If you are looking for a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender chunks of smoky ham, creamy potatoes, and a blend of fresh vegetables all slow-cooked to perfection. The rich flavors meld together beautifully over hours, making it an effortless dish that delivers maximum taste with minimal hands-on time. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a casual family dinner, this soup promises to satisfy your cravings and bring everyone back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this rich and flavorful soup. Each component plays a special role, from the aromatic vegetables to the smoky ham and velvety potatoes, building layers of flavor and texture that will delight your taste buds.
- 1 large carrot (chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
- 2 sticks celery (chopped): Provides a refreshing crunch and depth to the broth.
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped): Infuses the soup with savory aromatics.
- 1 pound smoked ham (cut into small pieces): Brings smoky, meaty richness as the star protein.
- 2.5 pounds Russet potatoes (peeled & diced): Creates the creamy, hearty base essential to the soup’s comforting texture.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Adds a bold, fragrant punch that brightens the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A subtle herb blend for balanced warmth and flavor complexity.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Provides a savory liquid base to bring all ingredients together.
- 2 cups water: Balances the broth concentration, ensuring the soup isn’t too thick.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to enhance and round out the flavors.
How to Make Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
Begin by chopping your carrot, celery, and onion into bite-sized pieces, and dice the peeled Russet potatoes. Mince the garlic and cut your smoked ham into small, manageable chunks. Toss all these ingredients right into your Crockpot along with the Italian seasoning, chicken broth, water, salt, and pepper. This simple assembly is the key to an effortless meal—no sautéing or complicated prep required.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Soup
Set your slow cooker to low and let the soup cook for approximately 8 hours. This slow and gentle cooking process allows the potatoes to become wonderfully tender and the flavors to meld deeply. If your vegetable pieces are smaller, feel free to check earlier, but I find the full 8 hours brings the best texture and flavor harmony.
Step 3: Mash and Adjust Seasoning
Once your soup is cooked, grab a potato masher and gently mash some of the potato pieces right in the slow cooker. This is my favorite part because it thickens the soup naturally while still leaving plenty of potato chunks for texture. Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed for that perfect balance.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Dish out your slow cooker ham and potato soup while it’s hot and fresh. The aroma itself is inviting enough to make anyone rush to the table. Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete, soul-warming meal.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your soup by adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and fresh, herbaceous notes. A little shredded sharp cheddar cheese or a dollop of sour cream can also add luscious creaminess and tang.
Side Dishes
This hearty soup pairs beautifully with simple sides like warm crusty bread or soft dinner rolls for dipping. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup, rounding out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your soup in rustic bread bowls to impress guests or create individual portions in small mugs for a cozy appetizer at your next gathering. For a fun twist, top each bowl with homemade crispy ham bits or croutons to add an extra crunch and flavor dimension.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup Recipe makes excellent leftovers. Store any unused soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to marry, often tasting even better the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Be sure to leave some headspace in the container for expansion. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Reheating
Reheat your soup slowly over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to evenly warm the soup. Add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick. Microwave reheating works well too; just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use leftover ham for this soup?
Absolutely! Leftover ham works wonderfully in this recipe. It adds great smoky flavor and helps reduce waste, making the dish both economical and delicious.
What type of potatoes are best for this soup?
Russet potatoes are ideal because they break down nicely during slow cooking, giving you a creamy texture while still holding some shape for heartiness.
Can I make this soup in a regular pot on the stove?
You can, but the slow cooker method is preferred for its convenience and the depth of flavor it develops over time. On the stove, simmer gently for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your chicken broth is gluten-free, this soup is naturally free of gluten, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding peas, corn, or even chopped spinach toward the end of cooking for added color and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup Recipe is a true kitchen gem that’s both satisfying and simple. It’s a wonderful way to turn humble ingredients into a dish your whole family will love, with minimal prep and maximum comfort. I can’t wait for you to try it—you’ll soon find it becoming one of your favorite go-to meals for cozy days at home.
Print
Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup packed with tender potatoes, smoky ham, and a medley of vegetables, slow-cooked to perfection for a creamy, flavorful meal that’s perfect any day of the week.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 large carrot, chopped
- 2 sticks celery, chopped
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2.5 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
Meat
- 1 pound smoked ham, cut into small pieces
Liquids and Seasonings
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop the carrot, celery, onion, and mince the garlic. Peel and dice the Russet potatoes. Cut the smoked ham into small pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Add to Slow Cooker: Combine all prepared vegetables, ham, Italian seasoning, chicken broth, and water in your Crockpot. Stir to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Slow Cook: Cook on low heat for 8 hours. This slow cooking process allows the potatoes to become very soft and the flavors to meld perfectly. You may reduce cooking time slightly if the potato and carrot pieces are smaller.
- Mash Potatoes: Once cooked, use a potato masher to lightly mash some of the potatoes directly in the slow cooker, creating a creamy texture while leaving some pieces whole for added texture.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the soup hot and enjoy. It also makes excellent leftovers.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, mash more potatoes or reduce the amount of liquid slightly before cooking.
- This soup freezes well; cool completely before freezing in airtight containers.
- Feel free to add herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor.
- If you prefer, substitute smoked ham with leftover holiday ham or diced cooked bacon for variation.
