Need a ‘wow’ dish for your next dinner party that doesn’t keep you in the kitchen all night? This Ham & Cheddar Potato Soup – Family Favorite is my go-to. It’s the secret weapon I pull out when I want to impress without the stress. If you love cozy soups, you should also try our hearty Irish chicken bacon potato cabbage soup for another comforting meal.
I promise it’s incredibly easy. You get a creamy, elegant soup that tastes like you spent all day on it.
Recipe Overview
Here’s the quick lowdown on what you’re making. It’s all the info you need at a glance.
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
Why This is My Go-To for Guests
This soup is my party MVP for a few very good reasons. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that never fails.
It feels indulgent and fancy. Your guests will think you’re a culinary genius.
Best of all, it’s a one-pot wonder. That means less cleanup and more time for you to actually enjoy your own party.
Make-Ahead Magic: My Hosting Secret
Prepping ahead is my not-so-secret weapon for a stress-free gathering. Do a little work now, and be a relaxed host later.
You can chop the onions, carrots, and celery up to two days in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
Dice the ham and potatoes a day ahead, too. Toss the potatoes in a bit of water to keep them from browning.
When party time arrives, you just toss it all together. It feels like magic, but it’s just smart planning.
Ham & Cheddar Potato Soup – Family Favorite Recipe
The “Wow Factor” Ingredients
How to Prepare Your Dish (Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Ham & Cheddar Potato Soup – Family Favorite Recipe!
Nutrition Information
The “Wow Factor” Ingredients
Simple ingredients create something truly special. Here’s what you’ll need to make the magic happen.
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups peeled and diced Yukon Gold potatoes
- 2 cups diced cooked ham
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
How to Prepare Your Dish (Step-by-Step)
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every single time.
- Melt the butter in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for about one minute. This cooks the flour and will help thicken your soup beautifully.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth while continuously whisking. This prevents any lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the diced potatoes, ham, dried thyme, and black pepper to the pot. Give it a good stir, then let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the whole milk and let it heat through for about 5 minutes. Do not let it boil.
- Turn off the heat. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s completely melted and the soup is gloriously creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
How to Serve This Like a Pro
Presentation is everything when you want that ‘wow’ moment. A few simple touches make it look restaurant-quality.
Ladle the hot soup into warm, shallow bowls. This little step makes a huge difference in keeping it hot longer.
Garnish with extra shredded cheddar, some chopped fresh parsley or chives, and a crispy piece of crumbled bacon. It adds color, texture, and flavor all at once.
Perfect Pairings (What to Drink & Serve With It)
This rich and creamy soup pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. It’s all about creating a balanced meal.
For drinks, I love a crisp, cold lager or a pale ale. The bitterness cuts through the richness of the soup perfectly.
Serve it with a simple green apple and walnut salad with a tangy vinaigrette. A warm, crusty baguette for dipping is absolutely non-negotiable in my house. For a sweet finish, bake up a batch of our healthy banana oatmeal breakfast muffins to enjoy the next morning.
Nutrition Notes
Here’s a general look at the nutritional profile per serving. Remember, these are estimates and can vary.
- Calories: ~450
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
If you’re looking for a delicious dessert to follow this savory soup, our peach cobbler pound cake is the perfect sweet ending to your meal.
Your Entertaining FAQs
I get asked these questions all the time. Here are the answers to make your hosting life even easier.
Can I make this soup completely ahead of time?
You absolutely can! Let the soup cool completely after cooking, then store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to thin it out.
What’s the best way to use up leftover ham?
This recipe is the ultimate leftover ham hero! It’s the perfect way to use up that holiday or Sunday dinner ham.
Just dice it up and throw it in. It adds incredible smoky flavor and makes the soup feel hearty and complete.
Can I freeze this potato soup?
I don’t recommend freezing this particular soup. Cream-based soups can sometimes separate and become grainy when thawed.
The potatoes can also become a bit mushy. It’s truly best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.
So there you have it. Your new secret weapon for effortless, impressive entertaining. This recipe is a guaranteed hit that lets you be a guest at your own party.
I’d love to hear how your party went! Leave a comment and a rating below!
