Jump to Recipe Print RecipeOn a frosty evening, there’s nothing quite as inviting as the aroma of simmering soup wafting through the kitchen. My Hearty Yukon Gold Potato and Ham Soup is a delightful embrace of homestyle comfort food that melds tender Yukon potatoes and savory ham in a creamy broth. What I adore most about this recipe is its adaptability—you can easily swap in Russet potatoes for an even creamier texture, or make it vegetarian by omitting the ham. It’s a quick, no-fuss dish that transforms busy weeknights into cozy culinary experiences. Imagine serving this rich, comforting soup with a slice of warm crusty bread; it’s the perfect way to unwind. Are you ready to gather your ingredients and dive into this soul-soothing recipe? Why is Potato and Ham Soup So Appealing? Comforting warmth: There’s nothing quite like a bowl of soup to sweep you into a cozy culinary experience. Adaptable recipe: Easily swap ingredients to suit your taste—try Kielbasa Potato Soup for a twist, or keep it vegetarian. Hearty and satisfying: With tender potatoes and savory ham, this dish guarantees satisfied belly and heart! Quick prep: Perfect for busy evenings, its straightforward preparation means you can indulge in comfort food without the hassle. Crowd-pleaser: Great for family gatherings, this soup is sure to impress your guests, loading their bowls with warmth and flavor! Perfect pairing: Serve with flaky buttermilk biscuits or your choice of crusty bread for the ultimate cozy meal that brings everyone to the table. Potato and Ham Soup Ingredients • Gather these essentials for a delightful homemade experience. For the Soup Base Yukon Gold Potatoes – Offers a creamy texture that’s ideal for this Potato and Ham Soup. Ham – Provides a salty punch and depth of flavor; leftover ham works perfectly too. Carrots – Adds a hint of sweetness and vibrant color; or substitute with parsnips for something different. Onion – Gives a fragrance and foundation to the soup; essential for the best flavor. Celery – Contributes crispness and freshness to every bite; no substitutions needed here. Garlic – Elevates the savory notes; feel free to use garlic powder if fresh isn’t available. For the Broth and Thickening Chicken Broth – Serves as the heart of the soup’s flavor; vegetable broth can be used for a lighter option. Unsalted Butter – Key for creating a smooth roux to thicken the soup; olive oil is a good dairy-free alternative. All-Purpose Flour – Essential for the roux; stick with this ingredient for optimal results. Milk – Makes the soup irresistibly creamy; half-and-half or non-dairy options can be used if desired. For the Finish Cheddar Cheese – Adds richness and a comforting layer of flavor; Gruyère is a great substitute, or leave it out for a dairy-free version. Green Onions – Used for a fresh garnish; optional but adds lovely color to your serving. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Hearty Yukon Gold Potato and Ham Soup Step 1: Sauté Aromatics In a large pot over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and add 1 cup chopped carrots, 1 diced onion, and 1 cup diced celery. Sauté these aromatics for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and fragrant. This foundational step sets the stage for the rich flavors of your Potato and Ham Soup. Step 2: Add Seasonings Once the vegetables are softened, add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the pot. Stir the mixture for an additional minute, letting the spices bloom and coat the vegetables. This will enhance the overall flavor profile of your hearty soup. Step 3: Combine Ingredients Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth, followed by 2 cups of diced ham and 4 cups of cubed Yukon Gold potatoes. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 10 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender but not falling apart. Step 4: Prepare Roux While the soup simmers, whisk together 2 tablespoons of melted butter and ¼ cup of all-purpose flour in a separate bowl until smooth. Gradually add 1 cup of warmed milk to the mixture, whisking continuously to prevent clumps. Microwave this roux for about 1–2 minutes on high until thickened, then stir it into the soup, ensuring a creamy texture. Step 5: Finish Soup Remove the ham bone if used, and shred any remaining meat back into the pot for a hearty touch. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and mix well until melted and beautifully combined. The result is a lavishly creamy consistency that enriches the Potato and Ham Soup, perfect for those chilly nights. Step 6: Serve Ladle your warm, comforting Potato and Ham Soup into bowls, and if desired, top each serving with extra shredded cheese and finely chopped green onions for a burst of freshness. This cozy dish pairs perfectly with crusty bread or flaky biscuits, creating a delightful meal that everyone will love. Make Ahead Options These Hearty Yukon Gold Potato and Ham Soup is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop your vegetables (carrots, onion, celery) and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Additionally, you can cook the soup base without adding the milk and cheese up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen overnight (just remember to refrigerate it in an airtight container). When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the soup, whisk in your roux and warmed milk until thickened, then stir in the cheddar cheese until melted. This way, you’ll enjoy a deliciously creamy soup with minimal effort! Expert Tips for Potato and Ham Soup Choose Potatoes Wisely: Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for a creamy texture. If substituting with Russet potatoes, remember they create a thicker, creamier soup. Sauté Aromatics Thoroughly: Take your time when cooking carrots, onions, and celery; this enhances the soup’s depth of flavor. Don’t rush this step! Perfect Your Roux: Be sure to whisk the melted butter and flour until smooth, and remember to microwave the mixture until thickened. This step is crucial for a non-grainy texture in your Potato and Ham Soup. Use Warm Milk: Adding cold milk to the roux can cause curdling. Always warm it first to achieve a rich, homestyle consistency. Taste and Adjust: Don’t forget to taste your soup before serving! Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to best suit your palate. Garnish for Flavor: Adding freshly chopped green onions or extra cheese on top before serving elevates the dish, giving it an inviting look and enhancing the taste! What to Serve with Hearty Yukon Gold Potato and Ham Soup Imagine a cozy gathering around the dinner table, enjoying warmth and comfort as you savor each flavorful bite. Crusty Bread: The perfect partner for your soup, allowing you to soak up every last drop of that creamy goodness. Flaky Buttermilk Biscuits: Light and buttery, these biscuits add a delightful texture and contrast to the heartiness of your soup. Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing side with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness, bringing brightness to your meal. Roasted Vegetable Medley: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized will elevate the dish, offering a variety of flavors and textures alongside the soup. Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery, and infused with garlic, this classic side is always a hit and enhances the savory notes of your Potato and Ham Soup. Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses and crackers can create an inviting appetizer that warms everyone up before they dive into their bowls. Sparkling Water with Lemon: Crisp and refreshing, this drink is an excellent palate cleanser that will lift the richness of your hearty meal. Apple Crisp: End the meal on a sweet note with warm apple crisp; its warm spices and crumble are the perfect cozy dessert after this comforting soup. Potato and Ham Soup Variations Feel free to get creative with this comforting soup and make it uniquely yours! Dairy-Free: Substitute milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk for a lighter, non-dairy version that still feels creamy. Vegetarian Delight: Omit the ham entirely and use vegetable broth. Add in more root vegetables, like parsnips or turnips, for extra flavor and heartiness. Extra Veggies: Boost the nutrition by incorporating chopped spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for a colorful, healthy twist. Spicy Kick: For those who love a little heat, stir in crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to spice up your comforting bowl. Herb Infusion: Experiment with different fresh herbs! Add sprigs of thyme or rosemary during simmering for a fragrant herbal note that enhances the soup’s depth. Cheesy Goodness: Swap out the cheddar for Gruyère or fontina for a creamier, more sophisticated taste that will have your guests raving. Texture Variation: For heartier bites, reserve some of the potatoes, mash them, and mix them back into the soup to create a unique creamy texture. Savory Add-Ons: Try adding cooked sausage or kielbasa alongside the ham for an extra layer of robust flavor; it pairs beautifully with the potatoes. Continue exploring enticing ways to enjoy your Potato and Ham Soup with suggestions like Kielbasa Potato Soup or go vegetarian by checking out options for delicious alternatives. The best part? It’s all about making this cozy dish your own! How to Store and Freeze Potato and Ham Soup Fridge: Store your Potato and Ham Soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Allow flavors to meld by letting it sit for a day before enjoying leftovers. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Leave space for expansion as the soup may thicken upon freezing. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess. Thawing: For frozen soup, transfer it to the fridge the night before to thaw. Quickly reheat on the stove for a comforting meal reminiscent of home. Potato and Ham Soup Recipe FAQs How do I select the best Yukon Gold potatoes for this soup? Absolutely! Look for Yukon Gold potatoes that are firm, smooth, and free from dark spots or blemishes. They should feel heavy for their size and have a golden hue. If you opt for Russet potatoes instead, make sure they have a similar firmness, though they can be a bit starchier. What’s the best way to store leftover Potato and Ham Soup? Perfect storage is key! You can keep your Potato and Ham Soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If possible, let the soup sit for a day to allow the flavors to meld even better before enjoying the leftovers. Just make sure it’s cooled down before sealing! Can I freeze the Potato and Ham Soup? Yes, you can! To freeze, ladle the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of space at the top for expansion. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop, stirring gently to return the creamy texture. What if my soup is too thick after cooking? Very! If your soup turns out too thick, simply add a splash of warm milk or broth while stirring until it reaches your desired consistency. Just be sure to heat it gently so you don’t change its flavor or texture too much. Is this Potato and Ham Soup gluten-free? Great question! This recipe is not gluten-free as it contains all-purpose flour for the roux. However, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free thickening agent like cornstarch or arrowroot—just mix it with water before adding it to the soup. This way, you can still enjoy the same warm and comforting flavors without the gluten! Creamy Potato and Ham Soup for Cozy Comfort on Chilly Nights Enjoy a hearty Potato and Ham Soup with tender Yukon potatoes and savory ham in a creamy broth, perfect for chilly nights. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 45 minutes mins Servings: 6 bowlsCourse: SoupCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Soup Base4 cups Yukon Gold Potatoes cubed2 cups Ham diced1 cup Carrots chopped1 medium Onion diced1 cup Celery diced3 cloves Garlic mincedFor the Broth and Thickening6 cups Chicken Broth2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter melted¼ cup All-Purpose Flour1 cup Milk warmedFor the Finish1 cup Cheddar Cheese shredded½ cup Green Onions chopped, optional Equipment Large Pot Method Step‑by‑Step InstructionsMelt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat, then add 1 cup chopped carrots, 1 diced onion, and 1 cup diced celery. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until tender and fragrant.Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir for 1 minute.Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth, followed by 2 cups of diced ham and 4 cups of cubed Yukon Gold potatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes.In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons melted butter and ¼ cup all-purpose flour, then add 1 cup warmed milk gradually until smooth. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes until thickened and stir into the soup.Remove the ham bone if used, and shred any remaining meat back into the pot. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and mix until melted.Ladle into bowls and garnish with additional cheese and chopped green onions if desired. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg NotesThis soup can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk if needed for creaminess. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
