Crock pot cheesy ham potato soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or a cozy weekend brunch. This creamy, cheesy delight is surprisingly easy to make, thanks to the magic of the slow cooker. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich and satisfying soup that’s sure to become a family favorite. This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences, allowing for variations in ham type, cheese choices, and added vegetables. Let's dive into the delicious details!
What Makes This Crock Pot Cheesy Ham Potato Soup Recipe So Special?
This recipe stands out because it prioritizes simplicity and flavor. The slow cooker does most of the work, minimizing hands-on time and maximizing flavor development. The result is a creamy, cheesy soup with tender potatoes and savory ham that's both comforting and elegant. It's also incredibly versatile – perfect for using leftover ham, easily customizable to dietary needs, and easily scaled up or down to suit the number of people you're feeding.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 lb ham, diced (leftover ham works perfectly!)
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 2 cups milk (or half-and-half for a richer soup)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (optional, but adds a delightful nutty flavor)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds depth of flavor that wouldn't be achieved by simply throwing everything in the slow cooker.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker. Add the diced ham, cubed potatoes, chicken broth, milk, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in Cheese: Once the potatoes are tender, remove the slow cooker from heat. Stir in the cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until melted and creamy.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with extra cheese, chopped chives, or a sprinkle of paprika, if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I use different types of ham in this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with any type of ham – leftover baked ham, smoked ham, or even canned ham. The flavor will vary slightly depending on the ham you choose, but it will still be delicious.
What if I don't have Gruyère cheese?
Don't worry! The Gruyère is optional. You can make this soup with just cheddar cheese, or experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a sharp white cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot?
Yes! To adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot, sauté the vegetables as directed. Then, transfer everything to the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Then, carefully quick release any remaining pressure. Stir in the cheese until melted and serve.
How can I thicken this soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you could add a mashed potato or two for extra creaminess.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, green beans, corn, or even some chopped spinach during the last hour of cooking.
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Cheesy Ham Potato Soup:
- Use good quality ham: The flavor of the ham will significantly impact the overall taste of the soup.
- Don't overcook the potatoes: Overcooked potatoes will become mushy.
- Stir in the cheese gently: This will prevent the cheese from becoming stringy.
- Garnish generously: A sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream can elevate the presentation and flavor.
This Crock Pot Cheesy Ham Potato Soup recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its ease of preparation, delicious taste, and adaptability make it a perfect addition to your weeknight or weekend meal rotation. Enjoy!
