If you’re looking for a heartwarming dish that transforms your leftovers into something amazingly delicious, you’ve got to try this Creamy Holiday Ham & Potato Soup (Best Leftover Ham Recipe). It’s everything you want in a cozy meal: rich, smooth, and packed with tender bits of ham and soft potatoes that make each spoonful pure comfort. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to breathe new life into holiday ham, turning scraps into a satisfying bowl of goodness that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple with ingredients you probably already have on hand, each playing a vital role in creating the soup’s deliciously creamy texture and satisfying flavor. From the buttery softness of sautéed onions to the hearty potatoes that give the soup its body, every element is essential.
- Butter (2 tbsp): Adds richness and helps soften the onions for that perfect flavor base.
- Onion, chopped (1): Provides a sweet, aromatic foundation that lifts the whole soup.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Gives a gentle, savory kick just beneath the surface.
- Potatoes, peeled & diced (700 g / ~1.5 lb): The hearty star that thickens and comforts in every bite.
- Cooked ham, diced (2 cups): Packs savory, smoky flavor and leftover magic into the soup.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): Creates a flavorful, savory liquid base that ties it all together.
- Milk or cream (1 cup): Makes the soup decadently creamy and smooth.
- Salt, pepper: Simple seasonings that bring balance and enhance every ingredient.
- Optional: shredded cheddar, green onions: For added richness and color if you want to jazz it up a bit.
How to Make Creamy Holiday Ham & Potato Soup (Best Leftover Ham Recipe)
Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base
Start by melting the butter in a large pot and sautéing the chopped onion until it turns soft and translucent, about five minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic for just 30 seconds to release its fragrance without burning. This step is crucial because it layers your soup with rich savory notes right from the start.
Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients
Next, add the diced potatoes, cooked ham, and chicken broth to the pot. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender enough to be pierced easily with a fork. This simmering melds all those flavors beautifully while cooking the potatoes through.
Step 3: Create the Perfect Creamy Texture
Once the potatoes are tender, push a portion of them against the side of the pot to mash them for natural thickness. Alternatively, blend one or two cups of the soup and stir it back in to get a silky consistency. Then pour in the milk or cream and warm the soup gently—be careful not to boil it vigorously here, as that can affect the creamy texture.
Step 4: Final Touches and Seasoning
Give the soup a good taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. If you want that extra indulgence, stir in some shredded cheddar for a rich, melty finish. Ladle into bowls and prepare to savor every comforting spoonful of your Creamy Holiday Ham & Potato Soup (Best Leftover Ham Recipe).
How to Serve Creamy Holiday Ham & Potato Soup (Best Leftover Ham Recipe)
Garnishes
Simple and fresh garnishes like chopped green onions or a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar add a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor. A touch of cracked black pepper on top brings out the best savory notes in the soup.
Side Dishes
This soup loves company like crusty bread, buttery crackers, or even a crisp green salad. The crunch and freshness of these sides create a nice contrast to the soup’s creamy texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls or mini crocks with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Pair with a drizzle of browned butter or a dollop of sour cream to impress your guests with subtle twists on this classic leftover favorite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps really well and actually tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3 to 4 days for the best taste and safety.
Freezing
You can freeze Creamy Holiday Ham & Potato Soup (Best Leftover Ham Recipe) successfully, but be mindful that the texture of potatoes can change a bit. Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the soup slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. This gentle reheating keeps the cream from separating and helps bring back that luscious texture that makes this soup so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use leftover ham from any type of ham?
Absolutely! Whether it’s a smoked, honey-glazed, or classic baked ham, any leftover ham works beautifully in this soup, adding wonderful smoky, savory flavor.
What if I don’t have cream—can I use milk instead?
Yes, milk works fine and will make a lighter version of the soup. For extra richness, half-and-half or a bit of cream cheese can be stirred in.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist, omit the ham and use vegetable broth. Adding some smoked paprika or liquid smoke can help mimic that smoky flavor.
Is there a way to make the soup thicker without mashing potatoes?
You can also use a small amount of cornstarch or flour mixed with cold water as a slurry to thicken the soup, but mashing potatoes adds natural creaminess without extra ingredients.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Definitely! Diced carrots, celery, or corn kernels can be added during the simmering step to boost nutrition and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Holiday Ham & Potato Soup (Best Leftover Ham Recipe) truly takes the humble act of using leftovers to a whole new level of deliciousness. It’s straightforward, comforting, and endlessly adaptable, making it a go-to for chilly nights when you want something warm and satisfying. Go ahead and give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to celebrate those tasty holiday ham leftovers!
PrintCreamy Holiday Ham & Potato Soup (Best Leftover Ham Recipe)
A warm, creamy soup that transforms leftover ham and potatoes into a hearty, comforting meal perfect for chilly days or holiday leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 Onion, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 700 g (approximately 1.5 lb) Potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cups Cooked ham, diced
- 4 cups Chicken broth
- 1 cup Milk or cream
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, allowing the flavors to deepen.
- Cook Potatoes and Ham: Add the diced potatoes, cooked ham, and chicken broth to the pot. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Thicken the Soup: To thicken, mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot using a spoon or potato masher, or alternatively transfer 1 to 2 cups of the soup to a blender, puree until smooth, and stir back into the pot. Then stir in the milk or cream and warm the soup gently over low heat, ensuring it does not boil hard to prevent curdling.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. For a richer finish, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Serve hot, garnished with optional green onions and accompanied by bread or crackers for a complete meal.
Notes
- Using cream instead of milk will make the soup richer and more indulgent.
- Be careful not to boil the soup hard after adding milk or cream to avoid curdling.
- Leftover ham can be replaced with cooked bacon or sausage for variation.
- For a smoother texture, blend the soup fully before adding milk or cream.