Pioneer Woman Ham and Potato Soup is a rich, creamy, and hearty dish that’s perfect for chilly days or using up leftover ham. Packed with tender potatoes, savory ham, and a flavorful broth, this soup is a comforting meal that’s easy to make and loved by the whole family. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet delicious enough to serve for special occasions.

What is Pioneer Woman Ham and Potato Soup?

Pioneer Woman Ham and Potato Soup is a classic creamy soup made with tender potatoes, diced ham, onions, and a rich broth. The soup is thickened with a bit of flour and cream to create a velvety texture, making it a comforting and filling meal. It’s often garnished with cheese, green onions, or bacon for added flavor and texture.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Perfect for Leftovers: A great way to use leftover ham, especially after a holiday meal.
Comforting and Filling: Loaded with potatoes and ham, this soup is hearty enough to serve as a main course.
Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses basic pantry staples and comes together easily.

Customizable: You can add different vegetables or toppings to suit your taste.

Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman Ham and Potato Soup

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
2 cups cooked ham, diced (I used beef ham)

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups whole milk

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Shredded cheese, green onions, or crumbled bacon for garnish (optional)

Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Ham and Potato Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

Melt the butter: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.

Sauté the onions and garlic: Add the diced onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Potatoes and Ham

Add the potatoes and ham: Stir in the diced potatoes and cooked ham, mixing everything together.
Pour in the broth: Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the potatoes are covered by the liquid.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Season and simmer: Add salt, pepper, and dried thyme (if using) to the soup. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Step 4: Thicken the Soup

Make a slurry: In a small bowl, whisk the flour with a bit of milk to create a slurry.
Add the slurry: Gradually stir the slurry into the soup to help thicken the broth.

Stir in cream and milk: Slowly add the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring to combine. Cook for another 5-10 minutes over low heat, allowing the soup to thicken slightly. Avoid boiling the soup after adding the cream to prevent curdling.

Step 5: Adjust Seasoning

Taste and adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve the Ham and Potato Soup

Garnish and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, shredded cheese, green onions, or crumbled bacon if desired. Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers.

Pioneer Woman Ham And Potato Soup Recipe — Pioneer Woman Ham And Potato Soup

What Goes Well with Pioneer Woman Ham and Potato Soup

Crusty Bread: Serve with a warm loaf of crusty bread to dip into the creamy soup.
Salad: A light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds a fresh contrast to the richness of the soup.
Cornbread: A slice of cornbread complements the savory flavors of the ham and potatoes.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Ham and Potato Soup

Use Yukon Gold potatoes: These potatoes hold their shape well and provide a creamy texture, but Russet potatoes work too if you prefer a more tender potato.
Don’t boil the soup after adding cream: Keep the soup over low heat after adding the cream and milk to prevent curdling.
Customize with toppings: Top the soup with shredded cheese, green onions, or bacon for extra flavor.

Thicken as needed: If the soup isn’t thick enough for your liking, you can add more flour slurry or even mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot.

Variations of Pioneer Woman Ham and Potato Soup

Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup: Stir in 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese for a rich, cheesy flavor.
Vegetable Ham and Potato Soup: Add diced carrots, celery, or corn for added texture and nutrition.

Spicy Ham and Potato Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a spicy twist.

Storing Pioneer Woman Ham and Potato Soup: Best Practices

Refrigerate leftovers: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze for later: To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Pioneer Woman Ham and Potato Soup: Best Practices

Stovetop method: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a bit of milk or broth if the soup has thickened too much.
Microwave option: Reheat individual portions in the microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

How Can I Make Pioneer Woman Ham and Potato Soup Healthier?

To make this recipe lighter, try the following adjustments:

Use low-fat milk: Swap the whole milk and heavy cream for low-fat milk or half-and-half to reduce the fat content.
Add more vegetables: Stir in extra vegetables like spinach, kale, or peas to boost the nutritional content.
Lean ham: Use lean ham or turkey ham to lower the sodium and fat content.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving)

Calories: 350
Protein: 12g
Carbohydrates: 32g

Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Sodium: 850mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g

FAQs

Can I freeze ham and potato soup?

Yes, ham and potato soup can be frozen. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight, freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop, adding a bit of milk or broth to restore the creamy texture.

How do I thicken ham and potato soup?

To thicken ham and potato soup, make a slurry by mixing a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with water or milk, then stir it into the soup. Alternatively, mash some of the potatoes directly in the soup to create a thicker, creamier consistency.

Can I make ham and potato soup without cream?

Yes, you can make ham and potato soup without cream. Use milk, evaporated milk, or a dairy-free alternative such as coconut milk or almond milk for a lighter version. If you prefer a thicker texture, use a flour or cornstarch slurry.

What are the best potatoes for ham and potato soup?

Yukon Gold potatoes are the best choice for ham and potato soup because they hold their shape well and provide a creamy texture. Russet potatoes also work, but they tend to break down more, creating a thicker soup.

Final Words

Pioneer Woman’s Ham and Potato Soup is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly days or weeknight dinners. With its creamy texture, hearty potatoes, and savory ham, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

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