Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup

There’s something deeply comforting about a bowl of Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup — warm, creamy, and brimming with hearty goodness. This classic slow cooker recipe combines tender potatoes, savory ham, onions, carrots, and celery simmered in a velvety broth until everything melts together into pure comfort food bliss.

It’s a wonderful way to use up leftover ham, but honestly, it’s so delicious that you might find yourself buying ham just to make it! The best part? The crockpot does all the hard work while you go about your day, filling your home with a rich, mouthwatering aroma that’s impossible to resist.

Why I Love This Recipe

• Comfort in a bowl: It’s creamy, hearty, and filling — like a warm hug on a cold day.
• Hands-off cooking: The crockpot does everything! Simply toss in the ingredients and let it simmer to perfection.
• Great use of leftovers: Perfect for using leftover ham from Easter, Christmas, or any occasion.
• Family-friendly: Loved by both kids and adults, even picky eaters!
• Budget-friendly: Uses simple, inexpensive ingredients but tastes restaurant-quality.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This soup is a must-try because it delivers classic homemade flavor with minimal effort. The creamy broth, tender potatoes, and smoky ham combine to create a meal that’s both nostalgic and satisfying.

It’s one of those recipes that makes everyone ask for seconds — and you’ll love how effortlessly it comes together in the slow cooker.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6–8 hours on Low (or 3–4 hours on High)
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories: ~320 kcal per serving

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: American Comfort Food
• Course: Main Course / Soup

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 3 cups diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
• 1 ½ cups diced cooked ham
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cups chicken broth (or ham broth)
• 2 cups milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for a cheesy version)
• ½ cup sour cream (for extra creaminess)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Add vegetables, ham, and broth to the crockpot.
2. Cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours until potatoes are tender.
3. Stir in milk and thickener (butter + flour mixture) to make it creamy.
4. Cook an additional 20–30 minutes until thickened.
5. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or cheese.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

• Dice potatoes, ham, onion, celery, and carrots into small, even pieces.
• This ensures even cooking and a silky texture in the soup.

Step 2: Load the Crockpot

• Add potatoes, ham, onion, celery, carrots, garlic powder, and thyme to your crockpot.
• Pour in chicken broth. Stir gently to combine.

Step 3: Slow Cook

• Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Base

• About 30 minutes before serving, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
• Whisk in flour to make a roux (a thick paste).
• Slowly whisk in milk, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

• Pour the milk mixture into the crockpot and stir to combine.
• Cook for another 20–30 minutes until the soup thickens and becomes creamy.
• Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with parsley or shredded cheese, and serve warm.

How to Serve

Serve Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup hot in deep bowls with:

• Crusty bread or dinner rolls for dipping
• Crackers or cornbread for a classic combo
• Fresh side salad to balance the richness

It also pairs beautifully with a simple grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal.

Additional Recipe Tips

• For thicker soup: Mash some of the cooked potatoes with a spoon before adding the milk mixture.
• Use heavy cream instead of milk for an ultra-rich version.
• Add frozen peas or corn during the last 30 minutes for extra flavor and color.
• Don’t skip the roux: It’s key to achieving that luscious, creamy texture.
• Taste before adding salt: Ham can be quite salty, so adjust at the end.

Variations

1. Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup – Stir in shredded cheddar cheese before serving.
2. Ham and Potato Corn Chowder – Add 1 cup corn kernels for sweetness.
3. Healthy Version – Use low-fat milk or substitute some broth for milk.
4. Loaded Ham and Potato Soup – Top with crumbled bacon, cheese, and green onions (like a loaded baked potato!).
5. Vegetarian Version – Omit ham and use vegetable broth; add beans for protein.

Freezing & Storage

To Store:

• Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To Freeze:

• Cool completely before freezing.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Note: Soups with milk may separate when frozen; reheat slowly and stir to recombine.

To Reheat:

• Reheat gently on the stove over low-medium heat, stirring often.
• Add a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess if needed.

Special Equipment Needed

• 6-quart crockpot / slow cooker
• Medium saucepan (for roux)
• Wooden spoon or whisk
• Ladle and bowls for serving

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use raw ham or ham bone instead of cooked ham?
Yes! Add a ham bone or raw ham hock for more flavor. Remove the bone before serving.

Q2: Can I skip the roux (flour mixture)?
You can, but the soup will be thinner. Alternatively, blend a few cooked potatoes into the soup for natural thickness.

Q3: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk, and use olive oil instead of butter.

Q4: What type of potatoes work best?
Yukon Golds or Russet potatoes are ideal because they become soft and creamy without disintegrating.

Q5: Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! It reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.

Conclusion

Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup is everything you crave in a comforting meal — creamy, hearty, and bursting with flavor. With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you can create a soul-warming dish that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Whether you’re using up leftover ham or just want a cozy dinner to come home to, this recipe delivers every single time. Serve it with bread, sprinkle on some cheese, and enjoy a timeless classic that brings everyone to the table.