Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup
This Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup is a cozy, creamy soup filled with tender potatoes, savory ham, carrots, and celery. It cooks slowly until the vegetables are soft, then a splash of cream makes the broth rich and comforting.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights, chilly evenings, using leftover ham, or an easy family lunch.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
Total Time: Approximately 6½–7½ hours on low
Servings: 6–8
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tender potatoes and savory ham
- Creamy, comforting broth
- Easy slow-cooker preparation
- A delicious way to use leftover ham
- Simple ingredients
- Hearty enough to serve as a full meal
- Easy to adjust with your favorite vegetables
- Great for family dinners and meal prep
- Leftovers reheat easily
- No need to stand over the stove
Ingredients
Soup
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery ribs, diced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, optional
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- Salt, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sliced green onions
- Crumbled bacon
- Crusty bread or crackers
- Chopped fresh parsley
How to Make Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized pieces.
Dice the carrots, celery, and onion. Evenly cut vegetables cook more consistently in the slow cooker.
Step 2: Add the Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
Place the potatoes, ham, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker.
Pour in the chicken broth and add the thyme, black pepper, and smoked paprika, if using. Stir gently to combine.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender.
Cooking time can vary depending on the size of the potato pieces and your slow cooker.
Step 4: Mash Some of the Potatoes
Use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes directly in the slow cooker. Leave plenty of potato pieces whole for a chunky texture.
Step 5: Add the Cream
Stir the milk and heavy cream together, then pour them into the soup.
In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with the cold water until smooth. Stir the mixture into the soup.
Step 6: Thicken the Soup
Cover and cook on high for another 20–30 minutes, until the soup has thickened and is hot throughout.
Stir once or twice while it finishes cooking.
Step 7: Taste and Season
Taste the soup before adding salt. Ham and chicken broth can both be salty, so add salt only if needed.
Step 8: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded cheddar, green onions, parsley, or crumbled bacon.
Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers.
Tips for the Best Ham and Potato Soup
- Cut the potatoes into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape well, while russet potatoes break down more and make a thicker soup.
- Use low-sodium broth because ham can add plenty of salt.
- Mash only some of the potatoes to keep the soup creamy and chunky.
- Add the milk and cream near the end to help prevent the dairy from separating.
- For a thicker soup, mash more potatoes or add a little extra cornstarch slurry.
- For a thinner soup, stir in warm broth or milk before serving.
What Kind of Ham Should I Use?
Cooked diced ham, leftover baked ham, or a ham steak all work well.
If using a ham bone, add it to the slow cooker with the broth for extra flavor, then remove it before serving. Pick off any remaining meat and stir it into the soup.
Can I Use Frozen Potatoes?
Yes. Frozen diced potatoes can save preparation time. Add them straight to the slow cooker and begin checking for tenderness near the end of the cooking time. They may soften faster than fresh potatoes.
Delicious Variations
Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup
Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar after the soup has thickened. Keep the soup below a boil while the cheese melts.
Ham, Potato, and Corn Soup
Add 1 cup frozen or drained canned corn during the last hour of cooking.
Ham and Broccoli Potato Soup
Add 1½ cups small broccoli florets during the final 30–45 minutes so they become tender without turning mushy.
Loaded Potato Soup
Top each bowl with cheddar, sour cream, green onions, and crumbled bacon.
Herb Ham and Potato Soup
Add 1 teaspoon dried parsley or ½ teaspoon dried rosemary with the thyme.
Can I Make It Ahead?
Yes. Chop the vegetables and ham the day before and store them separately in the refrigerator.
For the best texture, add the milk, cream, and cornstarch mixture near the end of cooking rather than leaving the dairy in the slow cooker for hours.
Storage
Let the soup cool, then transfer it to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to four days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or milk if the soup has thickened in the refrigerator.
Can You Freeze Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup?
Potatoes and dairy can change texture after freezing, so this soup is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
If you want to freeze it, freeze the soup before adding the milk, cream, and cornstarch mixture. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, reheat until hot, then add the dairy and thickener.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No. You can leave the skins on, especially with Yukon Gold potatoes. Scrub them well before cutting.
Why is my soup too thin?
Mash more of the potatoes, or stir in an additional cornstarch slurry made with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon cold water. Let the soup cook on high until thickened.
Why is my soup too thick?
Stir in warm chicken broth or milk a little at a time until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Can I use evaporated milk instead of cream?
Yes. Add it near the end of cooking. The soup will still be creamy, though slightly less rich.
Can I use a different broth?
Yes. Vegetable broth works, but chicken broth gives the soup a classic savory flavor.
How do I know when the soup is done?
The potatoes and carrots should be fork-tender, and the soup should be hot throughout after the dairy and thickener are added.
Can I cook it overnight?
The slow cooker can cook the soup on low, but avoid leaving it on warm for an extended time after the potatoes are tender. Add the dairy near the end and refrigerate leftovers promptly.
Pro Tips
Use low-sodium broth and taste the soup before adding salt. Mash a portion of the cooked potatoes to thicken the broth naturally, then add the dairy and cornstarch slurry near the end for a creamy finish.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup turns simple ingredients into a warm, hearty meal with tender potatoes, savory ham, and creamy broth. Serve it with bread, crackers, or your favorite toppings for an easy lunch or comforting family dinner.
