Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for chilly days. Packed with tender potatoes, savory ham, and a creamy broth, it’s an easy dish that warms you from the inside out.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds potatoes (about 7 cups diced)
• 2 to 3 cups diced ham
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 1 large carrot (chopped)
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk (or cream)
• ½ cup sour cream
• Potato flakes (for thickening, optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: If using russet or baking potatoes, peel them and cut into ¾-inch pieces.
2. Step 2: In a 6-quart slow cooker, combine the potatoes, ham, onion, carrot, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients.
3. Step 3: Cook on low for 7 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
4. Step 4: Transfer 2 to 3 cups of the cooked potatoes and carrots to a bowl and mash them. Return the mashed mixture to the slow cooker.
5. Step 5: Stir in the milk and sour cream, then cook for an additional 15 minutes. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a thicker soup, add a few tablespoons of instant potato flakes at the end and stir well.
• Use smoked ham for a deeper flavor.
• Swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if the soup has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes, substitute about 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley and 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme for the dried herbs. Add them towards the end of cooking to preserve their flavor.

Is it possible to make this soup on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?

Definitely. Simmer all the ingredients in a large pot over medium heat for about 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Then continue with mashing and adding milk and sour cream as directed.

Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 81 reviews

A comforting and hearty Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup featuring tender potatoes, flavorful ham, and a creamy broth, perfect for an easy, warming meal.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 hours on low or 3 hours on high
• Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (high)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Soup Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds potatoes (about 7 cups diced)
• 2 to 3 cups diced ham
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 1 large carrot (chopped)
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups chicken broth

Creamy Add-ins

• 1 cup milk (or cream)
• ½ cup sour cream
• Potato flakes (for thickening, optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes: If using russet or baking potatoes, peel them. Cut the potatoes into ¾-inch pieces to ensure even cooking and soft texture.
2. Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: In a 6-quart slow cooker, combine the diced potatoes, ham, onion, carrot, dried parsley, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Pour the chicken broth over all the ingredients.
3. Cook the Soup: Cover and cook on low heat for 7 hours or on high heat for 3 hours until the potatoes are tender and the flavors meld together.
4. Mash Part of the Soup: Transfer 2 to 3 cups of the cooked potatoes and carrots to a bowl. Mash them until slightly smooth, then return the mashed mixture back into the slow cooker to thicken the soup naturally.
5. Add Creaminess and Finish Cooking: Stir in the milk (or cream) and sour cream until fully incorporated. Cook for an additional 15 minutes on low heat. Taste and season with extra salt and pepper as desired. Optionally, use potato flakes to thicken the soup further if needed.

Notes

• Peeling the potatoes is optional depending on your preference for texture.
• You can substitute cream for milk for a richer soup.
• Potato flakes help thicken the soup without altering flavor and can be added gradually to reach desired consistency.
• Leftover ham enhances the depth of flavor but can be replaced with cooked bacon or smoked turkey if preferred.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute milk and sour cream with coconut milk and dairy-free sour cream alternatives.

Keywords: slow cooker soup, ham and potato soup, creamy potato soup, easy slow cooker recipes