Creamy One-Pot Ham and Potato Soup

Name: Creamy One-Pot Ham and Potato Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups diced leftover ham; 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 cup carrots, diced; 1 cup celery, diced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste

So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. There’s nothing quite like that cozy feeling of a warm bowl of soup on a chilly day, especially when it’s made in a single pot. Let’s dive into an easy-peasy recipe that’ll have your taste buds singing and your kitchen smelling fantastic without giving you a reason to break a sweat. Ready? Let’s go!

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Let’s get real for a second. This creamy one-pot ham and potato soup is not just delicious, it’s basically a warm hug in a bowl. Need to impress your guests? Check. Want a delightful way to use up that leftover holiday ham? Double check. It’s idiot-proof, even I didn’t mess it up, and I have an impressive track record involving smoke alarms. You can whip it up in no time while still having plenty of time left to binge-watch your favorite show. What’s not to love?

Ingredients You’ll Need

Grab these ingredients, and don’t worry about any fancy stuff, we’ll keep it down to earth. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups diced leftover ham: Yes, that ham from your holiday feast. Bring it to life!
4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced: Whatever kind you have lying around is perfect.
1 cup carrots, diced: Because a little color is always a good idea.
1 cup celery, diced: Adds that unique crunch between the bites.
1 medium onion, chopped: For a flavor bomb.
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth: Homemade if you’re feeling chefs-y, but store-bought works too.
1 cup heavy cream: Yes, we’re going there. Embrace the richness!
2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing and fancy vibes.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: Gives it that herbaceous flair.
Salt and pepper to taste: Because every dish needs some seasoning love.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, grab your biggest pot and let’s do this. Follow these steps and soon you’ll be slurping that cozy soup in no time.

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing until softened. Smells good, right? That’s the smell of potential.
Stir in the diced ham and potatoes, cooking for a few more minutes. Get those flavors to mingle.
Pour in the broth and add thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Don’t let it boil over, though. You’re not trying to create a kitchen disaster here.
Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. This is the time to dance around your kitchen if you feel like it.
Stir in the heavy cream, adjusting seasoning if needed. Now it really starts to look like something amazing.
Serve hot and enjoy your cozy soup! Bonus points if you top it with some fresh herbs or croutons for that Instagram-worthy finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Listen up. This soup is simple, but there are still a few ways to mess it up if you’re not paying attention. Here are some rookie mistakes to avoid:

Not prepping your veggies properly: Chunking them up too big? Nope—no one wants a giant bite of potato.
Rushing the sauté: The veggies need time to get all soft and delicious, so skip the impatience.
Using low-quality broth: Seriously, this is one of those times when you should go for the good stuff or it’ll taste kinda sad.
Ignoring seasoning: Salt and pepper are your best friends. So be generous, but not insane.

Alternatives & Substitutions

If you’re missing something or just feel like getting adventurous here’s some options to switch it up:

Ham: Leftover turkey, chicken, or even bacon if you’re feeling spicy can work.
Potatoes: Sweet potatoes would add an interesting twist.
Heavy cream: If you’re feeling guilty, half-and-half or coconut cream can substitute. Just keep in mind, coconut cream is a bold flavor that can turn the dish tropical.
Broth: Feel free to use ramen broth if you’re trying to strut your culinary stuff.

Mix and match as you please. Just remember, this is YOUR soup adventure.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Got questions? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers, and even a few snarky comments to keep it entertaining.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Well, technically yes, but why hurt your soul like that? Butter is happiness in a spread.

Is it okay to use frozen veggies?
Sure, if you want to save yourself some chopping time. Just thaw those babies out first.

How long will this soup last?
In the fridge, it should stick around for about 3 to 4 days. Just don’t let it sit there too long pretending it’s a science project.

Can I freeze leftover soup?
Absolutely! Just make sure to leave out the cream before freezing. You can add that in after reheating.

What if I made too much?
Well, congrats, you’re officially in the leftovers game. But if you absolutely can’t handle it, you can always bring some to a friend; just don’t call yourself a soup angel for that.

Can I add other veggies?
Why not? As long as they play nice together, get creative! Peas, corn, zucchini—it all works.

Is there any way to make this vegan?
Oh for sure! Swap the ham for mushrooms and get a plant-based cream to give it that rich texture.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it, folks—your new go-to recipe for a creamy one-pot ham and potato soup. It’s easy, delicious, and your future self will thank you for taking 30 minutes to whip this up. Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it! Happy cooking and even happier eating!

Creamy One-Pot Ham and Potato Soup

Creamy One-Pot Ham and Potato Soup

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Ingredients You’ll Need

Step-by-Step Instructions

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Alternatives & Substitutions

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Final Thoughts