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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Melt the cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese into the thickened milk mixture until completely melted and smooth.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
