Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for chilly evenings. By utilizing your slow cooker, you can create this delicious meal with minimal effort, allowing you to savor the warm, creamy flavors of ham and potatoes without spending hours in the kitchen. Each bite offers a delightful blend of ingredients that will fill you and your loved ones with warmth and satisfaction.
Why We Love This Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup Recipe
This Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup recipe holds a special place in our hearts for various reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. You can simply toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it work its magic throughout the day. This is perfect for busy individuals or families who want a scrumptious meal waiting for them after a long day.
Additionally, the combination of ham and potatoes creates a fulfilling dish that is both delicious and nutritious. The creamy texture, along with the hints of garlic and thyme, elevates this soup to a whole new level. It also makes a fantastic meal for leftovers, as the flavors deepen and enhance the next day.
Ingredients for Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup
To create this delightful soup, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 2 tablespoons butter
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be ready to create a comforting meal perfect for any occasion.
How to Make Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup Directions
Making Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup is a streamlined process that requires just a few simple steps. Start by preparing your slow cooker. First, take your diced potatoes and add them to the Crockpot. The potatoes serve as the hearty base of the soup, providing a wonderful texture and flavor.
Next, add the chopped onion to the mix. The onion brings a robust flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Following this, toss in your diced ham, which adds a savory layer to the soup. You can use leftover ham from a previous meal, which makes this recipe an excellent choice for utilizing what you already have on hand.
Once you have your base ingredients in the Crockpot, pour in the chicken broth. This liquid is crucial as it creates the broth for your soup and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients. To season your soup, add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. These spices will elevate the flavor profile and provide warmth to each spoonful.
Now, it’s time to cover your Crockpot. You can set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The goal is to allow time for the potatoes to become tender and absorb all the delicious flavors of the broth and seasonings.
About 30 minutes before serving, you’ll add the heavy cream and milk. This is where the soup transforms into a rich and creamy delight. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients, and then drop in the butter, mixing until it is melted and blended throughout the soup.
Prior to serving, taste your soup and make any necessary adjustments to the seasoning. This step is vital to ensure that the flavors are just right. Once you are satisfied, you are ready to serve your delicious bowl of Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup.
How to Serve Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup
Serving Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup is a straightforward yet delightful experience. Begin by ladling the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving gets a fair amount of the hearty ingredients. I recommend garnishing each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, to add a pop of color and a fresh flavor.
This soup is perfect on its own, but you can serve it alongside crusty bread or flaky biscuits. These sides are excellent for dipping and help to soak up the rich, creamy broth. A simple garden salad can also complement your meal perfectly, adding freshness to balance the rich flavors of the soup.
Additionally, providing a variety of toppings can enhance the serving experience. Consider options like shredded cheese, croutons, or even a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess. Each guest can customize their bowl to suit their taste preferences, making it an interactive and enjoyable meal for everyone.
Expert Tips: Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup
To ensure your Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips. Firstly, when choosing your potatoes, go for waxy varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. These types hold their shape well during cooking and won’t break down too much in your soup.
It’s also a good idea to cut the potatoes and ham into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. This helps everything cook at the same rate, leading to a more consistent texture throughout the soup.
If you want additional flavor, sautéing the onions before adding them to the Crockpot can deepen their sweetness and aroma. However, this step is optional. Just remember that the longer you let your soup cook in the Crockpot, the more flavors will blend together, creating an even richer taste.
Lastly, don’t forget to taste your soup before serving! Adjusting the seasoning can greatly enhance the overall flavor. Feel free to add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you enjoy a bit of heat.
How to Store Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup
Storing your Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup is easy and can help you enjoy leftovers later in the week. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Be sure to leave some space at the top of the container, as the soup may expand slightly when frozen.
This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you wish to keep it longer, consider freezing it. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheate it gently on the stove or in the microwave.
As with any reheated dish, the texture may change slightly after freezing and thawing. If you find your soup a bit thicker after reheating, you can add a splash of milk or chicken broth to help loosen it up.
Variation of Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup
While the classic Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup is comforting as is, there are plenty of ways to add variety and customize this recipe to your liking. For instance, you can introduce different vegetables such as carrots, celery, or even corn to enhance the color and nutrients in your soup. Adding these extra veggies can create a heartier meal.
If you’re a fan of spices, consider adding a bit of smoked paprika or a touch of Italian seasoning for a unique twist. These ingredients can add depth of flavor without overpowering the comforting essence of the soup.
You might also explore dairy-free options if you’re looking for a lighter version. Substituting the heavy cream and milk with coconut milk creates an interesting flavor profile while keeping it creamy. Additionally, experimenting with other proteins like shredded chicken can be a fun alternative to ham.
Lastly, if you want a bit of tang, add a splash of lemon juice or some fresh lemon zest just before serving. This small addition can brighten the flavors and make each bowl feel refreshingly lively.
FAQ
What makes Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup special?
Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup is special because it combines easy preparation with comforting flavors. The use of a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully while you focus on other tasks, making it a wonderful option for busy days.
Can I change the ingredients in Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup?
Absolutely! You can customize this recipe by adding different vegetables, changing the protein, or using dairy-free alternatives. Feel free to experiment with spices and herbs to find the combination that you love best.
How do I make Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it doesn’t include any wheat-based ingredients. Always check the labels on your chicken broth and other packaged items to ensure they are gluten-free when preparing the soup.
How can I make Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup healthier?
To make a healthier version, you can incorporate more vegetables, reduce the amount of heavy cream, or use low-fat milk instead. Additionally, using low-sodium chicken broth can help manage your sodium intake without sacrificing flavor.
Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups diced potatoes Waxy varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best.
- 1 cup diced ham You can use leftover ham from a previous meal.
- 1 medium onion, chopped Sautéing can enhance sweetness.
- 2 cups chicken broth Ensure it's gluten-free if necessary.
- 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter version, use coconut milk.
- 1 cup milk Low-fat milk is a healthier option.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme Add smoked paprika for a twist.
- 2 tablespoons butter Mix in at the end for richness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Add diced potatoes to the Crockpot as the base of the soup.
- Include chopped onion to enhance the flavor.
- Toss in diced ham for a savory layer.
- Pour in chicken broth to create the soup base.
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
Cooking
- Cover the Crockpot and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add heavy cream and milk, stirring gently.
- Mix in butter until melted and combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as required before serving.
Serving
- Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
- Serve with crusty bread, flaky biscuits, or a garden salad.
- Offer toppings like shredded cheese, croutons, or sour cream for customization.
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