Creamy Potato and Ham Soup Recipe

Is there anything more frustrating than making a meal, only to have your kids push their plates away? I feel you. We’ve all been there, staring at a full bowl of lovingly made food that’s about to be declared “yucky.”

That’s why I’m so excited to share this recipe for Creamy Potato and Ham Soup with you. It’s my secret weapon for those chilly nights when I need a guaranteed win. It’s warm, comforting, and has a magic way of making even the most skeptical little eater ask for seconds. If you’re looking for other cozy potato soup ideas, you must try this ultimate creamy potato soup recipe.

This isn’t a fancy, complicated dish. It’s a hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of hearty soup that fills up hungry bellies and makes the kitchen smell amazing. Best of all, it’s packed with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. Let’s make dinner stress-free again.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: American
• Category: Soup
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 6

Why Even My Picky Eaters Love This!

I’ve learned a thing or two about what gets a “thumbs up” from my crew. This soup checks all the boxes. First, it’s creamy and smooth. Textures can be a big hurdle, and the velvety base of this soup just slides right down.

Second, the flavors are gentle and familiar. The potatoes are soft and mild, and the ham adds a savory, salty note that kids recognize. There are no weird spices or unexpected chunks to surprise them. It’s pure, simple, delicious winter comfort food.

Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List

See? Nothing scary here! This is all pantry and fridge basics. You can even use up leftover holiday ham.

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium is great for controlling salt)
• 4 cups peeled and diced russet potatoes (about 3 large potatoes)
• 2 cups diced cooked ham
• 1 cup frozen corn (no need to thaw)
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste (go easy, the ham and broth add salt!)

How to Get the Kids Involved in Cooking This

Getting them involved is my number one trick for building excitement about a meal. When they help make it, they’re way more likely to try it!

For little hands, give them the important job of shredding the cheese. A box grater on a stable surface works perfectly (with close supervision, of course!). Older kids can safely peel the potatoes with a vegetable peeler or carefully dice the pre-peeled potatoes with a kid-safe knife.

The Full Step-by-Step Instructions

Don’t let the steps fool you—this comes together so quickly. It’s a true weeknight hero.

Recipe

Creamy Potato and Ham Soup Recipe

Make Creamy Potato and Ham Soup Recipe with simple ingredients and clear steps. Prep, cook, and enjoy—perfect for cozy evenings.

Author: Jennifer McDonallds

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 40 min

Serves: - 4 + bites

★ Rate 🖨 Print

Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium is great for controlling salt)
• 4 cups peeled and diced russet potatoes (about 3 large potatoes)
• 2 cups diced cooked ham
• 1 cup frozen corn (no need to thaw)
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste (go easy, the ham and broth add salt!)

The Full Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

2

Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until it’s soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

3

Sprinkle the flour over the onions and butter. Whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes. This makes your roux, which will thicken the soup beautifully.

4

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously. This prevents lumps! Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

5

Add the diced potatoes and ham to the pot. Bring back to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender when poked with a fork.

6

Stir in the frozen corn and milk. Warm the soup through for another 5 minutes, but don’t let it boil hard once the milk is added.

7

Turn off the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and black pepper until the cheese is completely melted. Give it a taste and add a pinch of salt only if you think it needs it.

8

Ladle into bowls and serve immediately. We love ours with a little extra cheese on top and some crusty bread for dipping.

Notes

Enjoy your homemade Creamy Potato and Ham Soup Recipe!

Nutrition Information

This is a hearty and filling meal all on its own.:

Potatoes provide vitamin C and potassium.:

Ham adds protein to keep everyone full.:

Using low-sodium broth helps you control the salt level.:

You can swap whole milk for 2% if you prefer.:

Did You Make This?

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1. Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until it’s soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and butter. Whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes. This makes your roux, which will thicken the soup beautifully.
4. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously. This prevents lumps! Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Add the diced potatoes and ham to the pot. Bring back to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender when poked with a fork.
6. Stir in the frozen corn and milk. Warm the soup through for another 5 minutes, but don’t let it boil hard once the milk is added.
7. Turn off the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and black pepper until the cheese is completely melted. Give it a taste and add a pinch of salt only if you think it needs it.
8. Ladle into bowls and serve immediately. We love ours with a little extra cheese on top and some crusty bread for dipping.

Fun Twists for Different Tastes

Every family is different. Here’s how to make this soup work for your table’s unique tastes.

Got a super sensitive eater? Serve the soup as-is for most of the family, but for that one child, you can blend a portion until it’s completely smooth. You can also serve the cheese on the side as a topping they can add themselves.

Want to boost the veggies? Stir in a handful of fresh spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking. It wilts right down. For the adults, a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of crispy bacon on top is a fantastic upgrade. For a dairy-free alternative that doesn’t skimp on creaminess, our vegan potato soup recipe is a must-try.

Storing & Reheating (Perfect for Busy Nights)

This soup is a lifesaver for meal prep! Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for 3-4 days.

Reheat it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth as it thickens when chilled. I don’t recommend freezing the soup with the milk and cheese base, as it can separate when thawed.

Nutrition Notes

• This is a hearty and filling meal all on its own.
• Potatoes provide vitamin C and potassium.
• Ham adds protein to keep everyone full.
• Using low-sodium broth helps you control the salt level.
• You can swap whole milk for 2% if you prefer.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Sauté the onions and make the roux on the stove first for the best flavor. Then, transfer everything except the milk and cheese to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4. Stir in the milk and cheese during the last 30 minutes.

My soup is too thick! How do I thin it out?

No problem at all! Just whisk in a little extra chicken broth or milk until it reaches your perfect, spoonable consistency. Soups often thicken as they sit.

What can I use instead of ham?

Diced cooked chicken is a great substitute. For a vegetarian version, leave out the ham, use vegetable broth, and add a can of drained white beans for protein.

I really hope this recipe brings as much peace and warmth to your dinner table as it has to ours. It’s proof that a simple, cozy meal can be the highlight of a busy day. If you love the flavor of roasted garlic, you’ll adore our creamy roasted garlic and herb potato soup for your next soup night.

I’d love to know if this was a hit with your family! Did your picky eater take a bite? What fun twists did you try? Please leave a comment and rating below!