There’s nothing better than coming home to the warm, inviting aroma of homemade soup simmering in the slow cooker. This Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, packed with hearty vegetables, and loaded with tender chunks of ham. It’s the perfect meal for cold nights or when you’re craving something cozy and filling.With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this soup is ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead. The combination of russet potatoes, onions, carrots, celery, and ham cooked slowly in chicken broth creates a flavorful base, while the addition of milk and sour cream makes it rich and velvety.
If you’re looking for a stovetop version, click here for step-by-step instructions.
Let’s dive into this easy and delicious Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup recipe that your whole family will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Easy to Prepare – Just chop, dump, and let the slow cooker do all the work!
✔ Rich & Creamy – The combination of milk and sour cream makes this soup extra indulgent.
✔ Budget-Friendly – Uses simple pantry staples that won’t break the bank.
✔ Perfect for Leftovers – It tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.
✔ Customizable – Easily adjust the consistency or add extra veggies for more nutrition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make this creamy slow cooker ham and potato soup:
Main Ingredients:
8 cups russet potatoes, diced
1 yellow onion, diced
2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup chopped celery
16 oz cubed ham (2 packages of Smithfield Anytime Favorites™ Cubed Ham)
Seasonings & Thickeners:
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
1/4 cup flour
Liquids & Dairy:
4 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or whole milk)
1/2 cup sour cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make the best slow cooker ham and potato soup:
Step 1: Prep & Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker
Peel and dice 8 cups of russet potatoes into small cubes.
Dice 1 yellow onion, chop 2 large carrots, and ½ cup of celery.
Add all the vegetables, cubed ham, kosher salt, black pepper, and chicken broth to your slow cooker.
Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours until the potatoes are soft.
Step 2: Mash the Potatoes for a Creamy Texture
Once the potatoes are fully cooked, use a potato masher to mash about 1/3 of the potatoes.
This helps create a naturally thick and creamy base while still leaving some chunks for texture.
Step 3: Add Flour, Dairy & Final Cooking
Stir in 1/4 cup flour to thicken the soup.
Pour in 1 ½ cups of heavy cream (or milk) and ½ cup sour cream.
Mix everything together until well combined.
Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
Once the soup is fully cooked, ladle it into bowls and enjoy warm!
Garnish with chopped parsley, shredded cheese, or crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
Slow Cooker vs. Stovetop – Which is Best?
While this recipe is designed for the slow cooker, you can also make it on the stovetop for a quicker meal.
Slow Cooker:
Hands-off, perfect for busy days.
Allows flavors to fully develop over time.
Ideal for meal prepping in advance.
Stovetop:
Faster cooking time—ready in about 30-40 minutes.
Allows for last-minute adjustments in seasoning and texture.
Requires more active cooking and stirring.
Pro Tips for the Best Ham and Potato Soup
Use Russet Potatoes – These break down beautifully, making the soup creamy without needing extra thickening agents.
Don’t Skip the Sour Cream – This adds a subtle tangy flavor that balances out the richness of the soup.
Adjust the Consistency – If you like your soup thinner, add extra chicken broth or milk. For a thicker soup, mash more potatoes.
Add Extra Veggies – Try adding corn, peas, or bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
Make it Cheesy – Stir in ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese at the end for a cheesy, indulgent twist.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer – This soup can be frozen, but keep in mind that dairy-based soups may slightly separate when reheated. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating – Warm the soup in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth to thin it out if needed.
What to Serve with Ham and Potato Soup
This hearty soup pairs well with:
Crusty Bread – Perfect for dipping!
A Fresh Green Salad – Adds a refreshing contrast.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich – The ultimate comfort food combo.
Cornbread – A slightly sweet addition to balance out the savory soup.
Nutritional Information
Per 1 serving (out of 8 servings):
Calories: 386 kcal
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 98mg
Sodium: 1496mg
Potassium: 793mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Vitamin A: 745 IU
Vitamin C: 18.2mg
Calcium: 75mg
Iron: 2.1mg
More Recipes You’ll Love
Love this soup? Check out more comforting and delicious recipes:
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup is the perfect comfort food for chilly nights, lazy weekends, or meal prep days. With tender potatoes, savory ham, and a creamy broth, it’s a satisfying dish that everyone will love.
Whether you make it in the slow cooker or on the stovetop, this soup will quickly become a family favorite.
Try it today, and let us know how you liked it in the comments! Happy cooking!