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Creamy Ham and Potato Soup Recipe with Cheddar and Chives

creamy ham and potato soup - featured image

A comforting and creamy soup featuring tender potatoes, smoky ham, sharp cheddar, and fresh chives. Perfect for cozy dinners and easy to prepare with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups diced cooked ham (smoky or honey-glazed preferred)
  • 4 medium russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Peel and dice the potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes. Dice the cooked ham into bite-size pieces. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Shred the cheddar cheese if not pre-shredded. Chop fresh chives and set aside.
  2. In a Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until translucent and soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the onions and garlic. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, forming a light paste.
  4. Slowly whisk in 4 cups of chicken broth to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer, then add the diced potatoes. Cook for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
  5. Stir in the diced ham and 1 cup of heavy cream. Heat gently without boiling.
  6. Lower heat to medium-low and gradually stir in 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Add more broth or cream if soup is too thick.
  7. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to taste.
  8. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped chives.

Notes

Use Yukon gold potatoes for a creamier, buttery taste or russets for a thicker soup. Avoid high heat when adding cream and cheese to prevent curdling. Freshly shred cheddar cheese for better meltability. Adjust salt carefully due to salty ham and broth. If soup thickens after resting, stir in warm broth or water before reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: ham soup, potato soup, creamy soup, cheddar cheese, chives, comfort food, easy soup recipe, leftover ham recipe