When it comes to cozy soups, nothing beats Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup. It’s creamy, flavorful, and the perfect way to use up leftover ham after a holiday meal. Each spoonful has tender chunks of potato, savory bites of ham, and rich melted cheese that blend together into pure comfort.
The first time I made this, it was the day after Christmas. The house was quiet, and I had a fridge full of leftover ham. I diced some up, tossed it into a pot with potatoes and cheese, and let it simmer away. By dinner, it was creamy, cheesy perfection — my family called it “Christmas in a bowl.” Now it’s a year-round favorite.
This Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup fits right alongside my Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup and Creamy Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup as one of our most-loved cozy dinner recipes.
Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 4 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add diced potatoes and pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in diced ham and simmer for another 5 minutes to let the flavors blend.
- Stir in milk and cream. Lower the heat and add shredded cheddar cheese, mixing gently until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra cheese, green onions, and bacon if desired. Serve warm with crusty bread.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup
This soup is hearty, creamy, and full of satisfying flavor. The potatoes add creaminess, the ham adds saltiness, and the cheese ties everything together with a silky texture. It’s simple to make, ready in about 40 minutes, and uses ingredients you likely already have.
If you love comfort meals like my Ham and Potato Chowder or Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder, you’ll fall in love with this one too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups peeled and diced potatoes
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon thyme (optional, for depth)
For Garnish:
- Extra cheddar cheese
- Chopped green onions
- Crumbled bacon (optional but delicious)
If you love using simple ingredients to make something hearty, you’ll also enjoy my French Onion Ground Beef — another one-pot comfort meal that never disappoints.
How to Make Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 4 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Potatoes and Broth
Add diced potatoes and pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
Step 3: Add the Ham
Stir in diced ham and simmer for another 5 minutes to let the flavors blend.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Stir in milk and cream. Lower the heat and add shredded cheddar cheese, mixing gently until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra cheese, green onions, and bacon if desired. Serve warm with No-Knead Dutch Oven Bread or Christmas Bread Recipe for dipping.
For another family favorite that’s creamy and cozy, try my White Lasagna Soup — it has the same richness and comfort in a different form.
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup
- Use sharp cheddar: It melts better and gives a deeper flavor.
- Add cheese off the heat: This keeps the soup from curdling.
- Use leftover ham: It adds smoky flavor and saves time.
- Make it thicker: Mash a few potatoes or add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with milk.
These small tricks make all the difference — just like they do in my Marry Me Chicken Soup.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Best frozen before adding cheese and cream for best texture.
Reheating: Warm slowly on low heat, stirring often, and add a splash of milk if it thickens.
Like my Snow Day Soup, this one reheats beautifully — perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Flavor Variations
- Ham & Broccoli Soup: Add chopped broccoli in the last few minutes.
- Smoky Bacon Twist: Mix in crispy bacon pieces for added flavor.
- Cheddar & Corn Version: Stir in a cup of corn kernels for sweetness.
- Loaded Potato Style: Top with sour cream and chives before serving.
If you love soups that can be customized to your taste, this one’s as flexible as my Chicken Enchilada Soup.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use leftover holiday ham?
Yes! This recipe was made for that — it gives the best flavor.
2. Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely — there’s no flour in this soup, so it’s naturally gluten-free.
3. Can I add other cheeses?
Yes, try Monterey Jack or a blend of cheddar and Swiss.
4. Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes! Add everything except cheese and cream, cook on LOW for 5 hours, then stir in cheese and cream before serving.
The Final Bite
This Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup is creamy, rich, and full of flavor that feels like home. It’s the perfect way to use leftover ham or whip up a satisfying meal any night of the week. Every spoonful delivers that classic cheesy-potato comfort you can’t resist.
Serve it with a slice of crusty bread or my Garlic Herb Dinner Rolls and you’ll have a dinner that warms the heart and fills the belly.