Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for chilly days. Packed with tender potatoes, savory ham, and rich cheddar cheese, it’s a quick and satisfying meal for the whole family.

Ingredients

• 2 cups diced peeled potatoes
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup sliced carrot
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup butter, cubed
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups 2% milk
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 cups cubed fully cooked ham
• 1 cup frozen peas

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large saucepan, combine the diced potatoes, water, sliced carrots, and chopped onion. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 10 to 15 minutes.
2. Step 2: In another saucepan, melt the cubed butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour until smooth, then gradually whisk in the milk. Add salt and pepper, and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Continue to cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes.
3. Step 3: Remove the milk mixture from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
4. Step 4: Pour the cheese mixture into the saucepan with the cooked potatoes and vegetables, leaving the liquid. Stir until well combined.
5. Step 5: Add the cubed ham and frozen peas to the soup. Heat through gently until the peas are warm, then serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For a creamier texture, substitute half the milk with half-and-half or heavy cream.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor that complements the ham.
• Use leftover cooked ham or even turkey as a substitute for a different twist.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes before adding the cheese sauce.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of milk if the soup thickens too much upon reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh peas can be used. Add them in the last few minutes of cooking to ensure they stay tender but still vibrant.

Is this soup freezer-friendly?

This soup can be frozen, but cream-based soups sometimes separate when thawed. To freeze, cool the soup completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently, stirring well before serving.

Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.5 from 62 reviews

• Author: Harper
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 7 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This comforting Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup combines tender potatoes, sweet carrots, savory ham, and creamy cheddar cheese in a rich, velvety broth. Perfect for a quick and hearty meal, it cooks in just 30 minutes and serves seven people generously.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables and Liquids

• 2 cups diced peeled potatoes
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup sliced carrot
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 2 cups 2% milk
• 1 cup frozen peas

Dairy and Fats

• 1/4 cup butter, cubed
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Proteins

• 1 1/2 cups cubed fully cooked ham

Pantry Staples

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

---

Instructions

1. Cook the potatoes and carrots: In a large saucepan, combine the diced potatoes, water, sliced carrots, and chopped onion. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 to 15 minutes.
2. Make the roux: In a separate saucepan, melt the cubed butter over medium heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour thoroughly until the mixture turns smooth and forms a paste, ensuring there are no lumps.
3. Add milk and thicken: Gradually whisk in the 2% milk to the butter and flour mixture. Add salt and pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil while stirring continuously, then reduce the heat and cook for approximately two minutes or until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
4. Melt the cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese into the thickened milk mixture until completely melted and smooth.
5. Combine mixtures: Pour the cheese sauce into the large saucepan with the cooked potatoes and vegetables, leaving the liquid in the pan. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
6. Add ham and peas: Fold in the cubed fully cooked ham and frozen peas. Heat through over low heat until the soup is hot and peas are warmed, about 3 to 5 minutes.
7. Serve: Once heated through, ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal.

Notes

• Use fully cooked ham to save time and add rich flavor.
• Adjust salt according to taste, especially since ham and cheese add saltiness.
• For a thicker soup, reduce the water to 1 1/2 cups.
• Substitute cheddar cheese with your preferred melting cheese if desired.
• For a vegetarian option, omit ham and use vegetable broth instead of water, but this will change the flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup, creamy ham soup, potato soup, quick soup recipe, comforting soup, hearty soup