This Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup is a rich and creamy blend of tender potatoes, flavorful ham, and aromatic herbs, making it the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings. Each spoonful brings together a satisfying balance of textures and flavors, perfect for warming the soul.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is as practical as it is delicious. Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it work its magic. Serve with crusty bread for an even heartier meal that will delight every palate at your table.
Full Recipe:
- 1 lb cooked ham, diced
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- In a slow cooker, combine diced ham, potatoes, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken broth, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and flour until smooth. Add the mixture to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking, stirring well to combine.
- Continue to cook until the soup thickens. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and optional crusty bread on the side.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings
Introduction to Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup
Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup is a dish that embodies warmth, comfort, and simplicity. It’s a hearty meal perfect for chilly evenings, offering a combination of rich flavors, creamy textures, and satisfying ingredients. This soup is an excellent example of how a slow cooker can transform basic pantry staples into a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly dinner, a crowd-pleaser for gatherings, or a comforting bowl for a solo night in, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Why Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup is a Classic Comfort Food
Ham and potato soup has been a staple in households for generations. It combines the earthiness of potatoes, the savory depth of ham, and the creamy consistency of a well-cooked soup. The addition of aromatic vegetables and herbs takes this dish to the next level, making it both nourishing and indulgent. Using a slow cooker simplifies the process, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of slow cooking without standing over the stove. The result is a perfectly balanced, flavorful soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Benefits of Cooking with a Slow Cooker
One of the standout features of this recipe is its reliance on the slow cooker, a must-have kitchen appliance for busy individuals. The slow cooker excels in:
- Convenience: You can prepare all the ingredients in the morning, set the cooker, and come home to a ready-to-serve meal.
- Flavor Enhancement: Slow cooking allows the ingredients to meld together over time, creating a depth of flavor that is hard to achieve with quicker cooking methods.
- Tender Ingredients: Potatoes become perfectly soft, and the ham remains juicy and flavorful, all without the risk of overcooking.
- Energy Efficiency: Slow cookers use less energy compared to ovens or stovetops, making them a more sustainable choice for long cooking times.
Customizing the Recipe for Personal Preferences
This ham and potato soup is wonderfully versatile, allowing for a variety of customizations. Depending on your preferences, you can tweak the recipe to suit dietary restrictions or flavor preferences:
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ham with smoked tofu or hearty vegetables like mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly option. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain the depth of flavor.
- Lighter Alternative: Replace heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or a lower-fat option like half-and-half.
- Add More Vegetables: Incorporate additional vegetables such as corn, peas, or green beans to boost the nutritional profile and add extra color.
- Cheesy Twist: Stir in shredded cheddar or Parmesan for a cheesy, indulgent version of this soup.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a few sliced jalapeños for those who love a hint of spice.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your serving experience, pair this soup with complementary sides. Crusty bread or warm dinner rolls are classic accompaniments that help soak up every last drop of the creamy broth. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup. A sprinkle of shredded cheese or chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, can add a finishing touch, enhancing both the flavor and presentation.
Why This Soup is Perfect for Meal Prepping
Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup is an excellent choice for meal prepping. The recipe yields generous servings, and the leftovers reheat beautifully, making it ideal for lunches or dinners throughout the week. Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this soup maintains its quality for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions and reheat them as needed. The flavors deepen as the soup sits, so don’t be surprised if it tastes even better the next day!
Nutritional Value and Health Benefits
This soup is not just about comfort; it’s also packed with nutritional benefits. Potatoes are an excellent source of potassium and dietary fiber, while ham provides protein and essential vitamins like B6 and B12. The addition of vegetables like carrots and celery boosts the fiber content and adds a dose of antioxidants. By using a homemade chicken broth, you can control the sodium levels and ensure a cleaner, healthier dish. For those aiming to reduce calorie intake, the cream can be replaced with a lower-calorie alternative without sacrificing too much of the soup’s signature creaminess.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Proper storage is key to maintaining the flavor and texture of your leftovers. Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. For refrigeration, ensure the containers are sealed tightly to prevent air exposure, which can affect the quality of the soup. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk to restore its creamy consistency if needed. For freezing, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving room for expansion during freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
What sets Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup apart is its balance of simplicity and sophistication. Despite its humble ingredients, the result is a dish that feels luxurious, thanks to the creamy broth and the tender chunks of ham and potatoes. It’s a recipe that can adapt to any occasion, whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or a holiday gathering. The slow cooker does most of the work, freeing you up to focus on other tasks while it fills your home with an irresistible aroma.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup is the epitome of comfort food, combining classic flavors with modern convenience. Its versatility makes it a crowd-pleaser, while its ease of preparation ensures it fits seamlessly into even the busiest of schedules. Whether you’re looking to create a comforting meal for your family, impress guests with a hearty dish, or simply treat yourself to something warm and satisfying, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Add it to your cooking repertoire, and you’ll find yourself turning to it time and again whenever you crave a bowl of something truly special.