Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup

Creating a cozy environment at home often centers around a warm bowl of Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup. The memories I cherish often intertwine with this comforting dish, where sublime flavors and delightful aromas create a tapestry of family moments. There’s something truly special about gathering with loved ones around the table and enjoying a hearty soup made from simple ingredients.

The heart of this soup lies in its straightforward nature. With just a few staples easily found in any grocery store, you can create a delicious dish that warms both body and spirit. Whenever the cold weather sets in or life feels busy, I find solace in this recipe’s simplicity and taste.

Every spoonful brings a sense of nostalgia, a dash of comfort, and the satisfaction of having cooked something wholesome. This Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup isn’t just about the delicious flavors; it’s about warmth, connection, and the joy of serving a homemade meal. Let’s dive into the process of making this delectable soup that not only fills your belly but also warms your heart.

Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup

Fundamentals

The foundation of any great recipe is understanding its key components and techniques. For this Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup, the primary ingredients include diced potatoes, diced ham, chopped onion, chicken broth, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk. These elements come together to create a soul-soothing soup that brings comfort in every bite.

Potatoes serve as the heart of the dish, lending a creamy texture when cooked. Ham adds a punch of flavor, while onions bring sweetness and depth. Together they create a medley of tastes that makes the soup truly satisfying. You can customize the recipe by adding your favorite herbs or spices, but the simplicity of the core ingredients holds its own without any fuss.

Preparation/Setup

Preparing Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup takes only a few steps, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners. Start by gathering all your ingredients, ensuring the potatoes are diced uniform to ensure even cooking. Using a large pot, melt butter over medium heat, letting it coat the bottom before adding the chopped onions.

Sauté the onions until they turn translucent, filling your kitchen with an inviting aroma. This step is crucial as it builds the flavor base for the soup. The next phase involves adding the diced potatoes and ham. Stir them carefully to combine everything, allowing the ingredients to meld beautifully for that ultimate comfort food experience.

Ingredients

To create the creamy and flavorful Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups diced potatoes
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

By keeping these ingredients on hand, you can whip up this comforting soup whenever you crave something warm and delicious. Each component plays a vital role in building flavor and creating that satisfying creamy texture.

Directions

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
2. Add the diced potatoes and ham to the pot. Stir to combine.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
4. Once the potatoes are cooked, stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Continue to cook on low heat, stirring until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot and enjoy your cozy soup!

Techniques for Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup

Skillful cooking techniques elevate this Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup into a cozy classic. Understanding how to sauté onions correctly enhances the soup’s overall flavor. When you sauté onions until they are translucent, you unlock their sweetness which beautifully complements the other ingredients.

Another technique to focus on is simmering the potatoes in the chicken broth. This allows the flavors to meld and ensures the potatoes cook evenly. The longer you let the soup simmer, the more infused the flavors become, transforming simplicity into culinary magic.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips to take your Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup to the next level. Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for a richer flavor and creamier texture. Pre-packaged cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the soup’s consistency.

If you’re after a bit of a twist, consider incorporating some garlic while sautéing the onions. About 1-2 minced cloves will add depth and aroma to the soup. Additionally, if you prefer a thicker texture, you can use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup after cooking. This step creates a creamy base while leaving some chunks for added texture.

Perfecting Results with Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup

To perfect your Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup, pay attention to the cooking time. Overcooking the potatoes may lead to a mushy texture, which you want to avoid. Aim for that creamy consistency without losing the potato form. You want tender, soft potatoes that maintain their shape in the soup.

Taste testing is vital as well. As you near the end of cooking, sample the soup. Adjust seasoning accordingly, adding more salt or pepper to taste if needed. This personal touch ensures your soup meets your flavor preferences.

Troubleshooting and Variations

When making this Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup, you may encounter a few common issues. If your soup seems too thin, create a thickening agent. Mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water, then incorporating it into the simmering soup can work wonders.

For variations, consider adding mixed vegetables like carrots or peas to increase the nutritional value and add color. Topping the soup with some crispy bacon bits or fresh herbs right before serving can create an additional layer of flavor and crunch.

Serving and Presentation for Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup

Serving Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup isn’t just about plopping it into a bowl; presentation plays an essential role. Ladle the soup into vibrant bowls to highlight its colorful ingredients. Garnish with extra shredded cheese or a sprinkle of chopped green onions for a pop of color and added taste.

Pair this cozy soup with crusty bread or a simple garden salad to create a filling meal. The combination of textures and flavors will please any crowd. This soup can also easily be made in larger batches, making it a perfect dish for family gatherings or weekend meal prep.

Pairings and Storage

While Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup stands robustly on its own, it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. But in the spirit of variety, consider a classic grilled cheese sandwich or a hearty slice of cornbread to complement the rich flavors of the soup.

When it comes to storage, this soup can easily be refrigerated for up to three days. Make sure to allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. If you have leftovers, simply reheat on the stove, adding a splash of milk to restore its creamy consistency.

Conclusion

Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup encapsulates the essence of home cooking—comfort, simplicity, and irresistible flavors. With its straightforward preparation, it allows anyone to create a soul-satisfying dish that nurtures both the body and spirit. Each step of the way, from sautéing the onions to melting the cheese, opens a world of aromas and tastes that reminds us why we gather around the table in the first place. Enjoy this cozy recipe that warms the heart and satisfies the soul.

Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

A warm and comforting soup made with diced potatoes, ham, cheese, and milk, perfect for cold weather and family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups diced potatoes
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
2. Add the diced potatoes and ham to the pot. Stir to combine.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
4. Once the potatoes are cooked, stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Continue to cook on low heat, stirring until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot and enjoy your cozy soup!

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding garlic while sautéing the onions. To thicken the soup, blend a portion with an immersion blender.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: soup, ham, potatoes, comfort food, cheesy soup, quick meals