Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by washing and preparing your vegetables.
Peel the potatoes and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Slice the carrots and celery, and dice the onion.
Try to keep the potato pieces relatively similar in size so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Add Everything to the Slow Cooker
Place the potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and diced ham into your slow cooker.
Pour in the chicken broth and add the black pepper.
Give everything a gentle stir.
At this point, your kitchen probably doesn't look like much is happening.
Just wait.
The slow cooker is about to do its magic!
Step 3: Cook Until the Vegetables Are Tender
Cover and cook until the potatoes and vegetables are tender.
Depending on your slow cooker, this can take roughly 6–8 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH.
Slow cookers can vary, so use the tenderness of the potatoes as your best guide.
You want them tender enough to pierce easily with a fork.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Mixture
Near the end of cooking, prepare the creamy portion of the soup.
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook briefly, stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in the milk and cream until smooth.
Continue cooking until the mixture thickens slightly.
Step 5: Add the Cream Mixture
Pour the creamy mixture into the slow cooker and stir gently.
Let the soup continue cooking for a little while longer so all those flavors can come together.
Taste and adjust the seasoning.
This is also the perfect time to decide whether you'd like a little more black pepper or salt.
Step 6: Serve!
Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
Top with fresh parsley if desired, and add your favorite toppings.
Then grab a spoon.
This is the good part!
Should You Mash Some of the Potatoes?
Absolutely!
If you like a thicker soup, use the back of a spoon or a potato masher to gently mash some of the cooked potatoes directly in the slow cooker.
Don't mash all of them.
Leaving some chunks behind gives you that wonderful combination of creamy soup and tender potato pieces.
It's one of my favorite ways to make this soup feel extra hearty.
What to Serve With Ham and Potato Soup
This soup is filling enough to be a meal on its own, but a few simple sides make it even better.
Crusty Bread
A warm loaf of crusty bread is practically made for this soup.
You can dip it right into the creamy broth and soak up every last bit.
Dinner Rolls
Soft, buttery rolls are another great option.
Green Salad
A simple green salad adds a fresh contrast to the rich soup.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or green beans can turn this into a complete comfort-food dinner.
Crackers
And let's not forget crackers!
Sometimes the simplest combination is the best.
Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup
Cut the Potatoes Evenly
Try to keep your potato pieces roughly the same size.
This helps them cook at the same rate.
Don't Add Too Much Salt Early
Ham and chicken broth can both contain quite a bit of sodium.
Taste before adding additional salt.
Don't Overcook the Potatoes
Nobody wants completely disintegrated potatoes unless that's the texture you're going for.
Check them toward the end of the cooking time.
Add Dairy Toward the End
For the best texture, add milk, cream, or other dairy ingredients toward the end rather than letting them cook for the entire slow-cooking period.
Use Good Ham
Since ham is one of the main flavors in this soup, using a flavorful cooked ham can make a noticeable difference.
And if you have leftover ham from a holiday meal, even better!
Want It Thicker?
Mash some of the cooked potatoes, or allow the creamy mixture to thicken properly before adding it to the soup.
How to Store Leftover Soup
Let the soup cool before transferring it to an airtight container.
Store it in the refrigerator and enjoy it within 3–4 days.
When reheating, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Because this soup contains dairy, avoid boiling it aggressively during reheating. Gentle heat helps maintain a smoother texture.
Can You Freeze Ham and Potato Soup?
You can freeze it, although creamy potato soups can sometimes change texture after thawing.
If you know you're planning to freeze a batch, one option is to freeze the soup before adding the dairy mixture.
Then thaw it in the refrigerator, reheat it gently, and add the milk and cream while warming.
That can help give you a fresher texture.
General Recipe Information
Recipe: Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup
Cuisine: American-inspired comfort food
Prep time: About 20 minutes
Cook time: About 6–8 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
Servings: Approximately 6–8
Difficulty: Easy
Best for: Weeknight dinners, cold-weather meals, leftovers, and using up cooked ham
Cooking times can vary depending on the slow cooker and the size of the vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover Christmas or Easter ham?
Absolutely!
In fact, this is one of the best ways to use leftover ham. Dice it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the soup.
Can I use frozen potatoes?
Fresh potatoes are my first choice, but frozen diced potatoes can work in a pinch. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different.
Can I make this soup without cream?
Yes. You can use milk instead for a lighter soup, although the finished soup won't be quite as rich.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes. Half-and-half is a good middle ground if you want creaminess without quite as much richness.
How do I make the soup thicker?
Mash some of the cooked potatoes, or use the flour-and-butter mixture described in the recipe.
Can I add cheese?
Definitely! Cheddar, sharp cheddar, or another good melting cheese can make this soup extra comforting.
Can I make this soup on the stovetop?
Yes. You can simmer the vegetables, potatoes, broth, and ham in a large pot until tender, then add the creamy mixture near the end.
Why is my potato soup too salty?
The ham and broth are likely contributing most of the salt. Next time, use low-sodium broth and wait until the end to season.
If it's already too salty, adding unsalted ingredients or a little additional liquid may help balance the flavor.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Yes. Use a gluten-free thickener in place of regular all-purpose flour, and check the labels on your ham and broth to make sure the products you use meet your dietary requirements.
Nutritional Information
Approximate nutrition will vary depending on the type of ham, broth, dairy, potato, and portion size used.
Per serving, this soup may provide approximately:
- Calories: 350–450
- Protein: 18–25g
- Carbohydrates: 35–45g
- Fat: 15–22g
- Fiber: 4–6g
- Sodium: Variable, depending heavily on the ham and broth
For the most accurate nutrition information, calculate the recipe using the exact ingredients and quantities you use.
Final Thoughts
There are recipes you make because they're impressive.
And then there are recipes you make because you know everyone is going to sit down at the table, take one bite, and say:
“Oh, this is GOOD.”
That's this soup.
This Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup is simple, hearty, creamy, and wonderfully comforting. The slow cooker does most of the work, which means you get all the cozy homemade flavor without spending your entire afternoon in the kitchen.
And if you've got leftover ham waiting in the refrigerator?
Even better.
So grab your slow cooker, chop those potatoes, and let dinner take care of itself.
If you make this recipe, leave a review and share a photo on Pinterest. I absolutely love seeing your versions of these cozy recipes!
And if you're looking for more delicious ways to use seasonal fruit and comforting ingredients, don't forget to check out my other recipes too.
