The Story & Intro
Bonjour my friends! 👋 I’m Lacamorea, a 31-year-old French girl who traded the cobblestone streets of Paris for the cozy kitchens of America 🇫🇷➡️🇺🇸. Ever since I could reach the countertop, I’ve been whisking, stirring, and sneaking tastes of cake batter when no one was looking 🍰😋. Cooking isn’t just my passion it’s my love language, my therapy, and my favorite way to make people smile.
The very first time I made creamy ham potato soup, I was standing in my tiny American kitchen during my first winter here. Outside, snow dusted the sidewalks, and inside, I missed the warmth of my maman’s cooking back in France. I opened the fridge and found leftover ham from a holiday dinner, a bag of potatoes, and a lonely onion. That was the moment this soup became more than a recipe it became comfort in a bowl.
This creamy ham potato soup reminds me of slow Sundays, fuzzy socks, and the joy of transforming humble ingredients into something magical. It’s thick, rich, and luxuriously creamy, yet still rustic and homey. Every spoonful feels like a warm hug, especially when the weather turns chilly or when you just need something soothing after a long day.
What I adore most about creamy ham potato soup is how forgiving and flexible it is. You can make it on the stovetop, let it gently bubble away, and fill your home with that irresistible aroma of butter, onions, and savory ham. It’s the kind of soup that brings everyone into the kitchen asking, “Is it ready yet?”
If you grew up eating ham and potatoes, this recipe will feel familiar. But trust me this version has a little French soul tucked inside, thanks to simple techniques that build deep flavor without fuss. Let’s make a pot of soup that warms hearts and bellies alike 💛.
🛒 Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make the best creamy ham potato soup at home:
- 4 tablespoons butter 🧈
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups russet potatoes, peeled and diced 🥔
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced 🍖
- 1½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- Optional: shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, or crispy bacon for topping
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Build the Flavor Base
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Create the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir constantly for about 1 minute. This step is key for achieving that thick, creamy texture in your creamy ham potato soup.
Step 3: Add Liquids
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. The mixture will thicken slightly that’s exactly what you want.
Step 4: Potatoes & Ham
Add the diced potatoes and ham to the pot. Stir gently, then bring the soup to a low boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Stir in the milk and heavy cream. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes until rich and velvety.
Step 6: Adjust & Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. For an extra-thick soup, lightly mash a few potatoes directly in the pot.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This creamy ham potato soup is wonderful on its own, but here’s how I love serving it:
- With crusty French bread or garlic toast 🥖
- Alongside a simple green salad for balance
- Topped with shredded cheddar and green onions
- Finished with a swirl of cream for elegance
It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, lazy weekends, or when guests need something comforting and filling.
⏱️ Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
📝 Notes
- Russet potatoes give the creamiest texture, but Yukon Gold works beautifully too
- Leftover holiday ham is ideal
- For extra richness, add a small pat of butter before serving
- Soup thickens as it cools add broth when reheating if needed
🍽️ Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
🧾 Recipe Card
Creamy Ham Potato Soup 🍲
A cozy, rich, and comforting soup made with tender potatoes, savory ham, and a velvety cream base.
Ingredients 🛒
Butter, onion, garlic, flour, chicken broth, potatoes, ham, milk, cream, seasonings
Instructions 👩🍳
Sauté → thicken → simmer → cream → serve
Notes 📝
Perfect for leftovers, freezer-friendly, and incredibly comforting
Conclusion
Every time I make this creamy ham potato soup, I’m reminded why simple recipes are often the most powerful. It doesn’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps just love, patience, and a good wooden spoon. This soup has become a staple in my American kitchen, and I hope it becomes one in yours too.
So light a candle, grab a bowl, and let this creamy, savory soup wrap you in warmth. From my kitchen to yours bon appétit, my friends 💛.