Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup Recipe

The Magic of the Slow Cooker

Hello, my dear. Come sit. Let’s talk about cozy food. My slow cooker is my best friend on busy days. I just add things in the morning. Then, magic happens all day long.

This ham and potato soup is perfect for that. The smells fill the house. It makes everyone ask, “Is it ready yet?” Doesn’t that smell amazing? I still laugh at that. My grandson once tried to peek under the lid ten times!

Why This Soup Feels Like a Hug

Food is more than just eating. It is about feeling cared for. A warm bowl of soup on a chilly day is a hug from the inside. This matters. We all need that comfort sometimes.

This soup is full of good, simple things. Potatoes, ham, carrots. They cook slowly together. Their flavors become friends. *Fun fact: Yukon gold potatoes are my favorite for soup. They get soft but don’t fall apart!*

A Little Story About Ham

I always save the bone from a holiday ham. My mama taught me that. Nothing should go to waste. So I use leftover ham pieces for this soup.

It makes the soup taste rich and special. It reminds me of family dinners. Do you have a favorite leftover you like to use up? Tell me about it.

The Simple Steps

First, chop all your vegetables. Don’t worry about perfect pieces. Just make them bite-sized. Put them in the pot with the ham and broth. Add the spices.

Now, the hard part is over. Turn the cooker on low. Walk away for hours. Go read a book. The soup will wait for you. Do you prefer to cook on high or low when you’re in a hurry?

The Creamy Finish

Near dinner time, you make the soup creamy. Mix flour and heavy cream in a bowl. This is called a slurry. It thickens the soup nicely.

Stir it in with sour cream and cheese. Let it cook a bit more. The cheese will melt. This step matters. It turns a simple broth into a rich, cozy soup. It’s the secret.

Your Turn to Share

Now, you make your own story. Serve this soup with some crusty bread. Watch your family smile. That is the best part of cooking.

What is your favorite cozy meal to make? Is it a soup, a stew, or something else? I would love to know. Share your thoughts with me.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Yukon gold potatoes	2½ pounds	cleaned, rinsed and cut into ¾” pieces
Ham	1 pound	Cubed
Yellow onion	1 medium	Diced
Carrots	2 large	Peeled and chopped
Celery	3 ribs	Chopped
Chicken broth	4 cups
Garlic	3 teaspoons	Minced
Dried thyme	½ teaspoon
Paprika	1 teaspoon
Black pepper	1½ teaspoons
Sour cream	½ cup
Heavy cream	2 cups
All-purpose flour	¼ cup
Cheddar cheese	1 cup	Shredded

A Cozy Soup That Makes Itself

Hello, my dear. Come sit. Let me tell you about my favorite lazy-day soup. It’s like a warm hug from your slow cooker. You just toss everything in and walk away. The house will smell amazing by dinnertime. I remember making this on snowy afternoons. My grandkids would burst in, sniffing the air. Their noses led them straight to the kitchen. I still laugh at that.

Now, let’s get your soup started. It’s so simple.

Step 1: Grab your big potatoes. Give them a good scrub. Then, chop them into little bite-sized pieces. Do the same with your carrots, celery, and onion. Don’t worry about perfect shapes. Rustic is just fine. Toss all these veggies into your slow cooker.

Step 2: Now for the ham. I love using up leftover holiday ham. Cube it up and add it to the pot. Then, pour in your chicken broth. Sprinkle in the garlic, thyme, paprika, and pepper. Give it one gentle stir. (A hard-learned tip: Don’t add the dairy yet! It will curdle if cooked too long.)

Step 3: Put the lid on. You can cook it on low all day. Or use high if you’re hungry sooner. Go read a book or play outside. The slow cooker does all the work. Isn’t that wonderful?

Step 4: When the time is up, it’s magic time. In a bowl, whisk your heavy cream and flour. This makes a slurry. It will thicken your soup nicely. Stir this into the hot soup. Then add the sour cream and cheddar cheese.

Step 5: Let it cook for 15 more minutes. Stir it once or twice. The cheese will melt into creamy goodness. Then, it’s ready! Ladle it into big bowls. What’s your favorite cozy smell in the kitchen? Share below!

Cook Time: 7-8 hours low or 4-5 hours high
Total Time: About 7 hours 15 minutes (low setting)
Yield: 6 big servings
Category: Dinner, Soup

Let’s Mix It Up!

This soup is like a friendly base. You can change its clothes for any season. Here are three fun twists I like to play with.

Spring Veggie Swap: Use peas and asparagus instead of ham. It becomes a bright, green soup.

Spicy Southwest Kick: Add a can of green chiles. Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. Oh, it has a nice little zing!

Autumn Harvest: Swap potatoes for sweet potatoes. Use smoked turkey instead of ham. It tastes like a fall picnic.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

The Perfect Cozy Bowl

This soup is a full meal. But I love adding a little something extra. A warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping. My family fights over the last piece. A simple green salad on the side is nice too. It adds a fresh crunch.

For garnishes, try a little more shredded cheese. Or some chopped green onion for color. Now, what to drink? A cold glass of apple cider is lovely. For the grown-ups, a pale ale pairs beautifully with the ham. It just feels right.

Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Soup Cozy for Later

Let’s talk about storing this soup. It keeps well in the fridge for three days. Just let it cool first. I use old mason jars for storage.

You can also freeze it for two months. Leave a little space in the container. The soup expands as it freezes. Thaw it overnight in your fridge.

Reheating is simple. Warm it gently on the stove. Add a splash of broth if it’s too thick. My first time, I reheated it too fast. The cream almost separated! Slow and steady wins.

Batch cooking this soup is a lifesaver. It means a warm meal is always ready. This matters on busy school nights. You deserve a break.

Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Soup Troubles

Is your soup too thin? Make a quick slurry. Mix a tablespoon of flour with cold water. Whisk it into the hot soup. It will thicken right up.

Is it too thick? Just add more broth or milk. Stir until it’s just right for you. I remember when my grandson said it was like potato paste! We fixed it together.

Does it taste a bit bland? Let’s fix that. Always taste your soup at the end. Add a pinch more salt or pepper. This matters because you are the boss of flavor.

Solving small problems builds your cooking confidence. You learn to trust your own taste. That is the best kitchen skill of all.

Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Soup Questions, Answered

Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes! Use cornstarch instead of flour for the slurry.

Q: Can I make it ahead? A: Absolutely. Follow all the steps but add the creams later.

Q: What if I don’t have heavy cream? A: Whole milk works. The soup will be a little lighter.

Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Only if your slow cooker is big enough. Do not overfill it.

Q: Any optional tips? A: A little fresh parsley on top is lovely. *Fun fact: Parsley is a cousin to carrots and celery!*

Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love this cozy soup. It always makes my kitchen smell like home. I would love to see your version.

Share a picture of your bowl. Tell me what your family thought. It makes my day to see your creations.

Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! You can find me at Lena’s Cozy Kitchen. Thank you for cooking with me today.

Happy cooking!

—Lena Morales.