Creamy Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup
- Recipe Introduction
- Why This Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup Rocks
- Key Ingredients for Ham and Potato Heaven
- Ingredients & Equipment for Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup
- Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup: Your New Best Mate
- Recipe Notes: Making the Most of Your Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a bowl of proper comfort food soup ? I've got you covered. This Slow Cooker Ham and Potato recipe is like a warm hug on a cold day.
Honestly, you'll be licking the bowl clean.
Brief Overview
This easy soup recipe comes from humble beginnings. It's inspired by classic farmhouse cooking. Think simple ingredients cooked low and slow.
This recipe is proper easy. It takes about 20 minutes to prep, then the slow cooker does all the work.
You'll get 6-8 hearty servings.
Main Benefits
One of the best things? This is a cracking way to use up leftover ham. Plus, it's packed with goodness, a real treat for your health.
Perfect for a weeknight dinner recipe when you fancy something hearty soups without the faff. This Crock Pot Soup is special because it tastes amazing, and it's so simple.
Why This Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup Rocks
Right, so you might be thinking, "Another soup recipe?". But trust me, this one's different. It's not just any old Slow Cooker Soup .
I've made this hundreds of times, perfecting it each time. My secret? Don't skimp on the ham! A decent bit of smoked ham makes all the difference.
It is truly a leftover ham recipes to remember.
Honestly, I remember one time trying to make this with cheap ham from Tesco’s. Never again! It tasted like rubber, and I ended up binning the whole lot.
Lesson learned: quality ingredients matter. This is a tried and-true slow cooker recipes for family .
Key Ingredients for Ham and Potato Heaven
This soup is proper simple. You need potatoes, onion, celery, carrots, garlic, chicken broth, ham, and a bit of cream.
The potatoes are the star of the show. I like using Yukon Golds because they get nice and creamy, but you can use whatever you have.
Don't forget the herbs! Thyme and rosemary add a lovely warmth. It is great with other fresh herbs, too.
Ingredients & Equipment for Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup
So, you fancy whipping up some proper comfort food soup ? Sorted! This Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup is dead easy.
Honestly, most of the work is just chopping. Let's get our ingredients together.
Main Players
- 2 pounds (900g) Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed. Aim for waxy potatoes. They hold their shape better.
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped. Adds that essential background flavour.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped. Don't skip these. They make a huge difference.
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped. Adds a touch of sweetness, you know?
- 4 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh is best, but jarred is fine in a pinch.
- 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken broth. Low sodium, if you can. You control the salt.
- 1 tsp dried thyme. Earthy and comforting.
- 0.5 tsp dried rosemary. A little goes a long way.
- 0.25 tsp black pepper. Freshly ground is always a good shout.
- 1 bay leaf. Don't forget to take it out before serving!
- 2 cups (450g) cooked ham, cubed. Leftover roast ham? Winner!
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream. Makes it oh-so-creamy.
- 0.25 cup (60ml) fresh parsley, chopped. For garnish. Makes it look fancy.
- Salt, to taste.
Seasoning Secret Weapons
For this Easy Soup Recipe , think earthy and warming. Thyme and rosemary are the classic pair. If you're feeling adventurous, a pinch of smoked paprika adds a lovely depth.
Don't overdo it on the rosemary; it can be quite strong. I sometimes add a tiny pinch of cayenne for a bit of a kick total game changer, especially on a weeknight dinner recipe !
Want to swap something? If you haven't got thyme and rosemary, use mixed herbs.
Essential Kit
You don't need much for this crock pot soup .
- 6-quart slow cooker . Bigger is better.
- Chopping board. Obvious, right?
- Sharp knife. For all that chopping.
- Measuring cups and spoons. For accuracy.
Don't have a slow cooker? Honestly, you're missing out! But, a large stockpot on the hob will do at a low simmer.
Just keep an eye on it. This Slow Cooker Soup is about convenience, though. You know, chuck it all in and forget about it until dinner time.
And if you are feeling fancy and want a smooth finish, a stick blender can be great to make your soup have a creamier texture.
Seriously, this Ham And Potato Soup is going to be your new favourite. Get stuck in! And for something a little different, why not try swapping the ham for some smoked sausage? Now there's an idea for another time! Perfect for using up those leftover ham recipes , this is going to be a regular in our house.
Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup: Your New Best Mate
Fancy a proper comfort food soup ? You know, something that warms you right through on a drizzly day? Well, grab your slow cooker, because this Slow Cooker Ham and Potato recipe is just the ticket! Honestly, it's so easy, even my nan could make it and she burns toast!
This recipe is going to bring back memories of the best Sunday dinners and fill your bellies, with a smile from ear to ear, so you should try this easy soup recipe .
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
Before we get cracking, let's do a little mise en place , yeah? It's just fancy French for getting everything ready.
Chop all your veg first. Two pounds of potatoes, one large onion, two celery stalks, and two carrots. Mince four cloves of garlic too.
This essential mise en place makes cooking a breeze. Time saving tip? Pre-chop your veg the night before, then keep it covered in the fridge.
Boom!
step-by-step: Slow Cooker Magic
Right, here's where the magic happens.
- Chuck the potatoes, onion, celery, carrots, and garlic into your slow cooker.
- Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth . Add 1 tsp dried thyme , 1/2 tsp dried rosemary , 1/4 tsp black pepper , and one bay leaf.
- Stir in 2 cups of cubed cooked ham . Leftover holiday ham? Perfect!
- Cook on low for 6- 8 hours , or high for 3- 4 hours , until the potatoes are fork tender.
- Take out the bay leaf. Seriously, don't forget!
- Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream .
- Season with salt to taste.
- Garnish with 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley .
Pro Tips for a Top-Notch Soup
Want to take this Crock Pot Soup to the next level? Here are a few tricks.
- Don't overcook the potatoes! Mushy potatoes are a no-no. Aim for fork tender.
- Hearty Soups are all about flavour, so start with good quality ham. Smoked ham is incredible if you're looking for a rich, deep taste.
- Want to make this ahead? No worries. Prepare everything and store it in the fridge overnight. Then, just chuck it in the slow cooker in the morning.
- If your Slow Cooker Soup isn't thick enough for you, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot.
And that's it! A creamy, dreamy Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup that's perfect for a weeknight dinner recipe . It's proper comfort food. What more could you want?
Recipe Notes: Making the Most of Your Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup
Alright, let's chat about getting this Slow Cooker Ham and Potato masterpiece just right. It's pretty straightforward, but a few tips and tricks can elevate it from good to absolutely banging! I'm talking proper comfort food, yeah?
Plating Like a Pro: Serving Suggestions
Presentation matters, even with hearty soups ! Think about a swirl of cream. A sprinkle of fresh parsley makes it look like you've made a real effort.
Crusty bread is essential for dipping. Honestly, who can resist a bit of sourdough with Ham and Potato Soup ? A simple green salad on the side is great, too.
It cuts through the richness beautifully.
Storage Secrets: Keeping it Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This easy soup recipe is even better the next day. Just pop it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to three days.
For longer storage, freezing is an option. Divide into individual portions before freezing. When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Then, gently heat on the hob, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if it's too thick.
Remix It: Variations to Suit Your Taste
Fancy a change? No worries! For a dairy-free version, swap the cream for coconut milk. You won't believe how creamy it still is.
For seasonal twists, try adding roasted sweet potatoes in autumn. It adds a lovely sweetness. You could also use Leftover ham from Christmas or easter, less food waste and more tasty soup!
Nutrition Nuggets: Quick Health Info
This soup is surprisingly wholesome. It's packed with protein from the ham. Potatoes give you energy boosting carbs. Plus, you get vitamins and fiber from the veggies.
Keep in mind, the sodium content can be high. So, using low-sodium broth is a good shout. Honestly, It is a fantastic weeknight dinner recipe .
This Crock Pot Soup is more than just food. It's a hug in a bowl. So get in the kitchen and have a go.
I promise, you will love it. And the whole family will love it too!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Slow Cooker Ham and Potato soup ahead of time? I'm proper busy, you know!
Absolutely! In fact, the flavors often meld even better after a day or two in the fridge. Just let it cool completely, pop it in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, giving it a good stir now and then.
My Slow Cooker Ham and Potato soup is a bit watery. How do I thicken it up a bit?
No worries, it happens! You have a few options. You can either mash some of the potatoes against the side of the slow cooker to release more starch, or use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup (be careful not to over blend, you want some chunks!).
Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
I don't have any leftover ham. Can I use something else in this Slow Cooker Ham and Potato recipe?
Definitely! Smoked sausage, like kielbasa or even some good old British bangers (cooked first, of course!), would work brilliantly. You could also use bacon, cooked and crumbled, for a smoky twist. If you're feeling adventurous, try using leftover pulled pork for a completely different, but delicious, flavor profile.
How should I store leftover Slow Cooker Ham and Potato soup? And how long will it last?
Let the soup cool completely before storing it. Transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. When reheating from frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight before gently reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What kind of potatoes are best for Slow Cooker Ham and Potato soup, and is there a swap I can make?
Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and have a creamy texture. However, if you don't have them, you can use Russet potatoes, but be aware that they may break down a bit more during cooking, which can actually help to thicken the soup.
Waxy potatoes like red potatoes aren't ideal, as they don't release much starch.
My ham is super salty. Any tips on how to reduce the saltiness of my Slow Cooker Ham and Potato soup?
Saltiness can be a tricky one! Use low-sodium chicken broth to start with. You can also add a peeled and halved potato to the soup during cooking; it'll absorb some of the salt. Remove it before serving.
Another option is to add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice; the acidity can help balance the saltiness.
Creamy Slow Cooker Ham And Potato Soup
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 4g |
