Creamy Potato & Ham Soup
Creamy Potato & Ham Soup is a easy British recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by What's For Tea? on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 4 hrs 30 min | Total: 5 hrs 5 min
Cost: $7.47 total, $1.87 per serving
Ingredients
- 500 g Potatoes (peeled and diced into 1‑inch cubes)
- 1 Onion (medium, finely diced)
- 1 large stalk Celery (diced small)
- 2 Carrots (medium, thinly sliced)
- 1 clove Garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 0.25 tsp Nutmeg (freshly grated if possible)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tsp English Mustard (used in place of Dijon mustard)
- 4 cups Chicken Stock (low‑sodium, can use vegetable or ham stock)
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 240 ml Heavy Cream (or double cream, chilled)
- 2 tbsp Corn Flour (or cornstarch, for thickening)
- 150 g Cooked Ham (diced; any cooked ham works)
- 2 tbsp Sour Cream (adds a tangy finish)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Prep Vegetables
Peel and dice the potatoes into 1‑inch cubes, finely dice the onion, dice the celery stalk, thinly slice the carrots, and mince the garlic.
Time: PT10M
Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker
Place the prepared potatoes, onion, celery, carrots, and garlic into the slow cooker. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, nutmeg, salt, black pepper, and English mustard. Add the bay leaves and pour in the chicken stock, stirring to combine.
Time: PT5M
Slow‑Cook the Soup
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to HIGH for 4 hours (or LOW for 6‑8 hours).
Time: PT4H
Prepare Cream‑Cornflour Slurry
While the soup cooks, whisk together the heavy cream and corn flour in a jug until smooth.
Time: PT5M
Incorporate Cream Mixture
After 4 hours, remove the lid, discard the bay leaves, and gently stir in the cream‑cornflour slurry. Mix just enough to combine; avoid over‑stirring so the potatoes stay in pieces.
Time: PT5M
Add Ham and Sour Cream
Stir in the diced cooked ham and the sour cream until evenly distributed.
Time: PT5M
Final Simmer
Replace the lid and let the soup cook for an additional 30 minutes on HIGH to heat through and allow the sauce to set.
Time: PT30M
Finish and Serve
Stir in the chopped fresh parsley, ladle the soup into bowls, and enjoy while hot.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 15 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 20 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑free (if using gluten‑free stock), Contains meat
Allergens: Dairy, Mustard
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Potatoes: Sweet potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes
- Instead of Onion: Leek, shallot
- Instead of Celery: Fennel stalk, celery leaves
- Instead of Carrots: Parsnips, turnips
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Smoked Paprika: Regular paprika
- Instead of Nutmeg: Ground nutmeg
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of English Mustard: Dijon mustard, spicy brown mustard
- Instead of Chicken Stock: Vegetable broth, ham broth
- Instead of Bay Leaves: Dried thyme (1 tsp)
- Instead of Heavy Cream: Half‑and‑half, full‑fat coconut milk
- Instead of Corn Flour: All‑purpose flour (2 tbsp)
- Instead of Cooked Ham: Smoked turkey, cooked bacon bits
- Instead of Sour Cream: Greek yogurt (2 tbsp)
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: Chives, cilantro
Equipment Needed
- Slow Cooker (Crock Pot)
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
- Mixing Jug
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Hand Masher (optional)
- Grater (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cooking the soup for the full 4‑hour high setting.
- Incorporating the cream‑cornflour slurry without over‑stirring.
- Final 30‑minute simmer to thicken the soup.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra smoky depth, use a smoked ham or add a few drops of liquid smoke.
- Grate fresh nutmeg directly into the pot for the most aromatic flavor.
- If you like a richer soup, substitute half of the cream with whole milk.
Troubleshooting
Soup is too thin after adding cream.
Simmer uncovered for 5‑10 minutes or mash a few potatoes to release starch.
Soup is too thick or clumpy.
Stir in a little extra chicken stock or warm water until desired consistency is reached.
Flavor is bland.
Add a pinch more salt, a splash of Worcestershire sauce, or extra smoked paprika.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer‑safe bags or containers for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating and add a splash of stock if needed.
Room temperature: Not recommended; keep refrigerated.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prep and dice all vegetables up to 24 hours ahead; store in a sealed bag in the fridge.
- The soup can be cooked fully without the cream; add cream and sour cream just before serving.
- Freeze the soup (without cream) in portioned containers for quick weeknight meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Creamy Potato and Ham Soup in British cuisine?
Potato and ham soup is a classic British comfort dish, rooted in the tradition of using inexpensive, readily available ingredients to create a filling meal for cold weather. It reflects the British love of hearty, one‑pot soups that can be made in a slow cooker for convenience.
What are the traditional regional variations of Creamy Potato and Ham Soup in the United Kingdom?
In Scotland, the soup may feature smoked ham and a splash of whisky, while in England it often includes leeks instead of celery. Some coastal regions add a touch of smoked fish for extra depth, but the core ingredients—potatoes, ham, and cream—remain consistent.
How is Creamy Potato and Ham Soup traditionally served in British households?
It is typically served hot in deep bowls, garnished with fresh parsley or chives, and accompanied by crusty soda bread or a buttered roll. A drizzle of extra cream on top is a common finishing touch.
What occasions or celebrations is Creamy Potato and Ham Soup traditionally associated with in British culture?
The soup is popular during the colder months, especially around Christmas and New Year, as a warming starter. It’s also a staple for family gatherings on rainy weekends because it can be prepared ahead in a slow cooker.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for Creamy Potato and Ham Soup versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include starchy potatoes, smoked or cooked ham, chicken stock, and heavy cream. Acceptable substitutes are sweet potatoes for a sweeter flavor, vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, and half‑and‑half or coconut milk for dairy‑free alternatives.
What other British dishes pair well with Creamy Potato and Ham Soup?
It pairs nicely with a simple side salad of mixed greens, a slice of buttered soda bread, or a cheese board featuring cheddar and stilton. For a full meal, serve alongside a roast beef sandwich.
What makes Creamy Potato and Ham Soup special or unique in British soup tradition?
The combination of smoky ham, smoked paprika, and a silky cream‑cornflour thickener gives the soup a richer texture and deeper flavor than a basic potato soup, making it stand out as a comforting yet slightly upscale British classic.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Creamy Potato and Ham Soup?
Common errors include over‑stirring after adding the cream, which can turn the potatoes into mush, and forgetting to remove the bay leaves, which can be unpleasant to bite. Also, adding too much stock will result in a thin soup.
Why does this Creamy Potato and Ham Soup recipe use a cream‑cornflour slurry instead of adding flour directly?
The slurry ensures a smooth, lump‑free thickening and prevents the starch from clumping when it meets the hot soup. Adding flour directly can create grainy texture and may not dissolve completely in a slow cooker.
Can I make Creamy Potato and Ham Soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the soup up to the point of adding the cream and sour cream, then refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and stir in the cream mixture just before serving, or freeze the soup without dairy and add it after thawing.
What does the YouTube channel What's For Tea? specialize in?
The YouTube channel What's For Tea? focuses on home‑cooked, family‑friendly British meals, meal‑prep ideas, grocery hauls, and practical cooking tips for everyday cooks.
Last updated: August 24, 2026
