Description
This Hearty Yukon Gold Potato and Ham Soup is a soul-warming classic that brings together tender potatoes, savory ham, and aromatic vegetables in a creamy broth. It’s a comforting, wholesome meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings and easy enough for a weeknight dinner. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Proteins
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
Broth & Cream
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Flavorings & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables and Ham – Begin by peeling and dicing the Yukon Gold potatoes. Chop the onion, celery, carrots, and dice the cooked ham into bite-sized cubes. Mince the garlic and set all the prepped ingredients aside for easy access.
- Sauté Aromatics – In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrot, and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Potatoes, Ham, and Seasonings – Stir in the diced potatoes and ham, then sprinkle in the dried thyme. Place the bay leaf in the pot and season lightly with salt and pepper at this stage.
- Simmer with Broth – Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring that the vegetables are just covered. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Add Milk and Cream – Remove the bay leaf. Pour in the milk and heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Cook for 5 more minutes, making sure the soup is heated through but not boiling.
- Adjust and Serve – Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and, if desired, top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and shredded cheddar cheese for extra flavor and a pop of color.
Notes
- If you prefer a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup before adding the cream.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Swap cheddar cheese for other shredded cheese, or skip it for a lighter option.
- For extra smokiness, use smoked ham.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 55mg