35-Minute Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup Magic

There’s something magical about a bowl of Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup on a chilly evening—it’s like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket. This recipe has been my go-to for years, especially when I need something quick that still feels like a hug in a bowl. I first learned to make it from my mom, who’d whip it up with leftover holiday ham (never let good ham go to waste, she’d say!). The best part? It comes together in about 35 minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have. That creamy broth, tender potatoes, and smoky ham chunks? Pure comfort food perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup

Trust me, this soup is about to become your new favorite—here’s why:

• It’s ready in just over 30 minutes (perfect for those “I need dinner NOW” nights)
• Uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients (no fancy grocery runs required)
• Tastes even better with leftover ham (my mom was right—never waste good ham!)
• The whole family gobbles it up (even my picky nephew asks for seconds)
• One pot means minimal cleanup (more time for cozying up with your bowl)

Seriously, what’s not to love? It’s comfort in a bowl with zero fuss.

Ingredients for Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cozy bowl of goodness – simple ingredients that come together beautifully. I’ve included some handy substitutions too, because we all know those “oops, I’m out of this” moments in the kitchen!

• 3 cups diced potatoes – Yukon Golds are my favorite here, but russets work great too. Just make sure they’re peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes so they cook evenly.
• 1 cup diced ham – Leftover holiday ham is perfect, but deli ham works in a pinch. Just chop it into bite-sized pieces.
• 1 small onion, chopped – About 1/2 cup. Yellow onions are best, but white will do.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh is best, but 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder works if you’re in a bind.
• 4 cups chicken broth – Low-sodium lets you control the salt. Vegetable broth works for a vegetarian version.
• 1 cup milk – Whole milk makes it richest, but 2% works fine. For dairy-free, try unsweetened almond milk.
• 2 tablespoons butter – Real butter gives the best flavor, but olive oil works if needed.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground if you have it.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Start with less if your ham is salty.
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped – Dried works too – just use 1 teaspoon.

See? Nothing fancy – just good, honest ingredients that come together to make something truly special. Now let’s get cooking!

Equipment Needed

You won’t need any fancy gadgets for this soup – just these basic kitchen staples:

• A large pot (I use my trusty 4-quart Dutch oven)
• A sharp knife and cutting board for prepping ingredients
• Measuring cups and spoons
• A wooden spoon for stirring

That’s it! Now let’s move on to the fun part – making the soup itself.

How to Make Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup

Alright, let’s get that pot bubbling! This soup comes together so easily—just follow these simple steps, and in no time, you’ll have a bowl of pure comfort ready to enjoy. I’ve made this countless times, and I promise, it’s foolproof!

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

First things first—let’s build that flavor base. Grab your pot and melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s all bubbly and fragrant (oh, that buttery smell!), toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Here’s my little trick: stir them often so nothing burns, and cook until the onions turn translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen smells like heaven!

Step 2: Add Ham and Potatoes

Now, toss in your diced ham and potatoes—give everything a good stir to coat them in that buttery goodness. Let them hang out in the pot for just 2 minutes (no longer—we’re not browning, just warming through). This quick cook helps the ham release its smoky flavor, and the potatoes start soaking up all those delicious juices. Trust me, this step makes a difference!

Step 3: Simmer Soup

Time for the magic! Pour in your chicken broth and crank up the heat to bring it to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer—you want those potatoes to cook through without falling apart. Let it go for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Poke one with a fork—if it slides right off, you’re golden. The broth will start smelling amazing at this point, and patience is key!

Step 4: Finish with Milk and Seasonings

Almost there! Stir in the milk—do this off the heat if you’re nervous about curdling (I’ve been there!). Then sprinkle in your salt and pepper. Here’s my grandma’s advice: taste it before adding all the salt, especially if your ham is salty. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes just to meld everything together. And voilà—your soup is ready to warm some hearts (and bellies!).

Tips for the Best Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup

After making this soup more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that take it from good to “wow!” Here are my can’t-live-without tips:

• Leftover ham is gold – That holiday spiral ham? Perfect! The smoky flavor deepens overnight, making the soup even better.
• Mash a few potatoes – Before adding milk, smash some potatoes against the pot with your spoon for extra creaminess.
• Go low and slow – Don’t boil after adding milk—just a gentle simmer keeps it smooth and prevents curdling.
• Taste as you go – Ham varies in saltiness, so adjust seasonings at the end.
• Let it rest – Like good chili, this soup tastes even better after 10 minutes off heat.

Follow these, and you’ll have soup that’ll have everyone asking for your secret!

Serving Suggestions

Oh, let me tell you how I love to serve this soup—it’s all about creating that perfect cozy meal! First, grab yourself a big, crusty loaf of bread. My personal favorite? A warm baguette or some homemade garlic bread to dunk right into that creamy broth. If you’re feeling fancy, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette makes a fresh contrast to the rich soup.

For garnishes, I always keep it simple but special. A sprinkle of extra fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes I’ll add a little grated cheddar on top (because cheese makes everything better, right?). And if I’m serving guests, I’ll put out small bowls of extra diced ham, chopped green onions, or even a dollop of sour cream—let everyone customize their perfect bowl!

Pro tip from my mom: serve it in wide, shallow bowls so you get the perfect mix of broth, potatoes, and ham in every spoonful. And don’t forget napkins—this is the kind of meal that calls for second helpings!

Storage and Reheating

Now, let me share my tried-and-true methods for keeping this soup delicious even days later—because let’s be honest, leftovers might be the best part! First, let the soup cool to room temperature (but no more than 2 hours—food safety first!). Then transfer it to an airtight container—I love my glass ones with the locking lids. Pop it in the fridge, and it’ll stay fresh for about 3 days.

When you’re ready to reheat, I strongly recommend using the stovetop. Just pour the soup into a pot over low heat and warm it gently, stirring occasionally. The microwave can make the potatoes grainy and the milk might separate—we don’t want that! If the soup seems too thick after chilling, just stir in a splash of broth or milk as it reheats.

Here’s my little secret: the flavors actually get better overnight! The ham infuses the broth with more smokiness, and the potatoes soak up all that goodness. I often make a double batch just so I have ready-made lunches for a couple days. Just remember—always give it a good stir before reheating, and never let it boil hard once the milk’s in there. Happy reheating!

Nutritional Information

Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the scoop on what’s in each comforting bowl of this ham and potato soup. These numbers are estimates (your exact amounts might vary depending on ingredients), but they’ll give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying!

Per serving (about 1 generous bowl):

• Calories: Around 280 – perfect for a satisfying meal without feeling too heavy
• Protein: 15g from that delicious ham (great for keeping you full!)
• Carbohydrates: 30g – mostly from those wholesome potatoes
• Fiber: 3g thanks to the potato skins if you leave them on
• Sugar: Just 4g naturally occurring (no added sugars here)
• Fat: 10g (that butter adds richness, but you can reduce if needed)

Remember, these values can change if you tweak the recipe—like using low-fat milk or less butter. But honestly? Sometimes comfort food is worth every delicious calorie. My philosophy? Enjoy your bowl, savor every bite, and maybe take an extra walk tomorrow!

Frequently Asked Questions

Over the years, I’ve gotten so many great questions about this soup—here are the ones that pop up most often with my tried-and-true answers!

Can I use turkey ham instead?

Absolutely! Turkey ham works in a pinch if that’s what you have—I’ve used it myself when I wanted a lighter option. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be milder than traditional ham. My trick? Add an extra pinch of smoked paprika to bring back some of that smoky depth. The texture might be slightly different too, but it’ll still be delicious!

How can I make it creamier?

Oh, I love this question—who doesn’t want extra creaminess? Here are my favorite ways:

• Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream with the milk (this is my go-to for special occasions)
• Mix in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese at the very end (let it melt slowly off heat)
• Blend about 1 cup of the soup in a blender, then stir it back in (great texture booster!)

Just remember—if adding dairy, keep the heat gentle to prevent curdling. Your spoon should leave a lovely trail in the creamy broth when it’s just right!

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes indeed—as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth (always check the label, some brands sneak in thickeners). All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free. I’ve served this to gluten-sensitive friends many times with no issues. Just be sure your ham isn’t processed with gluten-containing additives if you’re extra sensitive—some pre-packaged hams might have them.

There you have it—all the answers to make your soup-making foolproof. Got more questions? Just ask—I love talking about this cozy recipe!

Share Your Thoughts

I’d absolutely love to hear how your Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup turns out! Did you add any special twists? Maybe some extra veggies or a dash of hot sauce for kick? Leave a comment below—your ideas might inspire someone else’s cozy bowl. And if you snapped a photo of your steaming creation (we all know that first spoonful is Instagram-worthy), share it with me! Nothing makes me happier than seeing this recipe become part of your family’s story, just like it’s part of mine. Happy cooking, friends—now go enjoy that soup! You can also find more inspiration on our Pinterest page.

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