The Ultimate Easy Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup: A Hearty Crockpot Comfort Food

There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup, especially when it requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor. This Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup recipe is the epitome of convenience, allowing you to “dump and go” while your Crockpot transforms simple ingredients into a rich, hearty meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, cold weather, or simply when you crave a delicious, fuss-free dinner, this soup leverages the magic of slow cooking to create tender ham, perfectly cooked potatoes, and a medley of vegetables bathed in a savory broth. Whether you’re repurposing leftover holiday ham, utilizing a flavorful ham bone, or starting with store-bought diced ham, this versatile recipe adapts to your needs, promising a satisfying experience for the whole family.

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Choosing Your Ham: From Leftovers to Store-Bought Perfection

One of the best things about this slow cooker ham and potato soup is its incredible versatility, especially when it comes to the star ingredient: ham. You have several fantastic options, each contributing a unique depth of flavor to your soup.

My absolute favorite method, and one that truly elevates this dish, is using a leftover ham bone from a previous meal, such as my acclaimed Southern Baked Ham with Pineapple. A meaty ham bone, rich with rendered fat and savory goodness, is ideal for slow cooking. As it simmers for hours in the Crockpot, the meat literally falls off the bone, infusing the entire soup with an unparalleled smoky, salty, and sweet flavor profile that simply cannot be replicated with pre-packaged ham. It’s a wonderful way to give a second life to your holiday leftovers, ensuring no delicious morsel goes to waste.

If you don’t have a ham bone on hand, don’t worry! This recipe is still incredibly delicious and easy to make with other types of ham. You can readily purchase cooked, diced ham cubes from your local grocery store. These are convenient and require no pre-preparation, making your “dump and go” process even faster. Alternatively, Country ham, known for its distinct salty and intense flavor, can also be a fantastic choice, though you might want to adjust the overall saltiness of your soup accordingly. Whether you choose a smoky bone or pre-diced pieces, the ham will provide that signature savory heartiness to your comforting potato soup.

Selecting the Perfect Potatoes for Your Ham Soup

Potatoes are the heart of this ham and potato soup, contributing to its creamy texture and satisfying bulk. The good news is that this recipe is incredibly forgiving when it comes to potato choice, allowing you to use whatever you have on hand or what best suits your preference. I typically reach for russet potatoes, which I almost always have stocked in my pantry. Their high starch content means they break down beautifully during slow cooking, helping to naturally thicken the soup and create a wonderfully comforting, starchy base.

However, feel free to experiment with other varieties. Red potatoes hold their shape well, offering a firmer bite and a lovely color contrast if you leave the skins on. Yukon Gold potatoes are another excellent choice, known for their naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture, making them ideal for a rich soup. Regardless of the type you choose, the cooking time outlined in the recipe card will remain a reliable guide. Simply keep an eye on them towards the end and cook until they are fork-tender, easily mashed with the back of a spoon if desired.

When preparing your potatoes, you have the option to peel them or leave the skin intact. I often recommend keeping the skin on, especially for varieties like red or Yukon Gold, as it’s packed with essential nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Plus, leaving the skin on saves you a step, contributing to the overall ease of this slow cooker meal. Just be sure to give them a thorough scrub before dicing to remove any dirt.

Enhancing Flavor with Vegetables: Beyond the Basics

A well-balanced soup is defined not just by its primary ingredients but also by the aromatic foundation created by its vegetables. For this ham and potato soup, I often start with a classic mirepoix – a fundamental base in many stews and soups. This traditional French combination consists of finely diced celery, onions, and carrots. When gently cooked, these vegetables release their aromatic compounds, building a profound depth of flavor that becomes the savory backbone of your soup. For ultimate convenience, many grocery stores, like Trader Joe’s, offer pre-diced mirepoix, saving you precious prep time.

While mirepoix forms an excellent foundation, this recipe is a fantastic canvas for adding any additional vegetables you love. Don’t hesitate to personalize your soup with extra nutrients and textures. Here are some popular ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:

• Broccoli florets: Add towards the end of cooking to maintain a vibrant color and slight crunch.
• Spinach or Kale: Wilt these leafy greens into the hot soup just before serving for a boost of iron and vitamins.
• Cauliflower florets: A great low-carb alternative or addition, they soften beautifully in the slow cooker.
• Snap Peas or Green Beans: Offer a fresh, crisp texture. Add during the last hour of cooking.
• Corn kernels: Sweet and juicy, corn adds a lovely burst of flavor. Frozen or canned corn works perfectly.
• Diced Tomatoes: Introduce a touch of acidity and color to the rich soup base.
• Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms add an earthy umami flavor that complements the ham beautifully.
• Bell Peppers: Red, yellow, or green bell peppers can add a sweet or slightly peppery note.

Feel free to mix and match these suggestions to create a vegetable medley that suits your taste and what you have available. The slow cooker will gently meld all these flavors together, resulting in a complex and utterly delicious soup.

Crafting Your Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup: The “Dump and Go” Method

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup lies in its incredible simplicity. It truly embodies the “dump and go” philosophy, making it an ideal meal for even the busiest of days. Forget complicated steps or constant stirring; your Crockpot handles all the hard work, allowing you to focus on other tasks while a delicious, hearty meal simmers to perfection.

The core process is wonderfully straightforward, designed for minimal effort and maximum reward:

1. Combine All Ingredients: Simply add your diced ham (or ham bone), prepared potatoes, chosen vegetables (like the mirepoix blend), and your selected broth into the slow cooker pot. Ensure that the broth adequately covers the ingredients; a good rule of thumb is to add enough liquid to just immerse the solids, which typically falls between 4 to 5 cups, depending on the size of your slow cooker and the amount of ingredients.
2. Season and Stir: Stir in your chosen seasonings, such as ground thyme and oregano, along with salt and pepper to taste. While ham often provides saltiness, it’s good to season incrementally and taste before serving. A quick stir ensures all ingredients are well-distributed and flavors begin to meld.
3. Set and Forget: Place the lid on your slow cooker and set it to your desired cooking temperature. Cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours if you need a quicker meal, or on LOW for 7-8 hours for a slow, gentle simmer that deepens the flavors even further. The longer cook time on low is especially beneficial if you’re using a ham bone, as it allows the meat to become incredibly tender and fall right off.
4. Cool and Serve: Once the cooking time is complete and the potatoes are tender, allow the soup to cool slightly before serving. This brief resting period helps the flavors to settle and prevents accidental burns from extremely hot liquid. Ladle into bowls and enjoy!

This method allows the ingredients to slowly tenderize and infuse the broth with their delicious flavors, resulting in a rich, harmonious soup that feels like it took hours of active cooking, when in reality, it took mere minutes of your time. For detailed measurements and a complete ingredient list, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Achieving the Perfect Consistency: How to Thicken Your Ham and Potato Soup

One of the beauties of a good ham and potato soup is its naturally hearty and somewhat thick consistency, primarily due to the starch released by the potatoes as they cook and soften. Often, I find that the soup achieves a delightful thickness on its own, making additional thickening agents unnecessary. The cooked potatoes break down just enough to give the broth a lovely, comforting body without being overly heavy.

However, if you prefer a notably thicker, more robust soup, or if your potatoes didn’t release as much starch as anticipated, a simple cornstarch slurry is your secret weapon. This classic thickening technique is quick, effective, and won’t clump if done correctly. Here’s how to do it:

• Prepare the Slurry: In a small bowl, combine one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of the hot liquid directly from your cooked soup. It’s crucial to mix these two ingredients separately first, ensuring the cornstarch dissolves completely into a smooth paste without any lumps. Cold water or broth can also be used, but hot soup liquid works wonderfully.
• Incorporate into Soup: Gradually stir the cornstarch slurry back into the main pot of soup.
• Stir and Simmer: Continue to stir the soup gently over low heat for a few minutes. You’ll notice the soup beginning to thicken as it comes to a gentle simmer. The thickening process occurs as the cornstarch molecules swell and absorb liquid when heated.

Remember that soup will also naturally thicken further as it cools and stands. So, if you’re aiming for a specific consistency, it’s always best to add a thickening agent gradually and give it a few minutes to take effect before adding more. This prevents the soup from becoming excessively thick, allowing you to achieve that perfect, satisfying texture.

Adding a Luxurious Touch: Making Your Ham and Potato Soup Creamy

While delicious on its own, adding a creamy element can elevate your ham and potato soup to a new level of indulgence, transforming it into an even richer and more comforting dish. The trick to achieving this velvety texture is to incorporate dairy after the soup has finished its slow cooking process, preventing any curdling or separation that can sometimes occur if dairy is cooked for too long at high temperatures.

For a truly decadent and rich consistency, stir in approximately ½ cup of heavy cream into the soup once it’s done cooking in the slow cooker. Heavy cream provides a luxurious mouthfeel and a subtle sweetness that complements the savory ham and earthy potatoes beautifully. If you prefer a lighter creaminess or want to use what you have on hand, a combination of ½ cup heavy cream and ½ cup of any milk (whole milk, skim milk, or even a non-dairy alternative for a different flavor profile) works wonderfully. Alternatively, you can use 1 full cup of any milk for a less intense but still satisfying creamy finish.

To enhance the creaminess and flavor even further, consider these delicious additions:

• Cream Cheese: A few ounces of softened cream cheese, whisked into the hot soup until melted, can add an incredible tang and thickness.
• Shredded Cheese: Stirring in a cup of shredded sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gruyere cheese at the end of cooking adds a cheesy, gooey richness that’s hard to resist. The residual heat of the soup will melt it perfectly.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: For a slightly tangy creaminess, a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt stirred in at the very end (or offered as a topping) can be a delightful addition.

Whichever dairy option you choose, stir it in until fully incorporated and heated through, but avoid bringing the soup to a vigorous boil once dairy has been added to prevent separation. The result will be a lusciously smooth, incredibly flavorful soup that’s perfect for a cozy meal.

Storage Solutions: Keeping Your Ham and Potato Soup Fresh

This slow cooker ham and potato soup is not only delicious freshly made but also incredibly satisfying as leftovers. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy its comforting flavors for days to come. Once the soup has cooled down to room temperature (within two hours of cooking), transfer it to airtight containers.

Store these sealed containers in the refrigerator, where the soup will maintain its quality and freshness for 3-4 days. It’s important to cool the soup quickly and thoroughly before refrigerating to inhibit bacterial growth. Divide larger batches into smaller containers to facilitate faster cooling. When reheating, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave. If the soup has thickened considerably in the fridge, you might want to add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Freezer-Friendly Ham and Potato Soup: Meal Prep Made Easy

One of the greatest advantages of making a large batch of this slow cooker ham and potato soup is its freezer-friendliness, making it an excellent candidate for meal prepping. Freezing portions means you always have a comforting, homemade meal ready to go on those days when cooking isn’t an option. You can confidently freeze this soup for up to 2-3 months without compromising its flavor or texture.

For optimal freezing and easy portioning, I highly recommend using dedicated freezer molds, such as these convenient Souper Cube soup molds. These molds allow you to freeze individual or family-sized portions that easily pop out, ready to be transferred to freezer bags or containers. Label your frozen soup with the date to keep track of its freshness.

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen soup, simply remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker thaw, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave or gently reheat it directly from frozen in a pot on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a little extra broth or water if needed to thin it out as it warms. Freezing is a fantastic way to extend the life of your delicious homemade soup and ensure you always have a comforting meal within reach.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Ham and Potato Soup

This hearty Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup is a meal in itself, but a few complementary sides can elevate the dining experience even further. Here are some ideas for perfect pairings that enhance its comforting qualities:

• Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: A warm, crusty baguette or soft dinner rolls are ideal for soaking up every last drop of the rich, savory broth. Garlic bread or cheese bread can add an extra layer of flavor.
• Fresh Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the soup’s richness. It adds a welcome burst of freshness and balances the meal beautifully.
• Cornbread: For a touch of Southern comfort, serving your soup with warm, buttery cornbread is a classic choice that pairs wonderfully with ham and potatoes.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The ultimate comfort food duo! A gooey grilled cheese sandwich dipped into a warm bowl of ham and potato soup is a match made in heaven.
• Roasted Vegetables: A side of simply roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans can add more nutrients and a different texture to your meal.

Don’t forget the garnishes! A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a pop of color and herbaceous freshness. A dollop of sour cream or a dusting of shredded cheese can also add a delightful finishing touch.

Customizing Your Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup

One of the best aspects of homemade soup is the freedom to customize it to your exact preferences. This ham and potato soup recipe is incredibly versatile, inviting you to experiment with flavors and ingredients. Here are some ideas to make it uniquely yours:

• Add a Smoky Flavor Boost: If you’re not using a ham bone, a small amount of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke can impart a lovely smoky essence to the soup.
• Herb Variations: While thyme and oregano are classic, consider experimenting with other herbs. A bay leaf added during cooking can deepen savory notes (remember to remove it before serving), or fresh rosemary can add an aromatic touch.
• Spice it Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add a subtle kick to the broth.
• Cheesy Goodness: Stir in some shredded sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, or Swiss cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking, or simply sprinkle it on top of individual servings.
• Other Proteins: If you’re out of ham, cooked sausage (like Kielbasa or smoked sausage) or even leftover roasted chicken can be used, though the flavor profile will change.
• Different Liquids: While chicken broth is standard, try vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or even a mix of broth and a dry white wine for added complexity.
• Vegetarian Option (without ham): For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth. Add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, and perhaps some cannellini beans for extra protein and creaminess.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own. It’s a forgiving dish that welcomes personal touches!

Troubleshooting Tips for Your Ham and Potato Soup

Even the simplest recipes can sometimes present small challenges. Here are a few common issues you might encounter with your slow cooker ham and potato soup and how to easily remedy them:

• Soup is Too Salty: Ham, especially certain types, can be quite salty. If your soup tastes too salty, add more unsalted broth or a diced potato (it will absorb some salt). A squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of apple cider vinegar can also help balance the flavor by adding a touch of acidity.
• Soup is Too Bland: If your soup lacks flavor, it likely needs more seasoning. Taste and adjust with salt, black pepper, and additional dried herbs like thyme or oregano. A dash of garlic powder or onion powder can also boost the savory notes. Sometimes, a rich ham bone isn’t enough, and a bouillon cube or paste can help deepen the umami.
• Soup is Too Thin: As mentioned previously, a cornstarch slurry is the best way to thicken soup. Alternatively, remove about 1-2 cups of the cooked potatoes and mash them, then return them to the pot. This will naturally thicken the soup without altering its flavor.
• Soup is Too Thick: If your soup has become too thick, simply add more warm broth or water, a quarter cup at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Stir well after each addition.
• Potatoes are Mushy: While some potato breakdown is desired for thickness, overly mushy potatoes can be a sign of overcooking or using a very starchy potato and cutting them too small. To prevent this, ensure your potatoes are cut into uniform, larger chunks (about 1-inch cubes) and monitor them towards the end of the cooking cycle, especially if you’re cooking on high.

With these simple fixes, you can ensure your ham and potato soup turns out perfectly every time, tailored to your liking.

The Wholesome Goodness: Health Benefits of Ham and Potato Soup

Beyond its delicious taste and comforting warmth, a homemade slow cooker ham and potato soup offers several nutritional benefits, making it a wholesome addition to your meal rotation:

• Rich in Vegetables: Starting with a mirepoix of carrots, celery, and onions, and the option to add more greens like spinach or broccoli, significantly boosts your intake of essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
• Good Source of Protein: Ham provides a substantial amount of protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall bodily functions.
• Energy from Carbohydrates: Potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy. Leaving the skins on further adds to the fiber content.
• Hydration: Soups are naturally hydrating due to their high liquid content, helping you meet your daily fluid intake.
• Homemade Control: By making it from scratch, you have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to reduce sodium, artificial additives, and unhealthy fats often found in store-bought options.

This soup is a balanced meal that delivers both flavor and nourishment, making it a smart choice for a family dinner.

More Delicious Leftover Ham Recipes

Don’t let any of that delicious ham go to waste! If you find yourself with extra ham after making this soup, or just want more ways to enjoy ham, check out these creative and tasty leftover ham recipes:

• Leftover Ham and Cheese Paninis
• Leftover Turkey Chili
• Leftover Turkey Nachos
• Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup
• Thanksgiving Soul Food Egg Rolls

Explore More Comforting Soup Recipes

If you’re a soup enthusiast, you’re in the right place! We have a wide array of soup recipes to warm you up and satisfy your cravings, from hearty stews to creamy purees:

• Hearty Ham and Vegetable Soup
• Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin
• Comforting Chicken Lasagna Soup
• Velvety Sweet Potato Soup
• Flavorful Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup
• Quick Instant Pot Tomato Soup
• Easy Instant Pot Chicken Ramen Soup
• Zesty Buffalo Chicken Soup
• Loaded Instant Pot Baked Potato Soup
• Copycat Panera Autumn Squash Soup
• Low-Carb Keto Cauliflower Soup

More Effortless Slow Cooker & Crockpot Recipes

For more convenient and delicious meals that utilize the magic of your slow cooker, check out these highly-rated Crockpot favorites:

• Slow Cooker Crockpot BBQ Meatballs
• Hearty Slow Cooker Crockpot Chicken and Rice
• Cheesy Slow Cooker Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese
• Lightened Slow Cooker Crockpot White Chicken Chili
• Tender Pulled Pork Sliders
• Classic Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
• Homemade Sugar-Free Apple Butter
• Rich Slow Cooker Crockpot Gumbo

Recipe Card: Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup

Slow Cooker Ham Potato Vegetable Soup

By Brandi Crawford

This incredibly easy Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup is the perfect “dump and go” recipe for a comforting, hearty meal. Simply combine your ingredients in the Crockpot, and let it do all the work. It’s a versatile dish, great for using leftover baked ham, a ham bone, or store-bought diced ham, alongside your favorite vegetables.

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 8 hrs

Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins

Course: Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: American

Servings: 8 cups

Calories: 169 kcal per serving

Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Freezer Soup Molds

Ingredients

• 2 cups diced ham (or a meaty leftover ham bone)
• ⅓ cup diced carrots
• ⅓ cup diced celery
• ⅓ cup diced onions
• 2 pounds diced potatoes
• 4-5 cups broth (I used chicken. Add enough broth to cover the potatoes and vegetables.) (recommended broth)
• ½ teaspoon ground thyme (recommended ground thyme)
• ½ teaspoon ground oregano (recommended ground oregano)

Instructions

1. Add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker.
2. Cook on High for 3-4 hours or on Low for 7-8 hours.
3. Cool before serving.

Notes

• You can use any potatoes you like. I always have russet potatoes on hand at home. That’s what I used. You can also use red potatoes, Yukon gold, etc. The cook time will stay within the range noted in the recipe. Keep a close eye and cook the potatoes until soft.
• I don’t find it necessary to thicken the soup, since it’s made with thick potatoes. If you wish, you can create a cornstarch slurry: Use 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and combine it with two tablespoons of the cooked soup. Mix the two together separately, and add it back to the soup. Stir. The soup will thicken the longer it stands.
• For a creamy soup, you can add ½ cup of heavy cream along with ½ cup of any milk or 1 cup of any milk to the soup after it has finished in the slow cooker.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 cup | Calories: 169kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 2g

Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.

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