Cozy and Nourishing Ham and Potato Soup | Easy Homemade Soup, Soups to Make in a Crockpot, Great Crockpot Soups
As the golden leaves of autumn begin to fall and a crisp chill fills the air, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of soup. My memories of cozy family dinners are filled with laughter, stories, and the irresistible aroma of ham and potato soup simmering on the stove. This cozy recipe has been passed down through generations and is not just a dish; it’s a hug in a bowl. With a creamy, rich texture and tender, flavorful chunks of ham and potatoes, it’s a go-to for an easy weeknight dinner that warms the heart and soul. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort in a Bowl: The creamy, rich flavors of this ham and potato soup create a warm ambiance perfect for chilly evenings.
- Effortless Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delightful dinner ready in no time.
- Crockpot Magic: Simply toss the ingredients in your slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you attend to your day.
- Family-Friendly: This soup is a hit among kids and adults alike, making it an ideal crowd-pleaser for family gatherings.
- Hearty & Nourishing: Packed with wholesome ingredients, this recipe is not only comforting but also nourishing and satisfying.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap in seasonal vegetables or favorite spices, allowing you to personalize it to your taste!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Cozy and Nourishing Ham and Potato Soup | Easy Homemade Soup, Soups to Make in a Crockpot, Great Crockpot Soups
- 2 cups cooked turkey bacon, chopped
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 cups whole milk (or a dairy alternative)
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Cozy and Nourishing Ham and Potato Soup | Easy Homemade Soup, Soups to Make in a Crockpot, Great Crockpot Soups
Prepare your ingredients: Start by chopping the turkey bacon, peeling and dicing the potatoes, and prepping the carrots, celery, and onion. The more colorful your veggies, the prettier your soup will be!
Sauté the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped turkey bacon until it’s crispy and fragrant. Add in the onions and garlic, cooking until the onions are translucent. This step builds the base of flavor!
Combine in the slow cooker: Transfer the crispy bacon and sautéed onions to your crockpot. Add the diced potatoes, carrots, and celery.
Pour in the broth: Add the chicken broth and thyme to the crockpot. Stir everything together and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Let it cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for about 7-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
Add the creaminess: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the whole milk (or dairy alternative). Allow it to cook for the remaining time to let all those rich flavors meld beautifully.
Serve warm: Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and enjoy the warmth and coziness of this heartwarming dish.
Fun Ways to Customize It
- Zesty Twist: Add a splash of lemon juice or a hint of cayenne for a zesty kick that livens up the flavors.
- Creamy Delight: For an even creamier texture, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese right before serving.
- Veggie Lovers: Throw in your favorite vegetables like corn or peas for additional sweetness and color.
- Herbal Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill or rosemary for a fragrant, garden-fresh aroma.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Advice: This soup can be made ahead of time and actually tastes even better the next day! Store it in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the crockpot.
- Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have turkey bacon, feel free to use leftover ham or even chicken for added protein.
- Storage Suggestions: This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair the soup with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 4g
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day, and you can refrigerate it for up to 4 days.
Can I use different ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different veggies or proteins you have on hand.
How do I store leftovers?
Let the soup cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for several days.
How long does it last?
Properly stored, this soup lasts up to 4 days in the refrigerator and can be frozen for 2-3 months.
A Cozy Closing Note
This Cozy and Nourishing Ham and Potato Soup | Easy Homemade Soup, Soups to Make in a Crockpot, Great Crockpot Soups is not just a recipe; it’s a tradition that brings families together. The creamy texture, combined with the tender bites of turkey bacon and potatoes, creates a delightful harmony that’s perfect for chilly nights. Save this recipe to your dinner inspiration board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat!
Cozy and Nourishing Ham and Potato Soup
- Total Time: 495 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A comforting ham and potato soup that is rich, creamy, and perfect for chilly evenings, made effortlessly in a crockpot.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey bacon, chopped
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 cups whole milk (or a dairy alternative)
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Start by chopping the turkey bacon, peeling and dicing the potatoes, and prepping the carrots, celery, and onion.
- Sauté the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped turkey bacon until it’s crispy. Add in the onions and garlic, cooking until the onions are translucent.
- Combine in the slow cooker: Transfer the crispy bacon and sautéed onions to your crockpot. Add the diced potatoes, carrots, and celery.
- Pour in the broth: Add the chicken broth and thyme to the crockpot. Stir everything together and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let it cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for about 420 minutes, or on high for 240 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
- Add the creaminess: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the whole milk. Allow it to cook for the remaining time to let all those rich flavors meld beautifully.
- Serve warm: Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and enjoy.
Notes
This soup tastes even better the next day. Store in the fridge and reheat for the best flavor!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 480 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
