There’s nothing quite like the warmth of a big bowl of crock pot ham and potato soup on a chilly day. It’s the ultimate comfort food that fills your home with a cozy aroma and your heart with happiness. What I love most about this recipe is how effortlessly it comes together – just toss everything into the crock pot, and let it do its magic while you go about your busy day. Imagine coming home to a rich, creamy soup that’s ready to enjoy! It’s perfect for those hectic weekdays or even a lazy weekend when you want something hearty without the fuss. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover ham, turning it into something truly special. So, grab your crock pot, and let’s dive into this easy, satisfying recipe that will quickly become a family favorite!
Ingredients for Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup
To make my comforting crock pot ham and potato soup, you’ll need to gather a few simple ingredients that create magic in your slow cooker. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups diced ham – This is a great way to use up leftovers!
- 4 cups diced potatoes – I prefer Yukon Gold for their creamy texture, but any potato works.
- 1 cup chopped onion – This adds a lovely depth of flavor.
- 2 cups chicken broth – Feel free to use low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake.
- 1 cup heavy cream – This gives the soup its rich, velvety finish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – A must for that comforting aroma!
- Salt and pepper to taste – Adjust according to your preference.
Make sure to have everything prepped before you start, so you can just toss it all in and let the crock pot do the work!
How to Prepare Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup
Making my delicious crock pot ham and potato soup is as easy as pie! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a heartwarming meal that fills your home with a comforting aroma. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
First things first, grab your trusty crock pot! Toss in the diced ham, diced potatoes, chopped onion, and chicken broth. Give everything a gentle stir to combine. It’s like a cozy hug for your ingredients, getting them all ready to mingle and create something magical!
Step 2: Cook the Soup
Now, set your crock pot to low and let it work its magic for about 6 hours. This is where the real transformation happens! You’ll want to check in after a few hours to see if the potatoes are tender. They should be soft enough to easily pierce with a fork, but not mushy. Trust me, that texture is key!
Step 3: Final Touches
Once the potatoes are just right, it’s time for the final touches! Stir in the heavy cream, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it cook on low for another 30 minutes. This is when the flavors really meld together, creating that creamy richness we all crave!
Step 4: Serve
When you’re ready to enjoy, give the soup a good stir before serving. It’s perfect just as it is, but if you want to elevate it a bit, try garnishing with some fresh parsley or crispy bacon bits! You’ll love the extra pop of flavor and color!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with my crock pot ham and potato soup! Here are a few that make this recipe a must-try:
- Hearty: This soup is packed with protein and veggies, making it a satisfying meal.
- Comforting: With its creamy texture and warm flavors, it’s like a hug in a bowl!
- Easy to make: Just toss everything into the crock pot and let it do the work for you.
- Great for leftovers: It’s even better the next day, making meal prep a breeze.
- Gluten-free: Perfect for those with dietary restrictions!
- Perfect for cold weather: This soup warms you up from the inside out on chilly days.
Tips for Success
To make sure your crock pot ham and potato soup turns out perfect every time, here are some handy tips! First, using leftover ham not only saves you time but also adds incredible flavor. Don’t be shy about adjusting the seasoning – taste as you go to make it just right for your palate. If you love a thicker soup, try mashing some of the potatoes right in the pot before serving; it really enhances the creaminess! And if you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some veggies like carrots or celery for added nutrition and flavor. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
When you dig into a bowl of my crock pot ham and potato soup, you’re not just enjoying a delicious meal; you’re also getting some solid nutrition! Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving (1 cup):
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 3g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portions. It’s a hearty dish that fuels you up while still being comforting!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my crock pot ham and potato soup? No worries! Here are some common queries I hear often:
Can I use frozen potatoes? Absolutely! Just toss them in the crock pot straight from the freezer. They may need a bit more time to cook, so check for tenderness after about 7 hours on low.
How can I make it vegetarian? You can easily adapt this recipe by swapping the ham for your favorite plant-based protein, like chickpeas or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for that deep flavor.
What toppings can I add? There are so many delicious options! Try topping your soup with crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, or even a dollop of sour cream. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives also add a lovely touch!
If you have more questions, just ask; I’m here to help you make the best soup ever!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover crock pot ham and potato soup is a treasure! To store it, let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to save it for longer, freeze it in portions for up to 3 months. Just remember to leave some space in the container for expansion.
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, the best way to reheat it is on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If you’re in a rush, a microwave works too—just make sure to stir halfway for even heating!
Print
Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup: 6 Steps to Comforting Bliss
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and comforting soup made with ham and potatoes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced ham
- 4 cups diced potatoes
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine ham, potatoes, onion, and chicken broth in a crock pot.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or until potatoes are tender.
- Add heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for an additional 30 minutes on low.
- Stir well before serving.
Notes
- You can use leftover ham for this recipe.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste.
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Crock Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: crock pot ham and potato soup
