Description
Hearty pioneer woman ham and potato soup brings comfort on chilly days. Creamy broth, tender potatoes, and smoky ham create a satisfying meal you’ll savor with each delicious spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 ½ cups (840 ml) potatoes, peeled and diced (about 2 lbs)
- 1–2 cups (240–480 ml) cooked ham, diced
- 2 cups (480 ml) cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3 ¼ cups (770 ml) chicken broth (or ham stock)
- 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
- 1 cup (240 ml) carrot, chopped
- 5 tbsps butter
- 5 tbsps all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) celery, diced
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsps chicken bouillon granules (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Combine diced potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped celery, minced onion, and cubed ham in a large stockpot. Pour chicken broth over the ingredients and bring to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce to medium, simmering until potatoes become fork-tender (10-15 minutes).
- Seasoning: Integrate chicken bouillon granules, salt, and black pepper to elevate the flavor profile. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed for optimal depth.
- Roux Creation: In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Dust flour across the melted butter, whisking consistently for 2 minutes until the mixture transforms into a golden, fragrant base with a nutty essence.
- Milk Integration: Slowly pour whole milk into the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Increase heat to medium-high, stirring until the mixture thickens and develops a smooth, creamy texture (approximately 5 minutes).
- Cheese Incorporation: Reduce heat to low, gradually adding shredded cheddar cheese. Stir meticulously until the cheese melts completely, creating a luxurious, silky consistency.
- Final Fusion: Pour the cheese mixture into the stockpot with vegetable and ham base. Gently break some potato chunks with a wooden spoon to enhance texture. Stir thoroughly, ensuring even distribution of ingredients and heating throughout.
- Serving: Remove from heat and ladle the rich, creamy soup into serving bowls. Garnish as desired and enjoy the comforting, hearty meal.
Notes
- Potato Perfection: Cut potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
- Roux Mastery: Whisk butter and flour continuously to prevent burning and develop a rich, golden base that enhances the soup’s depth of flavor.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Remove pot from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, creamy consistency without graininess.
- Ham Selection Tip: Use leftover ham or high-quality deli ham with a smoky flavor to elevate the soup’s overall taste profile and add rich, savory notes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg