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Warm up with a hearty Ham and Potato Soup that combines tender potatoes, savory ham, and creamy cheddar cheese. This comforting recipe is easy to prepare, made with wholesome ingredients like Yukon Gold potatoes, fresh veggies, and a medley of flavorful spices. Ideal for family dinners or cozy nights, this dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad. Perfect for meal prep and adaptable to various dietary needs, this soup is a must-try for any season.

Ingredients

2 lbs. Yukon Golden Potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
¼ cup all-purpose flour
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups half-and-half, plus an extra splash
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
1 pinch ground sage
1 bay leaf
2 cups ham, diced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons chives, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Cheese and Potatoes: Shred the cheddar cheese from a block and measure the half-and-half. Allow both to sit at room temperature for optimal melting. Peel and cut the potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Add them to a stockpot and cover with 1 inch of water. Add salt and boil gently for 10 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain, then gently mash the potatoes. Stir in 2 tablespoons butter and a splash of half-and-half. Set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: While the potatoes boil, melt 3 tablespoons butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic, dried thyme, onion powder, and ground sage. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Create the Roux: Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for 1 full minute to cook off the raw flour taste.
Combine Ingredients: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add the bay leaf and gradually stir in the half-and-half. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
Incorporate Potatoes: Stir the mashed potatoes into the soup until fully combined. Remove and discard the bay leaf.
Blend for Creaminess (Optional): Remove the pot from heat and use an immersion blender to blend the soup until creamy. Alternatively, blend in batches using a standard blender. Blending enhances the thickness and texture but is optional.
Add Ham: Stir in the diced ham and let the soup simmer for 10 minutes or until heated through.
Melt the Cheese: Turn off the heat. Gradually sprinkle the shredded cheese over the warm soup base and stir until fully melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chives, and serve immediately.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting and Hearty: This soup is perfect for cold days or when you need a warm, filling meal.
Rich and Creamy: The combination of mashed potatoes, half-and-half, and cheese creates a luxurious texture.
Flavorful Additions: The ham and seasoning blend provide a savory, well-rounded taste.
Easy to Prepare: Straightforward steps make this recipe approachable for any skill level.

Tips

Use Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture and buttery flavor.
Let the cheese and half-and-half reach room temperature for smoother incorporation.
Blend the soup to your desired consistency; fully blending makes it ultra-creamy, while leaving some chunks adds texture.
Taste and adjust seasoning after adding the ham and cheese, as both can be naturally salty.

Variations and Substitutions

Vegetarian Option: Replace ham with roasted vegetables like carrots or broccoli and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Dairy-Free: Substitute half-and-half with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk, and use dairy-free cheese.
Bacon Twist: Swap ham for cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor.
Extra Veggies: Add diced carrots or frozen peas for more color and nutrition.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, prepare the soup without adding the cheese. Reheat gently on the stovetop and stir in the cheese just before serving.

Can I freeze this soup? Potato-based soups don’t always freeze well due to texture changes, but you can freeze it before adding the cheese for better results.

What can I use instead of cheddar cheese? Colby Jack, Gouda, or a sharp white cheddar are great alternatives.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls for dipping.
Pair with a fresh side salad to balance the richness of the soup.
Add a sprinkle of crispy bacon or extra cheese on top for an indulgent finish.

Suggestions

Perfect for meal prep: Make a large batch and store leftovers for easy lunches.
Great for gatherings: Double the recipe to feed a crowd.
Kid-friendly: Serve with crackers or breadsticks for dipping.