This hearty and comforting soup is perfect for cold nights, combining creamy potatoes, savory ham, and a cheesy finish. The slow-cooked flavors meld together into a satisfying bowl of goodness that’s both rich and filling.
You can make this soup your own by adding extra toppings like crispy bacon bits or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for extra indulgence. It’s also a great meal to serve with crusty bread or a fresh salad to round out your dinner. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight meal or a special family gathering, this easy slow cooker potato soup is sure to become a favorite.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
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1 onion, chopped
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1 (12 oz) package cooked ham, diced
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4 cups chicken broth
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1 (10.5 oz) can cream of potato soup
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1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Place the diced potatoes, chopped onion, and cooked ham into the slow cooker.
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Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients and add the cream of potato soup. Stir to combine.
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Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6-7 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.
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Once the potatoes are cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream.
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Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
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Continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
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Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh green onions.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 6-7 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes | Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Appeal of Slow Cooker Recipes
Slow cooker recipes like this cheesy potato soup are beloved for a reason. One of the biggest advantages is convenience. The slow cooker, also known as a Crockpot, allows you to combine all your ingredients in one pot, set the timer, and leave it to cook while you go about your day. There’s no need for constant stirring or worrying about burning the soup.
Another reason slow cooker recipes are so appealing is the way they transform simple ingredients into rich, flavorful meals. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to infuse and deepen, making dishes like soups, stews, and chilies even more delicious as they simmer away. For this cheesy potato soup, the ham, cheese, and potatoes meld together perfectly, creating a satisfying, creamy texture that is sure to please everyone at the dinner table.
Why Potato Soup with Ham?
Potatoes and ham are a classic pairing in comfort food, and they come together beautifully in this slow cooker recipe. Potatoes are naturally creamy and rich, especially when cooked in a liquid like broth. As they cook slowly in the slow cooker, they become soft and tender, creating a velvety base for the soup. Adding ham introduces a savory depth, bringing a salty and smoky flavor that balances the richness of the potatoes.
The combination of these two ingredients makes for a filling and comforting meal, perfect for colder months or when you want something warm and hearty without a lot of prep time. The addition of cheddar cheese adds a creamy and slightly tangy finish, making the soup feel indulgent without being overwhelming.
Cooking with a Slow Cooker: Tips and Tricks
When making this Easy Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Soup with Ham, there are a few tips to ensure that your soup turns out perfectly every time.
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Use the Right Potatoes: For the creamiest soup, opt for starchy potatoes like russet potatoes. These potatoes break down and release starch as they cook, creating a smooth and velvety texture. If you use waxy potatoes (like red potatoes), the soup may not thicken as much, and you might have a chunkier consistency.
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Cut the Potatoes Evenly: Make sure to cut the potatoes into even pieces so that they cook uniformly. This ensures that every bite of the soup has the perfect texture.
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Slow Cooker Size: This recipe is perfect for a standard 6-quart slow cooker. If you have a larger or smaller slow cooker, you may need to adjust the quantities slightly. A 6-quart slow cooker gives you plenty of room for the ingredients to cook without overcrowding.
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Avoid Overcooking: One of the great things about slow cookers is that they allow you to set it and forget it, but it’s important to avoid overcooking. If the soup is left in the slow cooker for too long, the potatoes can turn mushy and lose their texture. Stick to the recommended cooking time for best results.
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Thickening the Soup: If you find that your soup isn’t as thick as you’d like, you can mash some of the potatoes directly in the slow cooker to release more starch. Alternatively, a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) can be added to the soup to thicken it up.
Variations and Customizations
While this recipe is perfect as is, you can easily customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some variations you can try:
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Vary the Meat: If you’re not a fan of ham, or you want to switch it up, try using cooked bacon, smoked sausage, or even shredded rotisserie chicken. Each of these meats brings its own unique flavor to the soup, so feel free to experiment.
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Add More Veggies: While potatoes are the star of the show, you can add other vegetables to bulk up the soup. Try adding carrots, celery, or even corn for extra flavor and texture. Just chop them up and throw them in with the potatoes.
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Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños. The creamy, cheesy base of the soup is the perfect contrast to a bit of spice.
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Vegetarian Version: To make this soup vegetarian, you can simply leave out the ham and substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth. You can add extra vegetables, such as leeks or cauliflower, to make it heartier.
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Use Different Cheeses: While sharp cheddar cheese is a classic choice for this soup, you can try different types of cheese for a unique twist. Gruyère, Gouda, or Monterey Jack will add different flavors and textures to the soup. A combination of cheeses can also make it extra creamy and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
This Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Soup with Ham is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right sides. Here are some serving ideas to round out your meal:
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Fresh Bread: Serve your soup with a side of crusty bread or a warm baguette for dipping. Garlic bread, sourdough, or a simple loaf of French bread works wonderfully.
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Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup. Try a simple green salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and tomatoes.
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Toppings: Garnish your soup with a variety of toppings. Freshly chopped green onions, crumbled bacon, extra shredded cheese, or even a dollop of sour cream add extra flavor and texture.
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Side Dish: A side of roasted vegetables or a simple vegetable stir-fry complements the soup and adds some variety to your meal.
Conclusion
This Easy Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Soup with Ham is an easy, comforting, and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving something warm and satisfying, this recipe delivers on both taste and convenience. The slow cooker does most of the work for you, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly, while the creamy potatoes and savory ham make each bite a delightful experience.
The best part is that this soup can be easily customized to suit different tastes or dietary preferences, and it’s a dish that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re keeping it classic with ham and cheddar or experimenting with different meats and vegetables, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Make it your go-to comfort food for those chilly evenings or any time you want a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal effort.
With just a few ingredients and a slow cooker, you can have a delicious bowl of soup ready to serve, making it a great option for busy nights or meal prepping for the week. So, grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy this cozy, cheesy, and flavorful soup!