- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 bay leaf
For a Creamier Finish
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
The creamy finish is optional, but if you're after that thick, comforting, almost chowder-like texture, I highly recommend it.
What Kind of Potatoes Should You Use?
You have options!
Yukon Gold potatoes are one of my favorites because they become beautifully creamy while still holding their shape.
Russet potatoes work too and tend to break down more, which is perfect if you want a thicker soup.
Red potatoes are another good option if you prefer potatoes that hold their shape and give the soup a chunkier texture.
So don't stress too much about the potato variety.
Use what you have!
Kitchen Tools You'll Need
You don't need much for this recipe.
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or large spoon
- Ladle
- Small saucepan, if making the optional cream mixture
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
This soup is wonderfully flexible.
Use Leftover Ham
Holiday ham is perfect here.
You can use diced leftover baked ham, ham steak, or cooked ham from the deli.
Add Corn
A cup of frozen or canned corn adds a little sweetness and makes the soup even heartier.
Add Cheese
Want to take this soup in a completely different direction?
Stir in some shredded sharp cheddar at the end.
Ham + potato + cheddar?
Yes, please!
Swap the Broth
Chicken broth works beautifully, but vegetable broth can also be used.
Use Half-and-Half
If you don't have heavy cream, half-and-half works perfectly well for a creamy finish.
Add Bacon
Because sometimes soup needs bacon.
Cooked crumbled bacon makes an excellent topping.
How to Make Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Peel and cut the potatoes into bite-size pieces.
Dice the onion, slice the carrots and celery, and mince the garlic.
Try to keep the potato pieces relatively similar in size so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Add Everything to the Slow Cooker
Add the potatoes, diced ham, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to your slow cooker.
Pour in the chicken broth.
Add the thyme, black pepper, salt, and bay leaf.
Give everything a gentle stir.
Step 3: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic
Cover and cook on:
LOW for 6–8 hours
or
HIGH for 3–4 hours.
The soup is ready when the potatoes and vegetables are tender.
The exact cooking time can vary depending on your slow cooker and the size of your potato pieces.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
For a naturally creamy soup, simply mash some of the cooked potatoes against the side of the slow cooker.
Want it even richer?
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute.
Slowly whisk in the milk and cream until smooth.
Cook until slightly thickened.
Then stir the mixture into the slow cooker.
Step 5: Remove the Bay Leaf
Don't forget this little guy!
Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.
Step 6: Serve It Hot
Ladle the soup into bowls and add your favorite toppings.
A little shredded cheddar, chopped green onion, parsley, cracked black pepper, or crispy bacon can make each bowl look absolutely irresistible.
What to Serve With Ham and Potato Soup
This soup is filling enough to be a complete meal, but I'm never going to turn down a good piece of crusty bread alongside it!
Try serving it with:
- Crusty French bread
- Garlic bread
- Homemade biscuits
- Cornbread
- Dinner rolls
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Simple green salad
- Roasted vegetables
And don't forget the crackers!
Sometimes a handful of buttery crackers crumbled over the top is all you need.
Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup
Don't Cut the Potatoes Too Small
Tiny potato pieces can disappear into the soup.
For a chunky soup, aim for bite-size pieces.
Watch the Salt
Ham can already be quite salty, and chicken broth can add even more.
Start with less salt and adjust toward the end.
Don't Add Dairy Too Early
For the creamiest result, add milk, cream, or half-and-half toward the end rather than letting it cook for hours.
This also helps prevent dairy from separating.
Mash Some of the Potatoes
This is my favorite trick for thickening potato soup without relying entirely on flour.
Just mash a portion of the cooked potatoes directly in the slow cooker.
Easy!
Taste Before Serving
Because the saltiness of ham varies, always taste the soup at the end.
You may find that you don't need any additional salt at all.
Can I Make This Soup Without Cream?
Absolutely.
The soup will still be delicious.
For a naturally thicker consistency, mash some of the cooked potatoes before serving.
You can also blend a small portion of the soup and stir it back in.
Can I Make Ham and Potato Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes!
In fact, the flavor can become even better after the soup sits for a while.
Let the soup cool, transfer it to an airtight container, and refrigerate.
When reheating, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
If the soup becomes too thick in the refrigerator, add a splash of broth or milk.
How to Store Leftover Soup
Allow the soup to cool before transferring it to airtight containers.
Store it in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3–4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers.
Keep in mind that creamy potato soups can sometimes change texture slightly after freezing and thawing. For the best texture, you can freeze the soup before adding the final dairy component and add the cream when reheating.
Can You Freeze Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup?
Yes, but there is a little trick.
Potatoes and dairy can both become somewhat grainy or change texture after freezing.
For the best results, freeze the soup before adding the cream or milk-based finishing mixture.
Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, reheat gently, and add the cream toward the end.
General Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
Total Time: About 6 1/2–8 1/2 hours
Servings: Approximately 6
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Method: Slow Cooker
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use uncooked ham?
This recipe is designed for cooked ham.
If you're using raw pork, the recipe and cooking process need to be adjusted to ensure the meat reaches a safe internal temperature.
Can I leave the potato skins on?
Absolutely.
If you're using thin-skinned potatoes such as red potatoes, leaving the skins on can add texture and save a little prep time.
Just wash and scrub them thoroughly first.
Why is my potato soup too thin?
You can mash some of the potatoes directly in the slow cooker.
For an even thicker soup, make a small flour-and-butter mixture or use another thickening method appropriate for your dietary needs.
Why did my creamy soup separate?
Dairy can sometimes separate when exposed to prolonged high heat.
That's why it's generally better to add milk, cream, or half-and-half toward the end of cooking.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes.
Simply leave out the dairy and use a suitable unsweetened, unflavored dairy-free alternative if desired.
The potatoes themselves will still provide plenty of body.
Can I add cheese?
Definitely!
Sharp cheddar is especially delicious with ham and potatoes.
Stir shredded cheese in near the end of cooking and allow it to melt gently.
Final Thoughts
There are recipes you make because they're impressive.
And then there are recipes you make because you know everyone is going to feel a little happier after eating them.
This Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup is definitely the second kind.
It's humble. It's hearty. It's easy. And it turns simple ingredients into a dinner that tastes like it took far more effort than it actually did.
Whether you're using leftover holiday ham or simply craving a warm bowl of homemade soup, this recipe is one to keep tucked away for those chilly nights.
And honestly?
That first spoonful of creamy potato, tender vegetables, and savory ham is the best part.
If you make this soup, I'd love to hear how it turned out!
Leave a review below, and if you take a photo, share it on Pinterest so other home cooks can find this cozy recipe, too. ❤️
More Cozy Soup Recipes to Try
If you're in the mood for more comforting homemade soups, add these to your recipe list:
- Creamy Chicken and Potato Soup
- Slow Cooker Beef and Vegetable Soup
- Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Creamy Corn Chowder
- Loaded Baked Potato Soup
- Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
- Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup
Approximate Nutrition
Per serving, this soup provides approximately:
- Calories: 350–450
- Protein: 16–20 g
- Carbohydrates: 40–50 g
- Fat: 14–20 g
- Fiber: 4–6 g
- Sodium: Varies significantly depending on the ham and broth used
Nutrition will vary depending on the specific ingredients, brands, portion sizes, and whether cream, cheese, or other toppings are added.