Ham & Potato Soup
This is my Mama’s recipe for ham and potato soup. There’s just something about a handwritten recipe from a loved one that makes a dish so much more special. 🥰
Ingredients
3 1/2 cups peeled and diced potatoes
1 1/2 cups (9oz) cooked ham, diced
1/2 cup diced celery
1/2 cup diced onion
4 cups chicken broth
5 Tbsp butter
1/4 cup + 1 Tbsp flour
2 cups milk
1/4 tsp pepper
Salt (to taste)
1. Combine first 5 ingredients and boil until veggies are tender.
2. In a separate pot, melt butter and whisk in flour until flour is golden brown. About 1 minute. (Make sure to constantly stir so it doesn’t burn.)
3. Slowly add in the milk, stirring constantly for about 5 minutes to prevent lumps. Should thicken up a bit at this point.
4. Pour this mixture in the veggies and add salt and pepper.
5. Top with cheese, if you’d like. Serve with mini grilled cheeses. Enjoy!
There’s truly something heartwarming about making a soup recipe that’s been handed down through generations—especially one like this ham and potato soup that combines simple, fresh ingredients into a satisfying meal. When I first tried making a similar soup, I realized how important the cooking technique is, especially for the roux and milk mixture. Melting the butter and whisking in the flour until golden brown helps develop a smooth base without lumps, and slowly incorporating the milk while stirring constantly prevents any clumping, giving the soup a perfect creamy texture. Using diced ham steaks not only adds a smoky, savory flavor but also makes it easy to control the size of the ham pieces, ensuring every bite has a nice balance of meat and veggies. I prefer cooking the potatoes and vegetables just until tender, not mushy, so the soup keeps a bit of texture and doesn’t become overly thick or bland. For added flair, topping the soup with shredded cheese can enhance the richness, creating a velvety finish. Plus, pairing the soup with mini grilled cheese sandwiches is one of my favorite ways to round out the meal. The crispy, buttery bread and melty cheese are the perfect complement to the creamy, hearty soup. If you want to personalize this recipe, try swapping out the celery and onion for leeks or adding herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor depth. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as sharp cheddar or Gruyère, to find your favorite combination. Overall, this is a great dish to prepare when you want a comforting, easy-to-make dinner that reminds you of home cooking, especially during colder months when a warm bowl really hits the spot.
