Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup is always a good choice
Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup is always a good choice! is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 680 calories per serving. Recipe by Carman Wilken on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 5 hrs | Total: 5 hrs 35 min
Cost: $17.71 total, $2.95 per serving
Ingredients
- 3 lb Potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 2 pieces Carrots (peeled and diced)
- 2 ribs Celery (diced)
- 1 piece Onion (diced)
- 7 cloves Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter (melted)
- 1 lb Cooked Ham (cubed)
- 2 tbsp Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base (chicken flavored bouillon paste)
- 4 cup Water (room temperature)
- 3 tbsp Cornstarch (mixed with water to form a slurry)
- 3 tsp Water (for cornstarch slurry)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (35% milkfat)
- 8 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- to taste Salt (kosher salt preferred)
- to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- to taste Dried Parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Prep Vegetables
Chop the potatoes, carrots, celery ribs, and onion into roughly ½‑inch dice. Mince the garlic cloves.
Time: PT10M
Combine Ingredients in Crock Pot
Add the diced potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, minced garlic, melted butter, cubed ham, chicken bouillon, and water to the crock pot. Stir well and make sure everything is fully submerged.
Time: PT5M
Slow‑Cook the Soup
Cover the crock pot and cook on HIGH for about 5 hours, or on LOW for 6‑7 hours, until the potatoes are very tender.
Time: PT5H
Mash a Portion of Potatoes
Using a potato masher, mash a handful of the cooked potatoes directly in the crock pot, leaving some chunks for texture.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Cornstarch Slurry
In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp cornstarch with 3 tsp water until smooth.
Time: PT2M
Finish the Soup
Stir the cornstarch slurry into the crock pot, then add the heavy cream, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and dried parsley. Mix until the cheese melts and the soup thickens to a creamy consistency.
Time: PT5M
Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls, top with extra shredded cheese and serve with crackers on the side.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 680
- Protein
- 28g
- Carbohydrates
- 46g
- Fat
- 43g
- Fiber
- 6g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free, High-Protein, Contains Dairy
Allergens: Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Potatoes: Sweet potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes
- Instead of Carrots: Parsnips
- Instead of Celery: Celery stalks
- Instead of Onion: Shallot
- Instead of Garlic Cloves: Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, Olive oil (2 tbsp)
- Instead of Cooked Ham: Turkey ham, Diced cooked chicken
- Instead of Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base: Chicken stock cubes, Low‑sodium chicken broth (1 cup)
- Instead of Cornstarch: All‑purpose flour (2 tbsp), Arrowroot powder (3 tbsp)
- Instead of Heavy Cream: Half‑and‑half, Whole milk + 2 tbsp butter
- Instead of Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Gruyère, Sharp Monterey Jack
- Instead of Dried Parsley: Fresh parsley
Equipment Needed
- Crock Pot (Slow Cooker)
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
- Large Spoon or Ladle
- Small Bowl
- Grater (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Ensure all ingredients are fully submerged in the liquid before cooking.
- Mash a portion of the potatoes to create body without over‑blending.
- Add the cornstarch slurry and cheese at the end to achieve proper thickness and a smooth texture.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a sharp cheddar for the best flavor; a milder cheese will make the soup bland.
- For extra depth, add a splash of dry white wine with the broth.
- Top each bowl with a drizzle of melted butter for a glossy finish.
Troubleshooting
Soup is too thin.
Simmer on HIGH for an additional 15‑20 minutes, or add a second cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tsp water).
Soup is too thick.
Stir in a little extra water or milk, a tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Cheese clumps instead of melting smoothly.
Reduce heat slightly, add cheese gradually, and stir continuously until fully melted.
Lumps from cornstarch.
Make sure the cornstarch slurry is completely smooth before adding, and whisk it into the hot soup quickly.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer‑safe containers for up to 2 months; thaw and reheat gently.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Chop all vegetables a day ahead and store them in a sealed bag in the fridge.
- The soup can be fully prepared a day in advance; reheat on low and add cream and cheese just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup in American comfort food cuisine?
Cheesy ham and potato soup is a classic American comfort dish that grew out of farmhouse cooking, where ham bones and leftover potatoes were stretched into a filling, creamy soup for families during colder months.
What are the traditional regional variations of Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup in the United States?
In the Midwest, the soup often includes corn and uses cheddar; in the South, it may feature smoked ham and a dash of hot sauce; New England versions sometimes add clams for a chowder twist.
How is Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup traditionally served in American households?
It is typically ladled into deep bowls, topped with extra shredded cheese, a sprinkle of parsley, and served alongside crusty bread or crackers for dipping.
On what occasions or celebrations is Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup traditionally associated in American culture?
The soup is popular for family gatherings, potlucks, and as a warming starter on chilly evenings, especially during holiday seasons like Thanksgiving when leftover ham is abundant.
How does Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup fit into the broader American comfort food tradition?
It embodies the American comfort food ethos of using simple, pantry‑friendly ingredients—potatoes, ham, cheese—to create a rich, satisfying dish that feels both hearty and nostalgic.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include diced potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, cooked ham, sharp cheddar, heavy cream, and chicken bouillon. Acceptable substitutes are sweet potatoes for potatoes, turkey ham for ham, half‑and‑half for cream, and flour slurry instead of cornstarch.
What other American dishes pair well with Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup?
It pairs nicely with a simple green salad, crusty sourdough bread, or a side of roasted Brussels sprouts. For a full meal, serve it alongside a baked chicken breast or a turkey sandwich.
What makes Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup special or unique in American cuisine?
The combination of a creamy cheddar‑based broth with tender ham and the thickening power of mashed potatoes creates a velvety texture that sets it apart from typical clear broth soups.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup at home?
Common errors include not submerging the vegetables, over‑cooking the cornstarch slurry which can make the soup gummy, and adding cheese when the soup is too hot, causing it to clump.
Why does this Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup recipe use a cornstarch slurry instead of flour for thickening?
Cornstarch provides a glossy, smooth thickening without adding extra starch flavor, and it works quickly at lower temperatures, preserving the delicate cheese melt.
Can I make Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the soup can be prepared a day ahead. Cool it quickly, refrigerate in an airtight container, and reheat on low, adding the cream and cheese at the end to maintain creaminess.
What does the YouTube channel Carman Wilken specialize in?
The YouTube channel Carman Wilken focuses on easy, family‑friendly home cooking tutorials, often featuring one‑pot meals, slow‑cooker recipes, and practical kitchen hacks for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Carman Wilken's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Carman Wilken emphasizes minimal prep, clear step‑by‑step narration, and uses common pantry ingredients, making classic comfort dishes accessible without fancy equipment or hard‑to‑find items.
Last updated: August 24, 2026
