This Ham and Potato Soup is one of those comforting dinners that comes together with simple ingredients but tastes like it simmered all day. Tender potatoes, savory ham, and a creamy cheese-filled broth make this soup a family favorite that’s perfect for chilly nights.
What we love most about this recipe is how hearty and filling it is while still being incredibly simple to make. This is a great recipe for using leftover ham after the holidays, but it’s easy enough to make any night of the year.
For more soup favs, be sure to check out our: Potato Soup, Broccoli Cheese Soup, Chicken Noodle Soup, and Corn Chowder.
Why you’ll love it + Why it works:
- Great Use for Leftovers: This recipe transforms leftover ham into a hearty meal the whole family will enjoy.
- Easy Weeknight Dinner: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this soup perfect for busy evenings.
- Tender Potatoes: Simmering the potatoes in broth gives them plenty of flavor while keeping them perfectly tender.
- Homemade Cream Base: The butter, flour, and milk create a smooth, rich soup without any canned ingredients.
Ham and Potato Soup Ingredients
- Potatoes (4 medium, peeled and diced): Creates the hearty base of the soup and become soft and tender as they cook. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes both work well.
- Ham (12 ounces, cooked and cubed): Adds savory flavor and protein. This is a great way to use leftover holiday ham. Use Crockpot Ham, leftover holiday Honey Glazed Ham, a package of cooked diced ham, or try smoked sausage.
- Chicken Broth (3 cups): Provides the main cooking liquid and adds rich flavor throughout the soup.
- Garlic Salt with Parsley Flakes (½ teaspoon): Seasons the soup and adds a mild garlic flavor that complements the ham and potatoes.
- Pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a little warmth and balances the creamy richness.
- Butter (5 tablespoons): Forms the base of the roux and contributes rich flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour (5 tablespoons): Thickens the soup and creates the creamy texture. See how to Make a Roux.
- Milk (2½ cups): Creates a smooth, creamy broth without making the soup overly heavy. Whole milk provides the richest flavor, but 2% milk works too.
- Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Adds cheesy flavor and richness. Sharp cheddar gives the soup extra flavor, but mild cheddar works well too.
- Scallions (for garnish): Adds fresh flavor and a pop of color right before serving. For a little extra, add sour cream, green onions, chives, Bacon in the Oven, or more cheese.
How to Make Ham and Potato Soup
COMBINE. Combine potatoes, ham, and broth in a large pot.
Bring to a boil, then cook on medium heat for 10-15 minutes (or when potatoes are tender).
Add chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Mix.
ROUX. In another pan, melt butter on medium heat. Whisk in flour and stir constantly for about 1 minute.
Slowly add milk and continue whisking until sauce thickens (about 3-4 minutes).
Add the milk mixture to your pot and cook the soup until heated.
SERVE. Add cheese right before serving. Top with scallions, fresh cracked pepper, and extra cheese. Serve this ham and potato and cheese soup immediately.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- Dice the potatoes into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the smoothest melt and best flavor.
- Whisk constantly while adding the milk to prevent lumps in the cream sauce.
- Avoid boiling the soup after adding the cheese to keep the texture smooth and creamy.
- Add carrots, celery, or broccoli. Chop them and sauté them in a pan with olive oil until slightly soft, but still have a crunch.
Ham and Potato Soup Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 12 ounces ham, cooked and cubed
- 3 cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt (with parsley flakes)
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2½ cups milk
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- scallions, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine potatoes, ham, and broth in a large pot.
- Bring to a boil, then cook on medium heat for 10-15 minutes (or when potatoes are tender).
- Add chicken broth, salt and pepper. Mix.
- In another pan, melt butter on medium heat. Whisk in flour and stir constantly for about 1 minute. Slowly add milk and continue whisking until sauce thickens (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the milk mixture to your pot and cook the soup until heated.
- Add cheese right before serving. Top with scallions and extra cheese if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Dice the potatoes into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the smoothest melt and best flavor.
- Whisk constantly while adding the milk to prevent lumps in the cream sauce.
- Avoid boiling the soup after adding the cheese to keep the texture smooth and creamy.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Follow the recipe but undercook the potatoes a bit, and do not add the shredded cheese. Allow the soup to cool before storing it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating slowly over low heat. Add cheese before serving.
Store leftover soup in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat very gradually over low heat, stirring frequently.
Complete The Meal
Side Dishes
Sweet Cornbread
40 mins
Garlic Bread Recipe
20 mins
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
40 mins
Wedge Salad
4 hrs 15 mins
Desserts
Apple Pie Recipe
3 hrs 45 mins
Moist Sour Cream Chocolate Cake
1 hr 5 mins
Jello Cheesecake
6 hrs 30 mins
Easy Bread Pudding Recipe
1 hr 10 mins
Potato Soups
Baked Potato Soup
40 mins
Potato Bacon Soup
40 mins
Cheesy Potato Soup
3 hrs 5 mins
Broccoli Cheddar Potato Soup
45 mins
Collections
This recipe was originally published September 2015.
Recipe adapted from All Recipes.
Thanks for a delicious recipe
This was sooooo good!!! I can’t this enough, it tasted like what I’d order at a restaurant! Thank you for the recipe!
It was changed to 4 cups chicken broth
It says add chicken bouillon cubes in the directions but I don’t see them in the ingredient list. How many? Thanks!
I used the basic recipe with a few changes. 1tsp celery seed. Did not use any salt. As ham has salt in it. 4 Oz velveeta cheese. Used flour with my onions and ham and I put more flour in the milk to make the soup thicker. That is all the changes. I also chopped my carrots. My husband otherwise won’t eat them. Excellent soup.
The best recipe ever! Hubby and I each had two delicious bowls before we couldn’t eat any more due to filled bellies. We used leftover Easter Ham and used the ham bone broth instead of chicken.
Such a great way to use that leftover ham. Thanks for sharing and I’m so glad you enjoyed the soup!
Always a hit with my family!
Yum such a delicious recipe. I want to make this again the week it is soup weather around here!
This recipe is awesome! I have made it 2 times and it’s always delicious. This is better than any restaurant I’ve tried! Thank you so much.
Potato soup is a favorite our house, and my whole family LOVED the additions of ham and cheese in this one! So hearty, filling, and perfect for lunch or dinner on cold days!
Excellent soup.
This recipe is a keeper! Delicious, thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome!! So glad you enjoyed the soup!
My family loves the recipe! We had another cheesy ham and potatoe soup we used for years but have bow switched to this one. So quick and easy. We are a family of 6, we double the recipe and have a little left over.
Any soup with chunks of potatoes is the best! The ham is a great option & adds delicious flavor!
Soups are a staple in the fall and winter for us. They are so simple to throw together. This soup is going to be one that will be made over and over. The kids LOVED it!
Best recipe ever! This is delish! And super easy to make!! Thank you
You are so welcome!! Glad you liked it! It’s one of our favs!
I used ham broth instead of chicken bouillon, dried onion flakes, threw in some tasty corn, garnished with fresh parsley. Good way to use leftover Christmas ham and broth! Made a big pot and will freeze leftovers.
Sounds great!! Thank you for sharing that!
Could this be made in a crockpot?
I have not done this specific recipe in the crock pot, but you sure could. Here is also a link for a crock pot version, you can just add the ham…https://lilluna.com/cheesy-potato-soup/
Looks. Good
Thank you so much!!
I am just in love with this soup…i often try it on week ends.
That makes me happy to hear! It’s a good one 🙂 Thank you!
i never tries soups in general but this seems like a good one and a definite try at least once
It is!! I Hope you try it soon & like it!! Thank you 🙂
Just want to say that yesterday i tried potato soup and it was actually amazing.
I am so glad you think so! Thank you for sharing that!
Very delicious soup! I added gouda. Have you frozen with success?
Great idea!! I have not tried freezing, but I would think it should be ok 🙂
We love soups. Especially ones that take no effort. Soups are designed to trow in a crockpot and leave. Great for a cold winter night.
i TRIED THIS soup tonight and loved it! Lots of flavor. Can’t wait for leftovers tomorrow!
I am so glad you liked it! Thank you so much for sharing that!
This soup was fantastic!! I love the pieces of ham & potato chunks!! It was filling & my family loved it!!
This is MY kind of soup. Creamy and cheesy and easy to put together. Thanks for another simple recipe that tastes great!
This soup was so creamy. My kids who normally don’t like soup ate it right up.
Your site has quickly become one of my favorite places to find new, easy and most importantly yummy recipes.
I made this for my son and he absolutely loved the soup.
Yay!! I am glad he did! Thank you for letting me know!
Wow this soup looks so thick and creamy. Just how I like them. I need to start cooking some soups soon!
Oh, it is 🙂 I can’t wait for soup season!! Thank you!
Love,love your website, so happy I found you. Signed up for your emails. Making your Tomato soup Sat for a gathering at friends house.
Yay!! I am so glad!! Thank you so much & I hope you like what you try 🙂
made this soup tonight & my husband & i give it 5 ⭐️‼️
Woohoo!! Thank you so much!
awsome soup, looks tasty
It is super tasty 🙂 I’d love for you to try it! Thank you!
Wow.
I asked the hubby which one he liked better and he couldn’t decide since they are both so good!
They are!! Thank you for letting me know!
Look it very delicious! I like it! I will make it follow instrction in your post. Thanks your post!
– google mail
You are welcome!! Thank you! Let me know what you think 🙂
Thanks for the recipe! I added to it by sautéing onions and garlic with the cubed ham before adding potatoes and water. I also used about a cup of stock instead of bullion just because I didn’t have any on hand. Cooked a little longer than recommended for the consistency I wanted, but followed everything else you have here.
Yum!
Those sound perfect!! Thanks for sharing those changes! I’m so glad that you liked it 🙂
So you do not drain off the water used to boil potato and ham, right?
No, potatoes will absorb most. Hope that helps!!
Good, hearty soup. I used ham broth instead of chicken bouillon, dried onion flakes, threw in some tasty corn, garnished with fresh parsley. Good way to use leftover Christmas ham and broth! Made a big pot and will freeze leftovers.
I did the same thing with the ham broth. I added some red pepper and threw in a bay leaf.
Made this with the leftover Christmas ham and it was a HUGE HIT!! Made a huge batch and froze what was left, added corn to half of it for a little added treat 🙂 So simple and so yummy. Thank you!
I love this soup recipe. It looks absolutely perfect.
Ham, cheese, potatoes! I am all about this soup. No wonder it’s a hit at your house!
You really can’t go wrong with ham, cheese and potatoes. 😉
As the weather starts to cool down, I begin craving nothing by soups! Yes, that photo totally makes me hungry!
I’m right there with you! Still waiting for it to col down in Houston!
Wow this soup looks so thick and creamy. Just how I like them. I need to start cooking some soups soon!
You mention bullion cubes in the directions but not in the ingredients. How many?
We love soup too – especially when it looks like this! Comfort food at it’s best!
For sure!! 😀
My family is also a soup family! This is going into my rotation for sure!
Aren’t soups the best?! Thanks for stopping by!
Well, then, I’m about to join you Luna’s for din din!! 😀 The soup looks fantastic!
Thanks, Katerina!!
You can do it!! Let me know how it turns out! 🙂