Warm up with this comforting Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup, featuring tender potatoes, savory ham, and a rich, creamy cheese base. This hearty dish is perfect for chilly days and can brighten up any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or just need a cozy meal on a weeknight, this soup stands out for its delightful flavors and ease of preparation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting Delight: The creamy texture combined with the savory ham creates a warm hug in a bowl.
- Quick Preparation: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this soup ready to serve in no time.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cheesy goodness, making it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a main dish or pair it with bread for a complete meal.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
To make the Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup efficiently, having the right tools is essential.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Immersion blender (or regular blender)
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: This is crucial for cooking your ingredients evenly and ensuring enough space to combine everything without spilling.
- Immersion blender: It allows you to blend the soup right in the pot, saving time on cleaning up extra dishes.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1 pound potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For Flavoring
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
For Creaminess
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
How to Make Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Add Broth and Potatoes
Pour in the chicken broth. Then add the diced potatoes, ham, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
Step 3: Blend the Soup
Using an immersion blender, carefully blend part of the soup for a creamier texture. Alternatively, transfer a portion of the soup to a blender. Pulse until smooth before returning it to the pot.
Step 4: Stir in Cream and Cheese
Add the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese to the pot. Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a creamy consistency.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle your delicious Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving hot. Enjoy this cheesy delight with family or friends!
How to Serve Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup
This Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup is not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this comforting dish, ensuring everyone at the table finds their perfect pairing.
Add a Crusty Bread
- A warm, crusty baguette or sourdough bread is perfect for dipping into the soup, soaking up all the cheesy goodness.
Top with Green Onions
- Chopped green onions add a fresh crunch and a bit of color that enhances the presentation and flavor.
Pair with a Simple Salad
- A light garden salad with vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup, providing a refreshing contrast.
Include Crackers or Breadsticks
- Crunchy crackers or breadsticks offer a delightful texture alongside each spoonful of creamy soup.
Serve in a Bread Bowl
- For a fun twist, serve your soup in hollowed-out bread bowls that make for an edible container and add extra flavor.
Garnish with Extra Cheese
- Sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top before serving for an extra cheesy experience, melting it slightly under the broiler if desired.
How to Perfect Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup
Creating the ideal Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup involves attention to detail. Follow these tips for the best results every time you make this dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes, ham, and vegetables will enhance flavor and texture, making your soup taste homemade.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go! Feel free to adjust salt, pepper, or herbs like thyme according to your preference for a personalized touch.
- Blend Carefully: If using an immersion blender, blend just enough to achieve your desired creaminess without losing all texture.
- Choose Quality Cheese: Opt for high-quality cheddar cheese for richer flavor; sharp cheddar works particularly well in this recipe.
- Simmer Longer for Flavor: Allowing the soup to simmer longer can deepen flavors as ingredients meld together beautifully.
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain creaminess.
Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that complement its flavors perfectly.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing that adds warmth and texture; use different cheeses for variety.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the rich soup while adding bold flavors.
- Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine lettuce and tangy dressing provide a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add nutrition and vibrant colors to your meal; try carrots, zucchini, or broccoli.
- Stuffed Peppers: These hearty options can be filled with grains or meats to create a filling side that’s also visually appealing.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful sweetness that pairs well with savory soups like this one.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect its taste and texture. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Using cold ingredients: Ensure your heavy cream and cheese are at room temperature to help them melt smoothly into the soup.
- Overcooking the vegetables: Sauté the onions, carrots, and celery just until softened. Overcooking can lead to mushy vegetables.
- Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Always taste your soup before serving. You might need additional salt or pepper to enhance flavors.
- Not blending enough: For a creamier soup, blend part of the mixture well. This adds richness while still keeping some texture in the final dish.
- Skipping garnishes: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also freshness to each bowl.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for storage.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the soup in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, adding a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup?
Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup is a comforting dish made from tender potatoes, savory ham, creamy cheese, and various vegetables. It’s perfect for chilly days!
Can I customize my Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup?
Absolutely! You can add different vegetables like broccoli or corn, or swap out ham for turkey or chicken for variations.
How do I store leftover Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup makes an excellent meal prep option as it’s easy to store and reheat throughout the week.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Definitely! You can prepare Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup ahead of time. Just reheat before serving for best flavor.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that brings warmth to any table. Its creamy texture combined with hearty ingredients makes it perfect for family meals or cozy nights in. Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite veggies or proteins to suit your taste!
Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 6 people 1x
Description
Warm up with our delightful Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup, a bowl of comfort that features tender potatoes, savory ham, and a rich, creamy cheese base. This hearty soup is perfect for chilly days and family gatherings alike. With its quick preparation time, it’s an ideal weeknight meal that promises to satisfy everyone at the table. Serve it as a stand-alone dish or pair it with crusty bread for an unforgettable experience.
Ingredients
- 1 pound potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in olive oil for about 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add potatoes, ham, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Blend part of the soup using an immersion blender for a creamier texture or transfer some to a regular blender.
- Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 350g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 960mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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