Name: Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 h 20 min
Total time: 8 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 slices bacon cooked and diced; 2 cups diced ham; 5 cups chicken broth low sodium; 2 pounds yukon gold potatoes peeled and diced; 1 medium sweet onion diced; 6 cloves garlic minced; 1 carrot cut into cubes; 1 cup celery cubed; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon dried parsley; 1/2 cup sour cream; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cup heavy cream; cooked bacon; chopped green onions; sour cream

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

A rich, creamy bowl of Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup wafts warmth and comfort, enveloping you like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening. Imagine sinking your spoon into a velvety blend of tender potatoes, salty ham, and crispy bacon, not to mention the fragrant aroma that fills your kitchen as it simmers away. Each hearty bite tells a story of home-cooked love and nostalgia, reminiscent of family gatherings where everyone gathers around the table.

Pin this for later!

This dish is not just about its comforting taste; it’s also incredibly easy to prepare. With just about 20 minutes of prep, you can set this soup to cook and be free to enjoy your day. It’s a totally budget-friendly recipe, making use of staples you likely already have in your pantry. Perfect for busy weeknights or even for meal prepping, you’ll find this soup fits seamlessly into any occasion. Grab your slow cooker and a spoon—it’s time to indulge!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With only 20 minutes of prep and your slow cooker doing all the work, you can enjoy this meal with minimal effort.
Irresistible Flavor: Imagine the mingling tastes of rich chicken broth, smoky bacon, and savory ham; each bite offers a symphony of deliciousness.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of carrots and potatoes create a bowl that’s visually tempting and inviting.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy this soup as a hearty main course or a cozy starter at gatherings with friends and family.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily make it gluten-free by swapping out the flour for a gluten-free blend, accommodating various dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

10 slices bacon, cooked and diced: This adds a rich, smoky flavor, making the soup irresistibly savory.
2 cups diced ham: Opt for a good-quality ham; it enhances the heartiness of the soup. You can substitute with turkey ham for a lighter version.
5 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Using low-sodium broth allows you to control the seasoning better. Homemade broth works wonders here, too!
2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced: These potatoes are creamy and delicious when cooked, perfect for mashing into the soup.
1 medium sweet onion, diced: This brings a gentle sweetness that balances the salty elements of the soup.
6 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the soup with incredible depth and is the backbone of flavorful dishes.
1 carrot, cut into cubes: Carrots add color and slight sweetness, enriching the texture.
1 cup celery, cubed: Celery gives a pleasant crunch and fresh aroma; don’t skip it!
1/4 teaspoon salt: Adjust to taste, recognizing the salty components from bacon and ham.
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: A little pepper provides just the right amount of heat.
1 tablespoon dried parsley: This offers a hint of freshness and a splash of color.
1/2 cup sour cream: This adds creaminess and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Butter is essential for creating a smooth, rich texture.
1/4 cup all-purpose flour: This will help thicken the soup; you can use a gluten-free flour if necessary.
1 1/2 cups heavy cream: For ultimate richness, elevating the entire dish.
Garnishes: Cooked bacon, chopped green onions, and sour cream are perfect for finishing touches.

How to Make Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup

Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, add 2 pounds of peeled and diced Yukon Gold potatoes, 1 medium diced sweet onion, and 6 minced garlic cloves. Stir in 10 diced slices of cooked bacon, 2 cups of diced ham, 1 cubed carrot, and 1 cup of cubed celery, along with 5 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Season with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
Set to Cook: Stir the mixture well and set your slow cooker to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The aromas will begin filling your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather.
Make a Roux: Once the cooking time is up, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour until fully combined, creating a roux. Gradually stir in 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream to combine.
Thicken the Soup: Keep stirring this roux mixture until it starts to simmer and thicken. When smooth, add it to your slow cooker, mixing thoroughly.
Mash the Potatoes: Using a potato masher, mash about 3/4 of the cooked potatoes in the slow cooker. This adds creaminess while keeping some chunks for texture. Allow the soup to cook for another 30 minutes.
Add Sour Cream: Finally, stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream until well combined. Taste, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, warm up more chicken broth in the microwave and add it gradually, letting it simmer for a few minutes.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with crispy bacon, chopped green onions, and an extra dollop of sour cream. It’s a gathering of flavors you won’t forget!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, freeze the soup for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring frequently. You may need a splash of broth or milk to return creaminess and enhance the flavor.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the potatoes; they should be tender but not mushy.
If using fresh herbs instead of dried parsley, add them towards the end of cooking.
You can prep your ingredients the night before and just toss them in the slow cooker in the morning—simple!
Taste the soup before serving; sometimes, it needs just a touch more salt or cracked pepper for a flavor boost.
For added richness, consider topping it off with shredded cheese before serving.

The blend of rich flavors and textures in this homemade slow-cooked soup is simply unparalleled. Enjoy the creamy, smoky goodness and don’t hesitate to make it your own. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or herbs you have on hand!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different types of potatoes?

Absolutely! While Yukon Golds add a creamy texture, you can also try russets or red potatoes. Just keep in mind that different potatoes may change the texture and flavor slightly.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

To make your Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour in the roux with a gluten-free flour blend. It’s an easy swap that keeps the velvety texture intact.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to throw in vegetables like peas, corn, or even spinach for added nutrition and color. Just adjust your cooking time slightly as needed.

What’s the best way to thicken the soup?

If you prefer a thicker soup, mashing more potatoes helps create a creamy base. You can also add an extra roux mixture with more flour and cream toward the end of cooking for added thickness. Be sure to simmer well to avoid a raw flour taste.

⭐ If you make my Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup recipe, Awesome! I would love to hear from you. Please give it a star rating and review below! 👇

Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup

Storing & Reheating

Chef’s Helpful Tips