There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of creamy soup, especially when it’s packed with tender potatoes, savory ham, and hearty vegetables. This Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup is the perfect dish for chilly days, family dinners, or even meal prepping for the week. The slow cooker does all the hard work, blending flavors to create a rich and velvety soup with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for an easy one-pot meal, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
Why This Recipe Works
Effortless Preparation: The slow cooker allows you to toss in your ingredients and walk away, saving you time and energy.
Rich and Creamy Texture: A combination of mashed potatoes, heavy cream, and sour cream gives this soup its velvety consistency.
Flavorful Ingredients: The addition of cubed ham, chicken broth, and fresh vegetables ensures every spoonful is packed with savory, hearty flavor.
Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your preferences, such as using turkey or bacon instead of ham or adding extra vegetables.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
Ingredients:
8 cups russet potatoes, diced
1 yellow onion, diced
2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup chopped celery
16 ounces cubed ham (2 packages Smithfield Anytime Favorites™ Cubed Ham or similar)
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or whole milk)
1/2 cup sour cream
How to Make Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Add the diced potatoes, onion, carrots, celery, cubed ham, Kosher salt, pepper, and chicken broth to your slow cooker.
Stir to combine the ingredients evenly.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Ingredients
Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. During this time, the vegetables will soften, and the flavors will meld together beautifully.
Step 3: Mash the Potatoes
After cooking, use a potato masher to mash about 1/3 of the potatoes directly in the slow cooker. This step thickens the soup naturally while leaving plenty of chunky pieces for texture.
Step 4: Add Creamy Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, heavy cream (or milk), and sour cream until smooth. Slowly stir this mixture into the soup.
Cover the slow cooker again and cook on high for an additional 15 minutes to allow the soup to thicken.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the warm soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or crispy bacon bits. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the soup with freshly baked bread or buttery biscuits for a complete meal.
Serve alongside a green salad for a lighter accompaniment.
Top each bowl with shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, or fresh parsley for added flavor and texture.
Helpful Tips for Recipe Success
Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe because they break down easily, creating a naturally creamy texture. If you prefer a firmer texture, try using Yukon Gold potatoes instead.
Pre-Chop Vegetables: To save time in the morning, chop your potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion the night before. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to use them.
Don’t Skip the Mashing: Mashing part of the potatoes is key to thickening the soup. For an even creamier texture, use an immersion blender.
Customize the Protein: While ham is traditional, you can swap it out for cooked turkey, shredded chicken, or even sausage.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. If you’re using pre-seasoned ham, you may need less salt.
Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour to suit dietary needs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup can be made in advance and reheated throughout the week. It also freezes well, making it ideal for busy schedules.
Family-Friendly: The mild and creamy flavor appeals to kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s an excellent way to sneak in some extra vegetables.
Affordable Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making this a budget-friendly meal.
Timing Breakdown:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high
Additional Cooking Time: 15 minutes after adding creamy ingredients
Total Time: Approximately 8 hours (including prep)
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup is everything you need for a comforting, satisfying meal with minimal effort. The tender vegetables, savory ham, and creamy broth come together in perfect harmony to create a dish that’s rich, hearty, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re looking for a cozy family dinner, a make-ahead meal for the week, or a recipe to feed a crowd, this soup is guaranteed to hit the spot. So dust off your slow cooker and let it work its magic while you enjoy the enticing aroma of home-cooked goodness filling your kitchen!