This Crock Pot Creamy Potato and Ham Soup is a true winter warmer, bursting with rich flavors and hearty ingredients. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for transforming leftover ham into a delicious, satisfying meal!
Indulge in a Deliciously Creamy Crock Pot Soup
There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of homemade soup to bring warmth and comfort to your home, especially on a chilly evening. Our Crock Pot Creamy Potato and Ham Soup recipe delivers exactly that: a robust, stick-to-your-ribs meal that’s both incredibly flavorful and wonderfully easy to prepare. This isn’t just an appetizer; it’s a wholesome, standalone dish designed to satisfy even the heartiest appetites. It’s the perfect way to utilize any leftover holiday ham, transforming it into something truly special. The magic of the slow cooker allows the ham to gradually infuse its smoky, savory goodness into the broth, creating an incredibly rich and complex flavor profile that develops beautifully over several hours.
Imagine coming home after a long day to the enticing aroma of a savory, creamy soup simmering gently in your slow cooker. This recipe makes it a reality. Packed with tender potatoes, savory ham, sweet carrots, and fragrant herbs, all swimming in a luxuriously creamy broth, it’s a dish that promises pure comfort. Serve it alongside a generous slice of warm, crusty bread – perhaps a baguette or a rustic sourdough – to soak up every last drop of the delectable broth. It’s an ideal dinner choice for those crisp autumn nights or cold winter days when you crave something truly warming and deeply nourishing. This soup isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that brings coziness and joy to your table with minimal effort.
Why Choose the Slow Cooker for This Soup?
The slow cooker, or Crock-Pot, is an indispensable tool for crafting this creamy potato and ham soup. Its low-and-slow cooking method is perfectly suited for developing deep flavors and achieving tender textures. Here’s why it’s the ideal choice:
- **Flavor Infusion:** As the ham, potatoes, and vegetables gently simmer for hours, their flavors meld together harmoniously. The ham has ample time to release its savory notes into the broth, creating a more robust and complex soup than quicker cooking methods.
- **Set-It-and-Forget-It Convenience:** This recipe epitomizes hands-off cooking. After a minimal amount of prep work in the morning, you can leave the slow cooker to do its magic throughout the day, returning home to a fully cooked, delicious meal.
- **Consistent Texture:** Slow cooking ensures that the potatoes become incredibly tender without turning mushy, and the ham remains succulent. The gradual heat allows for even cooking, resulting in a consistent, appealing texture in every spoonful.
- **Perfect for Busy Schedules:** Whether you’re juggling work, errands, or family activities, a slow cooker meal simplifies dinner. It eliminates the rush of last-minute cooking, allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal without the stress.
- **Keeps Warm Effortlessly:** Once cooked, your slow cooker can keep the soup warm for extended periods, making it perfect for varying dinner times or for serving at gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
While instant potato flakes are a fantastic way to thicken this soup and boost its potato flavor, they are not strictly necessary. If you prefer to omit them, you will need an alternative thickener to achieve that desired creamy consistency. A cornstarch slurry is an excellent substitute: simply whisk together 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking, turning the heat to high until the soup visibly thickens to your preference. Other options include mashing more of the cooked potatoes directly into the soup or creating a roux with butter and flour before adding it to the mixture, though this would typically be done on the stovetop.
If you don’t have diced ham on hand, or simply want to try a variation, there are several delicious alternatives. Diced cooked rotisserie chicken is a popular choice and adds a different, yet equally comforting, flavor. You could also add a couple of raw chicken breasts to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients; once cooked, remove them, shred or dice them, and return them to the soup. Smoked turkey, either diced from a roast or using smoked turkey sausage, would also provide a wonderful smoky depth. For a vegetarian option, consider adding smoked paprika and a dash of liquid smoke to the broth, along with some extra vegetables like mushrooms or hearty beans, to mimic the savory depth of ham.
Absolutely! This soup is perfect for meal prepping and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Once cooked, allow the soup to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or use the microwave for individual portions. If the soup has thickened too much after refrigeration, simply add a splash of chicken broth or milk (or even a little more heavy cream) to achieve your desired consistency while reheating. Avoid boiling the soup vigorously during reheating to prevent the cream from separating.
Enhance your Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup with a variety of delicious toppings and sides. For toppings, consider a sprinkle of shredded sharp cheddar or Gruyère cheese, crispy bacon bits for an extra smoky crunch, freshly chopped green onions or chives for a mild oniony zest, or a generous dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy creaminess. A sprinkle of fresh parsley also adds a pop of color and freshness. As for sides, warm crusty bread – such as a French baguette, artisan loaf, or even simple dinner rolls – is essential for soaking up the rich broth. Other excellent pairings include a few pieces of homemade Skillet Cornbread, buttery Garlic Bread, or a light and refreshing green salad with a simple vinaigrette to balance the soup’s richness. These complementary elements elevate the meal, making it truly satisfying.
Yes, this soup can certainly be adapted for stovetop cooking if you’re short on time or prefer that method. You’ll begin by prepping all your ingredients as you would for the slow cooker version – dicing potatoes, ham, carrots, and onions. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, sauté the diced ham, onions, and carrots with a tablespoon of olive oil until the vegetables are softened and the ham is slightly browned. Add the potatoes, chicken broth, and seasonings (parsley, thyme, black pepper). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 30-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Once cooked, remove about 4 cups of potatoes, mash them, and return them to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream. Then, slowly whisk in the instant potato flakes (or your chosen thickener) until the soup reaches your desired consistency. Continue to simmer gently for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen and the soup to fully thicken. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Proper storage is key to enjoying your leftover Slow Cooker Potato and Ham Soup. Once the soup has cooled down to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. It can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, this soup also freezes exceptionally well. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little headspace for expansion. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Freezing and thawing may slightly alter the texture of the potatoes or cream, but a good stir and a splash of milk or broth can often restore its original creaminess.
Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Batch
Crafting this hearty and delicious soup requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the soup’s incredible depth of flavor and creamy texture. Below is a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each element is important:
- Baby Potatoes: These small, tender potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well during the long cooking process and absorb flavors beautifully. While baby potatoes are preferred, you can easily swap them for Russet potatoes, which break down slightly to contribute to the soup’s creamy body. Avoid waxy varieties like red potatoes, as they tend not to absorb flavors as effectively and can result in a less cohesive texture.
- Small Smoked Ham: The star of the show! The smoked ham is essential for imparting a deep, savory, and smoky flavor that permeates the entire soup. This recipe is fantastic for using up leftover holiday ham, but if you don’t have any, simply purchase a small smoked ham (like a ham steak or a picnic shoulder) and dice it into bite-sized pieces. The slow cooking process allows the ham to release all its delicious juices and aromas, making the broth incredibly rich.
- Carrot and Onion: These aromatic vegetables form the foundational flavor base, adding a subtle sweetness and earthy depth. They soften beautifully in the slow cooker, contributing to both the taste and texture of the soup. For an even more complex aromatic profile, you could also add a cup of diced celery.
- Dried Parsley: While optional, dried parsley adds a lovely touch of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the overall flavor of the soup. If you have fresh parsley, a sprinkle at the end of cooking would be even more vibrant.
- Dried Thyme: Thyme is one of my favorite herbs for soups, and it truly shines in this recipe. Its earthy, slightly minty, and subtly floral notes complement the ham and potatoes perfectly without overpowering the other ingredients. It’s a must-have for that classic, comforting soup flavor.
- Chicken Broth: This liquid base is crucial for carrying and amplifying all the flavors. Using chicken broth adds another layer of savory richness to the soup. If you’re mindful of sodium intake, feel free to opt for a low or no-sodium chicken broth. For an even more homemade touch, you could try making your own Homemade Chicken Broth.
- Heavy Cream: The heavy cream is what gives this soup its signature luscious, velvety texture and rich mouthfeel. It adds a decadent quality that transforms the broth into a creamy dream. While you could technically use milk as a substitute, it won’t yield the same level of thickness or opulent creaminess.
- Instant Potato Flakes: These flakes are a secret weapon for achieving the perfect thick, hearty consistency in your soup, while also enhancing the potato flavor. They quickly absorb liquid and swell, providing a wonderful body without the need for a flour-based roux. If you’re looking for alternatives or don’t have them on hand, please refer to the “Frequently Asked Questions” section above for other thickening suggestions.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the soup to perfection. Remember to taste and adjust at the end, as the saltiness from the ham and broth can vary.
Crafting Your Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making this incredible Crock Pot Creamy Potato and Ham Soup is remarkably simple, allowing the slow cooker to do most of the hard work. Follow these easy steps to achieve a rich, comforting meal:
Step 1: Layer Your Ingredients
Begin by preparing your slow cooker. For this recipe, a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker is ideal. Carefully add the cubed potatoes to the bottom of the pot, creating an even layer. Next, distribute the diced ham over the potatoes. Follow this with the diced onions and carrots, ensuring they are spread out amongst the other ingredients. Finally, sprinkle the dried parsley, dried thyme, and black pepper evenly over the mixture. Pour the chicken broth over all the ingredients. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything and ensure the seasonings are distributed throughout the liquid.
Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection
Once all ingredients are in the slow cooker, secure the lid firmly. Set your slow cooker to the “low” setting and allow it to cook undisturbed for 6-8 hours. The longer cooking time on low heat is crucial for developing deep flavors and ensuring the potatoes become incredibly tender. After the initial cooking period, carefully remove the lid. Take out approximately 4 cups of the cooked potatoes and place them in a separate bowl. Using a potato masher, thoroughly mash these potatoes until smooth, then return them to the slow cooker. This step adds body and creaminess to the soup. Next, pour in the heavy cream. This is where the soup begins to transform into its signature creamy consistency. For an extra boost of thickness and potato flavor, slowly sprinkle in 1 cup of instant potato flakes, stirring continuously until well combined. The flakes will quickly absorb liquid and swell, thickening the soup beautifully. You might not need the full cup, depending on your preferred thickness, so add gradually and stir well after each addition.
Step 3: Final Simmer and Serve
After incorporating the mashed potatoes, heavy cream, and instant potato flakes, replace the lid on your slow cooker. Allow the soup to cook on low for an additional 15 minutes. This final simmer ensures all the newly added ingredients are heated through and the flavors have fully melded. Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding salt and extra black pepper to your preference. This delicious, creamy ham and potato soup is best served warm, ideally with a fresh, crusty loaf of bread for dipping. This recipe yields approximately 12 generous (1-cup) servings, making it perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Enjoy this hearty, homemade comfort in a bowl!
Craving More Delicious Recipes?
If you’ve enjoyed this hearty slow cooker soup, you’ll love exploring other comforting and easy-to-make dishes. Here are some more recipes to inspire your next culinary adventure:
- Crock Pot Creamy Tuscan Soup
- Crock Pot Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Crock Pot Leek and Potato Soup
- White Bean Soup with Ham
- Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew
- Crock Pot Taco Soup
- Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Crock Pot Meatball Tortellini Soup
- Crock Pot Ham Mac and Cheese
- Crock Pot Salisbury Steak
- Crock Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
- Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken
- Crock Pot Meatloaf
- Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs
- 10 Crock Pot Mississippi Recipes
Originally published: September 2015
Updated photos and republished: October 2024
Crock Pot Creamy Potato and Ham Soup
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Ingredients
- 3 pounds little potatoes, cut into quarters (about 6-7 cups)
- 3 cups diced ham
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 6 cups chicken broth (can use low or no sodium)
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup instant potato flakes
- salt (to taste)
Instructions
- In a 6 qt (or larger) slow cooker, add in 3 pounds little potatoes, cut into quarters, 3 cups diced ham, 1 large carrot, diced and 1 medium onion, diced.
- Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons dried parsley, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Pour 6 cups chicken broth over mixture.
- Cover slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Then take out about half of the cooked potatoes and mash them up.
- Put the mashed potatoes back into the slow cooker.
- Pour in 1 1/2 cups heavy cream. Stir well.
- Slowly add in 1 cup instant potato flakes, a little at a time, and stir until it’s reached your desired consistency (you may not use the full cup, it just depends on how thick you want the soup).
- Put the lid back on and cook on low for another 15 minutes. Taste and add salt (to taste).
Notes
- Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 27g |
Protein: 9g |
Fat: 12g |
Sodium: 829mg |
Fiber: 3g |
Sugar: 2g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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