots, and celery into the crockpot.
- Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients.
- Add salt, black pepper, and dried thyme.
- Dot the top with butter.
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low.
- Cooking (8 hours)
- Allow the soup to cook on low for 8 hours. Use this time for other activities.
- Final Touches (15 minutes)
- After 8 hours, stir in the heavy cream.
- Allow the soup to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
This timeline guarantees that you maximize efficiency and have the soup ready to enjoy at the end of the cooking period. Adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Recipe Instructions
Peel and dice the potatoes and place them in the crockpot.
Add the diced ham, chopped onions, sliced carrots, and chopped celery to the crockpot.
Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients in the crockpot.
Add salt, black pepper, and dried thyme to the crockpot.
Dot the top of the mixture with the butter.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
After 8 hours, stir in the heavy cream.
Allow the soup to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the rich, savory broth.
- Green Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a light and invigorating contrast.
- Cheese Toast: Add a slice of cheese toast for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Pickles: Serve with pickles to add a tangy twist and cut through the creaminess of the soup.
- Steamed Vegetables: Complement the soup with a side of steamed vegetables for added nutrients and color.
Storage
Store Ham Potato Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Freezing
Allow the Ham Potato Soup to cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers.
Label with the date and freeze for up to three months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat Ham Potato Soup, use low to medium heat on the stove.
Stir occasionally for even warming.
Alternatively, microwave in short bursts.
Stir in between to avoid uneven heating.
Final Thoughts
Ham Potato Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for any time of year.
This American classic, prepared in a crockpot, isn’t only simple to make but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully over an 8-hour cooking period.
The combination of diced potatoes, ham, onions, carrots, and celery creates a delicious base, enhanced by chicken broth and seasonings like thyme, salt, and pepper.
The addition of heavy cream towards the end of the cooking process adds a rich and creamy texture.
It’s important to guarantee that the vegetables are diced uniformly for even cooking, and for a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the potatoes before adding the cream.
Adjust the seasoning to taste, as the saltiness can vary depending on the ham and broth used.
Allow the soup to rest for 10 minutes after cooking to let the flavors settle before serving.
This dish serves as a satisfying main course, offering comfort and warmth in every bowl.
Enjoy the ease of preparation and the delicious result of this crockpot recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream With a Non-Dairy Alternative?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk or almond milk. Choose one with a creamy texture for ideal mouthfeel. Adjust seasonings to complement the alternative’s flavor, ensuring a harmonious taste profile.
How Can I Make the Soup Spicier?
To make the soup spicier, add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes when you add the thyme. You could also try incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Are There Any Vegetarian Alternatives for Ham?
Substitute ham with smoked tempeh or seitan to maintain umami flavor. Both offer a chewy texture. Add liquid smoke or smoked paprika to enhance depth. Pair with nutritional yeast for a savory boost, complementing potatoes and vegetables.
Can I Use Sweet Potatoes Instead of Regular Potatoes?
You can substitute sweet potatoes for regular ones. Their natural sweetness complements savory ingredients, enhancing flavor depth. Dice uniformly for even cooking. Adjust cooking time and seasonings, as sweet potatoes cook faster and alter the soup’s sweetness.
What Herbs Can Enhance the Flavor of This Soup?
You can enhance the soup’s flavor by adding bay leaves for depth, parsley for freshness, or rosemary for a piney aroma. Consider pairing with sage for earthiness or basil to introduce a sweet, peppery note.
Ham Potato Soup Crockpot
Equipment
- 1 Crockpot
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Chef's knife
- 1 Ladle
- 1 Measuring cups set
- 1 peeler
Ingredients
- 4 cups diced potatoes
- 2 cups diced cooked ham
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Peel and dice the potatoes and place them in the crockpot.
- Add the diced ham, chopped onions, sliced carrots, and chopped celery to the crockpot.
- Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients in the crockpot.
- Add salt, black pepper, and dried thyme to the crockpot.
- Dot the top of the mixture with the butter.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
- After 8 hours, stir in the heavy cream.
- Allow the soup to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
