There’s something deeply satisfying about the aroma of simmering ham and potatoes on a chilly day. The combination of savory ham, creamy potatoes, and delightful spices makes this dish a comfort food classic. Each ingredient melds together, creating a rich and hearty soup that warms both the belly and the soul. If you’ve ever had a bowl from your favorite diner, you’ll know just how comforting this meal can be—now imagine having that same experience in the cozy confines of your own home.

Pin this for later!

This Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup is not just about flavor; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together harmoniously. Whether you’re hosting guests or looking for a simple weeknight dinner, this soup makes dinner planning effortless and budget-friendly. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s perfect for every occasion. So grab your slow cooker; you won’t want to miss trying this satisfying dish!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 20 minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it while the slow cooker does the work for 6-8 hours.
Irresistible Flavor: The smoky, tender ham combined with creamy potatoes will have your taste buds singing.
Eye-Catching Appeal: This soup is visually appealing with vibrant colors from the veggies and herbs.
Flexible Serving: Serve it up warm for dinner, or keep it in the fridge for easy lunches throughout the week.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily make it gluten-free or adapt it to fit your dietary needs—it’s super versatile!

Ingredients You’ll Need

10 slices bacon cooked and diced: Provides a crispy texture and rich flavor; you can substitute turkey bacon for a lighter option.
2 cups diced ham: Use leftover holiday ham or buy pre-cooked ham for convenience.
5 cups low sodium chicken broth: The base of your soup; low sodium helps you control the saltiness, or choose vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes peeled and diced: These creamy potatoes hold their shape beautifully; russets are a good alternative if you prefer.
1 medium sweet onion diced: Adds a subtle sweetness; yellow or white onions work well too.
6 cloves garlic minced: Infuses the soup with fragrant aroma and depth of flavor.
1 carrot cut into cubes: Adds a touch of sweetness and color; feel free to skip if you’re not a fan.
1 cup celery cubed: Another layer of flavor; can be replaced with bell peppers if desired.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor; adjust based on the saltiness of your ham and broth.
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Use freshly cracked for the best taste.
1 tablespoon dried parsley: Brightens the dish; fresh parsley can also be substituted.
1/2 cup sour cream: Adds creaminess and tang; Greek yogurt is a great low-fat option.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness; leave it out for a lighter soup.
1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup; gluten-free flour can be a good substitute.
1 1/2 cups heavy cream: Makes the soup ultra-creamy; half-and-half works for a lighter version.
Cooked bacon, chopped green onions, sour cream: For garnishing; customize your toppings based on your taste preference.

How to Make Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup

Combine Ingredients: In a slow cooker, combine 2 pounds diced Yukon gold potatoes, 1 medium sweet onion (diced), 6 cloves minced garlic, 10 slices cooked and diced bacon, 2 cups diced ham, 1 cubed carrot, 1 cup cubed celery, 1 tablespoon dried parsley, and 5 cups low sodium chicken broth. Sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper.
Cook: Stir the mixture gently to combine, then set your slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours.
Prepare Cream Mixture: After cooking, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour until combined and gradually whisk in 1 1/2 cups heavy cream.
Thicken Soup: Stir the cream-flour mixture until smooth. Then, lower the heat and let it simmer until thickened, stirring occasionally.
Combine Cream Mixture with Soup: Add the cream mixture to the slow cooker and stir well to combine everything.
Mash Potatoes: Using a potato masher, mash about 3/4 of the soup’s potatoes to create a creamy texture while leaving some chunks intact.
Final Simmer: Let the soup cook for another 30 minutes to thicken and blend the flavors.
Add Sour Cream: Stir in 1/2 cup sour cream until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as necessary.
Adjust Consistency: If the soup appears too thick, add more warm chicken broth, heating it in the microwave to ensure it integrates well. Let it simmer for a few minutes after adding.
Serve: Ladle the warm soup into bowls, garnished with extra bacon, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream.
Store Leftovers: Once cooled, the mixture will thicken. When reheating, add additional liquid like broth, water, or milk to achieve your desired consistency and simmer for a few minutes.

Storing & Reheating

This soup can be stored at room temperature for up to two hours after cooking. For longer storage, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If you wish to freeze it, freeze in a well-sealed container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through—this should take about 10-15 minutes. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after freezing, but you can revive the creaminess by adding a splash of broth or cream during reheating.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the potatoes; they should be soft but not mushy. You’ll achieve the right texture by following the cooking times precisely.
For extra flavor, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic in the butter before adding them to the slow cooker.
Consider adding a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist while cooking.
If the soup thickens too much after refrigeration, add warm broth, milk, or water for consistency when reheating.
Consider making a double batch; it freezes well and is an excellent option for meal prep.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with the ingredients based on what you have at home. Add your favorite veggies or even a pinch of hot sauce for a spicy kick!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use leftover holiday ham for this soup?

Absolutely! This soup is a wonderful way to utilize leftover ham. The more savory flavor from the ham enhances the overall taste of the soup.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this soup gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Make sure also to use gluten-free chicken broth.

Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare all the ingredients and store them in the refrigerator. Then just plug in your slow cooker when you’re ready to cook.

What can I serve with ham and potato soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a fresh garden salad, or even a light sandwich for a wholesome meal.

More Soups Recipes

👉 If you make my Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating — it really helps others discover the recipe.
Follow me on Pinterest for more easy recipes.