Creamy Ham & Cheddar Potato Soup

Ingredients

• 6 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Optional toppings: sour cream, green onions, bacon bits

Step-by-Step

1. In a large pot, combine the cubed potatoes and chicken broth.

2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

3. While the potatoes are simmering, melt the butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat.

4. Whisk in the flour until smooth, creating a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.

5. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream into the roux until smooth.

6. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the cream mixture. Cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.

7. Pour the cream mixture into the pot with the potatoes.

8. Stir in the diced ham, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika.

9. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted and the soup is heated through.

10. Adjust seasonings to taste.

11. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like sour cream, green onions, or bacon bits.

The Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy Ham & Cheddar Potato Soup

Potato soup is a timeless classic, offering warmth and comfort with every spoonful. This version elevates the traditional recipe by incorporating savory ham and sharp cheddar cheese, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

Why This Recipe Works

This Creamy Ham & Cheddar Potato Soup recipe isn’t just another soup recipe. It’s a carefully crafted blend of ingredients and techniques designed to deliver the perfect balance of flavor and texture. The roux-based creamy base ensures a luxurious mouthfeel. The addition of ham and cheddar provides a satisfying savory depth.

The combination of chicken broth and milk provides the perfect base. This creates both rich flavors and creamy textures, without being too heavy.

The recipe allows for flexibility, adapting to different tastes and dietary needs. You can adjust the amount of cheese and ham to your preference. You can also easily substitute ingredients to make it vegetarian or lower in fat.

Variations and Customizations

One of the best things about this soup is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different variations to create a dish that perfectly suits your taste.

Adding Vegetables: Consider adding other vegetables like carrots, celery, or corn to boost the nutritional value and add textural interest. Dice them finely and add them to the pot along with the onions.

Cheese Variations: While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked gouda can add unique flavor profiles.

Spice it Up: For those who like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. You can also use pepper jack cheese for a subtle kick.

Making it Vegetarian: Omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add some smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor of the ham.

Lower Fat Option: Use skim milk instead of whole milk, and reduce the amount of butter. You can also use a lower-fat cheese.

Tips for Perfecting Your Potato Soup

Creating the perfect potato soup is an art. While the recipe is straightforward, here are some tips to help you achieve soup perfection.

Choosing the Right Potatoes

The type of potatoes you use can significantly impact the texture of your soup.

Russet Potatoes: Russet potatoes are a good choice for a thicker, creamier soup. They tend to break down more during cooking.

Yukon Gold Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes offer a naturally buttery flavor and a slightly waxy texture. They hold their shape better than Russets, resulting in a soup with a bit more texture.

Red Potatoes: Red potatoes are the waxiest of the three and will hold their shape the best. This is not the ideal potato for this style of soup.

Achieving the Perfect Creamy Texture

The creamy texture is key to a great potato soup. A roux is essential for achieving a smooth and velvety base.

Making a Roux: Cook the butter and flour mixture for 1-2 minutes. This helps to eliminate the raw flour taste and ensures a smooth texture.

Gradually Adding Liquid: Add the milk and heavy cream slowly. This prevents lumps from forming. Whisk constantly while adding the liquid.

Blending (Optional): For an ultra-smooth soup, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. Be careful not to over-blend, as this can make the soup gummy.

Enhancing the Flavor

There are several ways to enhance the flavor of your Creamy Ham & Cheddar Potato Soup.

Sautéing Aromatics: Sautéing the onions and garlic in butter before adding them to the soup base helps to develop their flavor. This adds depth to the overall taste of the soup.

Using High-Quality Broth: Using a high-quality chicken broth can make a significant difference in the flavor of the soup. Homemade broth is always best, but a good-quality store-bought broth will also work.

Adding Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs can add another layer of flavor to your soup. Thyme, rosemary, or bay leaf are all excellent choices. Add them during the simmering process to allow their flavors to infuse the soup.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Ham & Cheddar Potato Soup is a satisfying meal on its own. However, it can also be served as a starter or side dish.

Topping Ideas

Toppings add texture and flavor to the soup. Some popular topping choices include:

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Chopped green onions
• Crumbled bacon
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Croutons
• A drizzle of hot sauce

Pairing Options

This soup pairs well with a variety of dishes. Consider serving it with:

• A grilled cheese sandwich
• A crusty bread for dipping
• A side salad
• A baked potato bar

Making it a Complete Meal

To make this soup a complete meal, consider adding a side of protein, such as:

• Grilled chicken
• Ham slices
• Turkey breast

Storage and Reheating

Proper storage and reheating are essential for maintaining the quality of your Creamy Ham & Cheddar Potato Soup.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the soup to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it can last for 3-4 days.

Reheating Instructions

Stovetop: Reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth if needed to thin it out.

Microwave: Reheat the soup in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute or so.

Freezing Considerations

While you can freeze this soup, the texture may change slightly upon thawing due to the dairy content.

Freezing Tips:

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Store it in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Leave some headspace in the container to allow for expansion.
• Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Stir well after reheating to recombine any separated ingredients.

FAQ: Creamy Ham & Cheddar Potato Soup

This section will address some frequently asked questions about making Creamy Ham & Cheddar Potato Soup.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Add the potatoes, chicken broth, onion, garlic, ham, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender. Then, stir in the cream, milk, and cheese. Cook for another 30 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Can I use leftover ham?

Absolutely! Leftover ham is a great way to add flavor to this soup. Simply dice it up and add it to the pot along with the other ingredients.

Can I use frozen potatoes?

While fresh potatoes are preferred, you can use frozen diced potatoes in a pinch. However, keep in mind that the texture of the soup may be slightly different.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will actually meld together and improve over time.

How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?

If your soup is too thin, you can thicken it by adding a cornstarch slurry. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and whisk until smooth. Then, stir the slurry into the soup and simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.