- Chop the Vegetables: On a cutting board, peel and dice the potatoes, slice the carrots, chop the celery, and onion. Mince the garlic cloves.
- Dice the Ham: If you’re using leftover ham, cut it into bite-sized cubes. If you’re starting with a whole ham, remove any excess fat before dicing.
Step 2: Assemble the Soup
- Layer the Ingredients: In the slow cooker, add the diced potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and ham.
- Add the Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring all the ingredients are submerged. Add the dried thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Set the Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The potatoes should be tender, and the flavors well developed.
Step 3: Finish the Soup
- Add the Cream: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream or milk. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes directly in the slow cooker using a potato masher or an immersion blender.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, fresh parsley, or green onions for added flavor and color.
- Serve: Serve the soup hot, ideally with crusty bread or a side salad to make a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Ham and Potato Soup
- Ham Bone: If you have a ham bone, add it to the slow cooker for even more flavor. Just remove it before serving.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, peas, or leeks for more texture and flavor.
- Thicker Soup: For a thicker soup, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with the cream before adding it to the slow cooker.
Variations
- Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup: Stir in 1-2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese after adding the cream for an extra cheesy soup.
- Loaded Ham and Potato Soup: Top each bowl with crumbled bacon, sour cream, and chives for a loaded baked potato vibe.
- Ham and Bean Soup: Add a can of drained white beans to the slow cooker for added protein and heartiness.
Storing and Reheating
- Store: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
- Reheat: Reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup is the epitome of comfort food. It’s rich, hearty, and incredibly easy to make, thanks to the convenience of the slow cooker. Whether you’re using up leftover ham or starting fresh, this soup is a delicious way to warm up on a chilly day. Serve it with your favorite toppings, and watch as it becomes a go-to recipe in your household!