Comforting Ham, Potato, and Cheese Soup: A Hearty and Delicious Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s packed with savory flavors and creamy textures. This Ham, Potato, and Cheese Soup is the epitome of comfort food, combining the salty goodness of ham, the earthy heartiness of potatoes, and the melty richness of cheese into a single, satisfying dish. Perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy weekend lunch, this soup is easy to make and sure to please the whole family.

This recipe is more than just a soup; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of meal that evokes memories of home-cooked goodness and simple pleasures. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and rewarding.

## Why You’ll Love This Ham, Potato, and Cheese Soup

* **Hearty and Filling:** This soup is packed with ingredients that will keep you full and satisfied.
* **Easy to Make:** With simple steps and readily available ingredients, this soup comes together quickly.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or seasonings.
* **Perfect for Leftovers:** This soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors meld together beautifully.
* **Family-Friendly:** Kids and adults alike will love the creamy, cheesy goodness of this soup.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather these ingredients:

* **Ham:** 1 pound, diced. Use leftover holiday ham for maximum flavor, or purchase a ham steak from the grocery store. Smoked ham adds a particularly delicious depth of flavor.
* **Potatoes:** 2 pounds, peeled and diced. Russet potatoes are a classic choice for their starchy texture, which helps to thicken the soup. Yukon Gold potatoes are also a great option, offering a slightly creamier texture.
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped. Yellow or white onions work well. They provide a foundational aromatic base for the soup.
* **Celery:** 2 stalks, chopped. Celery adds a subtle savory flavor and a bit of texture.
* **Carrots:** 2 medium, peeled and diced. Carrots contribute sweetness and color to the soup.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced. Garlic adds a pungent aroma and flavor.
* **Chicken Broth:** 6 cups. Chicken broth provides the liquid base for the soup. You can use low-sodium broth to control the salt content.
* **Milk:** 1 cup. Milk adds creaminess to the soup. You can use whole milk, 2% milk, or even half-and-half for a richer texture.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1/2 cup (optional). For an extra creamy soup, add a splash of heavy cream at the end.
* **Cheddar Cheese:** 2 cups, shredded. Sharp cheddar cheese provides the best flavor, but you can use any type of cheddar you prefer. A combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese is also delicious.
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons. Butter adds richness and flavor to the soup.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 2 tablespoons. Flour is used to thicken the soup.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season the soup generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Chopped fresh parsley, green onions, crumbled bacon, sour cream.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large pot or Dutch oven
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Ladle

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Ham, Potato, and Cheese Soup:

**Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables**

Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and carrots and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. The vegetables should become translucent and slightly tender.

**Step 2: Add Garlic and Flour**

Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to create a roux. This will help thicken the soup. Make sure the flour is fully incorporated into the vegetables and butter mixture.

**Step 3: Pour in the Broth**

Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Scraping the bottom of the pot while whisking ensures that no flour sticks and burns.

**Step 4: Add Potatoes and Ham**

Add the diced potatoes and ham to the pot. Stir to combine. Ensure the potatoes are submerged in the broth. If not, add a little more broth or water.

**Step 5: Simmer the Soup**

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Check the potatoes periodically by piercing them with a fork. They should be easily pierced when they are done.

**Step 6: Add Milk and Cheese**

Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth and creamy. If using heavy cream, stir it in at this point as well. Adding the cheese off the heat prevents it from clumping or becoming stringy.

**Step 7: Season and Serve**

Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Be sure to taste the soup before adding salt, as the ham and broth may already be salty enough. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, green onions, crumbled bacon, or sour cream, if desired.

## Tips for the Best Ham, Potato, and Cheese Soup

* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The better the ingredients, the better the soup will taste. Opt for fresh, flavorful ham, good-quality potatoes, and sharp cheddar cheese.
* **Don’t Overcook the Potatoes:** Overcooked potatoes can become mushy and make the soup too thick. Cook them until they are tender but still hold their shape.
* **Grate Your Own Cheese:** Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating your own cheese ensures a creamy, melty texture.
* **Adjust the Thickness:** If the soup is too thick, add more broth or milk. If it’s too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for a few minutes or by adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water).
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of this soup. You can add other vegetables like corn or zucchini to compensate for the lack of ham.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
* **Use an Immersion Blender (Optional):** For an extra creamy soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup before adding the cheese. Be careful not to over-blend, as this can make the soup gluey.
* **Let the Flavors Meld:** This soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors meld together. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

## Variations on Ham, Potato, and Cheese Soup

This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

* **Broccoli Cheddar Ham Soup:** Add chopped broccoli florets to the soup along with the potatoes. The broccoli will add a boost of nutrients and a lovely green color.
* **Spicy Ham and Potato Soup:** Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
* **Ham and Corn Chowder:** Add creamed corn or frozen corn kernels to the soup for a sweeter, more summery flavor.
* **Loaded Baked Potato Soup:** Add crumbled bacon, sour cream, and chopped green onions to the soup for a loaded baked potato-inspired flavor.
* **Cauliflower Ham and Cheese Soup:** Substitute some of the potatoes with cauliflower for a lower-carb option.

## Serving Suggestions

This Ham, Potato, and Cheese Soup is delicious on its own, but it’s also great served with:

* **Crusty Bread:** For dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.
* **Grilled Cheese Sandwich:** A classic pairing that’s perfect for a cold day.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad to balance out the richness of the soup.
* **Crackers:** For a crunchy topping.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

* Calories: Approximately 350-450 per serving
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Saturated Fat: 12-18 grams
* Cholesterol: 80-120 mg
* Sodium: 800-1200 mg
* Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
* Fiber: 3-5 grams
* Protein: 20-25 grams

## Conclusion

This Ham, Potato, and Cheese Soup is a comforting and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its hearty ingredients, creamy texture, and customizable flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a warm bowl of homemade goodness! Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations, this soup is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and warm your soul.

Enjoy!