This healthy ham and potato soup is pure comfort food in a bowl. Easy, fast, and low-calorie, it’s one of my favorite busy weeknight meals.
The photos in this post have been updated. Don’t worry. You’re in the right place. 😉
Have you seen that Campbell’s soup commercial with the sick guy lying on his couch trying to get his partner to make him soup?
He tells her that his mom always used to make some for him when he wasn’t feeling well, and for a moment, it looks like she’s going to do it, but instead she just throws a phone at him, tells him to call him mom, and leaves him to wallow.
I laugh SO hard, every single time I see that commercial, and I have no idea why, because I’m totally that person who makes soup for sick people. Feeling sick? Here, let me bring you some soup. And if I’m bringing soup, I’m probably bringing this one.
Like my Peasant Chicken Soup, this surprisingly healthy Ham and Potato Soup is another of the early recipes I learned in college. It saw me and my friends through many an illness and late-night study session.
It’s perfect for what ails you because it’s pure comfort food. Ham and potatoes in a bowl? That’s like a hug from the inside.
And the nice thing about this soup is that it’s deceptively easy. Sure it looks gorgeous and complicated, but once you cut the veggies and put them on to boil, all you really have to do is make the roux, stir in the milk, and watch the broth go from clear to creamy and delicious.
Throwing this together for a sick friend or a busy weeknight dinner takes all of a half hour, and when you’re done, the result is the best damn healthy ham and potato soup you’ve ever tried.
Looking for more Easy Weeknight Meals? Try my Tri-tip in the Oven, No-Fuss Beef Ribs, and Broccoli Chowder.
Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups (about 2 large) russet potatoes, peeled and diced medium
- 1 1/2 cups (9oz) cooked honey ham, diced medium*
- 1/2 cup celery diced small
- 1/2 cup onion diced small
- 4 cups (2 15oz cans) chicken broth
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup and 1 tablespoon (44g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk, (any percentage)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt
Instructions
Boil
- In a large pot, combine potatoes, ham, celery, onions, and chicken broth. Bring to a low boil and cook over medium heat until vegetables are fork-tender, 10 to 15 minutes.
Make the roux
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour. Cook, stirring constantly until flour is golden, about one minute. Slowly add in milk, continuing to stir so that no lumps form and cook until mixture is thick, about 5 minutes.
Combine
- Pour flour and milk mixture into the soup and stir. Add pepper, and salt to taste.
- Serve and enjoy.
Notes
Nutritional Information
Recipe Adapted From: Allrecipes
Small Batch Instructions: This recipe halves cleanly.
Make-ahead Instructions: Ham, onions, and celery can be cut up to two days in advance. Potatoes should be cut just before cooking to avoid browning.
Freezer Notes: You can freeze this soup–it will keep up to 4 months in the freezer, but I was not a huge fan of the texture of the potatoes once my test batch defrosted. I probably wouldn’t freeze this soup again.
Circa early 2016 photo:
Denise says
Just made it. it was great and easy. thanks
Tracy says
Thanks, Denise. Glad you enjoyed it!
B says
I just finished doing this soup and is easy and delicious!!!
Tracy says
I’m so happy you enjoyed it!!
michelle says
Doubled the recipe for my family. It was super easy to make and everyone loved it!!
Tracy says
Thanks, Michelle. I’m so glad to hear the family enjoyed it!
April says
I Made this today. It was easy and delicious! My husband called it a “Pinterest Success!” We’ll definitely make it again!
Tracy says
Love it! I’m so happy you guys enjoyed it. Thanks for reporting back, April!
ChristyP. says
Just made this, I was lazy and used 3 1/2 c. frozen potatoes o’brien instead of the potatoes,celery,onion. And I tossed in some chedder cheese at the end…..man it is GOOD!!! I think I found my favorite creamy soup base! Thanks for the recipe 🙂
Tracy says
Thanks, Christy! I’m so glad it worked out for you, and I love your easy spin on it!
Maria says
Did you use the potatoes frozen or thawed? I have a broken arm so can’t chop the potatoes so I would have to use the frozen potatoes o brien. Thanks
Alejandra says
i loved how easy this looks. can i use soy milk instead of regular milk?
Tracy says
Hi, Alejandra. I’ve never done it, but it should work. If you try, please let me know how it turns out!
Wendy says
I made this on a cold & rainy day. It was so easy, quick & delicious, the perfect meal. Thank you Tracy, love getting your posts!
Tracy says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Wendy! And thanks for the lovely comment. It totally made my day! 🙂
Laurie n says
Can you do this in a slow cooker?
Tracy says
Hi Laurie, I’ve never done it, but it would probably work just fine. Instead of simmering the potatoes, ham, celery, onions, and chicken broth together, I’d cook them in the slow cooker for about 3 to 4 hours on high, 6 to 8 on low. You’d still have to make the roux on the stove just before serving and then mix that in with what’s in the slow cooker. If you give it a try, please report back. I’d love to know how it turned out!
Jeff says
Crockpot method works great! Followed your instructions but did wait till toward the end to add my ham as it was already cooked (leftovers). Awesome recipe.
Tracy says
So glad to hear it!!
Madelaine says
This was so perfect. I needed something hearty and warm for snow day and this really hit the spot. My husband and 3 kids all loved it and I was able to enjoy their company by the fire! I added two Bay leaves and some thyme and garlic powder, then we garnished with cheese and dipped crackers! Thanks for sharing such a delicious recipe!!!
Tracy says
Sounds like perfect way to spend a snow day. I’m so glad you and your family enjoyed it!
Taylor says
I’m not big on leaving comments but I just wanted to say that this soup is extremely good! I will state that I added 1 1/2- 2 cups of cheese to mine BUT I also tasted before I added the cheese and the soup alone deserves 5 stars.. I just simply love cheesy soups, and I personally think it just put it over the top! The only other thing I did was I did about 4 cups of potatoes verses 3 1/2 just because I like lots of potatoes!
Thanks soo much for posting
Tracy says
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment! I’m so glad you enjoyed the soup, and I LOVE the idea of making it cheesy!!
Melissa says
I am so doing this I’m waiting for it all to boil up and then making the roux and can’t wait to add cheese to it because I totally agree cheesy soups make me so happy too! ☺️
Tracy says
Hope you enjoyed the soup, Melissa! And I think I’m going to have to add a cheesy version of this soup to the site since everyone is adding cheese anyway. 😉
Liz koschak says
Trying this on Christmas Eve this year. It is my daughters 27 th birthday and she is due to have a baby very, very shortly and she wants potato soup”
Tracy says
I hope you both enjoy it! And congrats on the future grandbaby! 🙂
Lisa says
Easy, delicious and a great way to use up some of that leftover Thanksgiving ham!
Tracy says
So glad you enjoyed it, Lisa!
Marta says
This. Was. Phenomenal!!
I was so worried I’d muck up the roux but it was all so easy, and absolutely brilliant. I added a ton of pepper and it was so tasty, especially with all this nasty fall weather outside. Total comfort food!
xo
Marta
http://www.paradiseplayground.net
Tracy says
Yay!! Glad you enjoyed it, Marta!!
Charonne says
This was fantastic! It’s a keeper in our family!! Thanks for sharing
Tracy says
Thanks for reporting back! I’m so glad you and your family enjoyed it!!
dixya @ food, pleasure, and health says
im ready for soup all year long..
Tracy says
Me too!
Oana@AdoreFoods says
I would love a big bowl of this hearty delicious soup! It is so cold over here today!
Tracy says
Thanks, Oana. Wishing you warmer weather, though not too warm. It was almost 90 here in SoCal Friday!!