This recipe delivers a hearty, flavorful potato ham soup, perfectly cooked to creamy perfection in your slow cooker. It's the ultimate comfort food, ideal for chilly evenings or busy weeknights. Forget complicated recipes; this one is simple, delicious, and sure to become a family favorite.
What Makes This Crock-Pot Potato Ham Soup Recipe Special?
This recipe stands out because it prioritizes simplicity and flavor. We use readily available ingredients, minimizing prep time while maximizing taste. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully throughout the cooking process. The result? A rich, creamy soup that's both satisfying and easy to make.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 lb ham, cubed (leftover ham works perfectly!)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 6-8 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or cream (for extra creaminess)
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions for Crock-Pot Potato Ham Soup:
- Sauté Aromatics (Optional but Recommended): For deeper flavor, start by sautéing the onion, carrots, and celery in olive oil in a large pan until softened. This step enhances the overall taste of the soup.
- Layer Ingredients: Add the cubed ham, sautéed vegetables (if doing this step), potatoes, chicken broth, milk/cream, thyme, and rosemary to your slow cooker. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Slow Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and easily mashed.
- Blend (Optional): For a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup to your desired consistency. Alternatively, carefully transfer portions of the soup to a regular blender (in batches).
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This section addresses common questions about making and enjoying this delicious crock-pot potato ham soup.
Can I use different types of ham?
Absolutely! Bone-in ham, boneless ham, or even leftover ham steak will work wonderfully. Just ensure it's cubed into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
What if I don't have an immersion blender?
You can still make this soup without an immersion blender. The potatoes will become soft and easily mashed with a fork or potato masher directly in the pot after cooking. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer portions of the soup to a regular blender and blend until smooth. Be careful when blending hot liquids.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to experiment! Adding diced green beans, peas, or corn would be delicious additions. Consider adding a can of drained and rinsed diced tomatoes for extra depth of flavor.
Tips for the Best Crock-Pot Potato Ham Soup:
- Don't overcook the potatoes: Overcooked potatoes can become mushy. Check for tenderness after 6 hours on low, or 3 hours on high.
- Season to taste: Adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs to your preference.
- Garnish generously: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese also makes a great garnish.
Enjoy your delicious and effortless Crock-Pot Potato Ham Soup! This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a comforting meal any time of year.
