Nothing says comfort like a warm bowl of soup, and when it comes to rich, hearty, and satisfying soups, Paula Deen’s Ham and Potato Soup is a classic go-to. This recipe takes the humble potato and transforms it into a creamy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for cold evenings or any time you need a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. It combines savory ham, creamy potatoes, and a perfect blend of seasonings, creating a well-rounded meal that’s filling enough for dinner but light enough to enjoy any time. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is easy to follow and results in a dish that will make everyone at the table smile.
Now, let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering recipe, step by step. From the ingredients to expert tips, you’ll have everything you need to recreate this tasty soup at home.
Paula Deen Ham And Potato Soup Recipe
What Makes Paula Deen’s Ham And Potato Soup Special?
- Creamy Texture: The combination of cream and potatoes creates a velvety, smooth soup that feels luxurious without being overly rich.
- Savory Ham: The ham adds a depth of flavor, making this soup savory and satisfying.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: With a few basic ingredients, you can craft a flavorful meal that doesn’t require hours of preparation.
- Perfectly Balanced: It’s hearty but not too heavy, making it an ideal dish for any occasion-whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or a comforting weekend lunch.
Ingredients Needed
To make Paula Deen’s Ham and Potato Soup, you won’t need a long grocery list of unusual ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
-
1 Lb. Ham, Diced
- You can use leftover ham or fresh ham from the store. It’s a great way to repurpose leftover holiday ham or Sunday dinner ham.
-
6 Medium Potatoes, Peeled And Diced
- Russet potatoes are often preferred due to their starchy texture, which thickens the soup as it cooks.
-
1 Medium Onion, Finely Chopped
- Onions add depth and sweetness to the flavor profile of the soup.
-
3 Cloves Garlic, Minced
- Garlic is the secret ingredient that elevates the savory quality of the soup.
-
4 Cups Chicken Broth
- Chicken broth is the base of the soup and adds a rich, flavorful liquid that will bring everything together.
-
2 Cups Heavy Cream
- Heavy cream contributes to the soup’s creamy texture, making it silky smooth.
-
1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- Cheese adds a tangy richness that takes the flavor to the next level.
-
2 Tablespoons Butter
- Butter helps sauté the vegetables and adds richness to the base of the soup.
-
Salt And Pepper To Taste
- Seasoning is key-taste along the way to make sure the flavors are balanced.
-
1 Teaspoon Dried Thyme (optional)
- A touch of thyme can add an herbaceous flavor that complements the ham and potatoes well.
-
1/2 Cup Green Onions Or Chives (for Garnish)
- These provide a fresh crunch and a mild onion flavor to finish the dish.
Cooking Instructions
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients prepped, it’s time to get cooking. Follow these steps for a delicious homemade ham and potato soup:
-
Sauté The Base
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. This forms the flavor foundation of your soup.
-
Cook The Potatoes
- Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir them for another 2-3 minutes. The goal is to lightly coat the potatoes in the butter and seasonings. This helps them absorb flavor as they cook.
-
Simmer The Soup
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a simmer. Stir well to combine, and then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
-
Add The Ham And Cream
- Once the potatoes are soft, add the diced ham to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream, mixing it well with the broth and potatoes. Simmer the soup for another 5-10 minutes, letting the flavors meld together. The cream will thicken the soup as it heats up.
-
Season And Add Cheese
- Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Then, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt and become fully incorporated into the soup. This will create a creamy, cheesy texture throughout the soup.
-
Garnish And Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with green onions or chives, and serve hot. The garnish adds a fresh element to balance out the richness of the soup.
Ingredient Insights
Let’s dive deeper into some of the key ingredients and why they matter:
-
Ham
The star of this dish, ham provides a savory, smoky flavor that infuses the soup with richness. Whether you use leftover ham from a holiday meal or fresh ham from the butcher, this ingredient forms the backbone of the dish.
-
Potatoes
Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food and serve as the thickening agent in this soup. Their natural starch makes the soup creamy without needing to add a roux or flour, which keeps the recipe simple and gluten-free.
-
Heavy Cream
The heavy cream brings the desired silky, velvety texture to the soup. It gives the broth body without being too rich, making the soup indulgent yet comforting.
-
Cheddar Cheese
The sharpness of cheddar cheese adds complexity to the soup, cutting through the richness of the cream and butter. It also helps give the soup that creamy, cheesy pull when you scoop it up with a spoon.
Expert Tips
-
Don’t Overcook The Potatoes
Keep an eye on the potatoes while they cook. If you overcook them, they’ll break down too much and turn the soup into a mash. You want them soft but still holding their shape.
-
Use Fresh Ham For Best Flavor
While leftover ham works great, fresh ham has a deeper, more flavorful profile that makes a big difference in this soup. If you can get your hands on fresh, high-quality ham, it’s worth it.
-
Balance The Seasoning
Taste as you go! The ham is salty, so you might not need as much salt as you think. Be sure to season gradually and adjust to your taste.
-
Make It Ahead Of Time
This soup actually tastes better the next day once the flavors have had more time to meld. Make a big batch and store it in the fridge for easy leftovers. Just reheat gently on the stove.
Recipe Variations
While the classic ham and potato soup is delicious as is, here are some fun ways to customize it:
-
Add Vegetables
You can sneak in other vegetables like carrots, celery, or corn for more flavor and texture. Simply chop them up and add them along with the potatoes to the broth.
-
Spicy Kick
Add a little heat by stirring in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes. This adds a whole new layer of flavor to the soup.
-
Swap The Cheese
While cheddar is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses. Try Gruyère for a nutty, sophisticated twist, or pepper jack for some spice.
-
Make It Low-Fat
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and lean ham or turkey ham to make a lighter version of this soup without sacrificing too much flavor.
Final Words
Paula Deen’s Ham and Potato Soup is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s simple to make but packed with flavor. The combination of savory ham, creamy potatoes, and rich cheese makes it a filling meal that will please a crowd. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up leftover ham after holidays or large family meals.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Paula Deen’s Ham And Potato Soup?
To make Paula Deen’s Ham and Potato Soup, you’ll need ham, potatoes, onions, butter, flour, chicken broth, milk, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and garlic. Optional ingredients include parsley, cheddar cheese, and sour cream for added flavor and garnish.
How Do I Make Paula Deen’s Ham And Potato Soup?
To make Paula Deen’s ham and potato soup, start by sautéing onions and garlic in butter until soft. Add flour to make a roux, then gradually stir in chicken broth and milk. Add diced potatoes and ham, cooking until the potatoes are tender. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Simmer until thickened and serve with optional garnishes like cheddar cheese or parsley.
Can I Use Leftover Ham For Paula Deen’s Ham And Potato Soup?
Yes, leftover ham is perfect for Paula Deen’s ham and potato soup. It’s a great way to use up extra ham from a holiday meal. Just dice the ham into small pieces and add it to the soup during the cooking process.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Paula Deen’s Ham And Potato Soup?
It takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to prepare and cook Paula Deen’s ham and potato soup. The soup needs about 15-20 minutes to simmer, plus additional time for prepping ingredients like peeling and dicing potatoes.
Can I Make Paula Deen’s Ham And Potato Soup Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can make Paula Deen’s ham and potato soup ahead of time. The flavors will meld together nicely if it sits in the fridge for a day or two. Simply reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra broth or milk to adjust the consistency.
Can I Freeze Paula Deen’s Ham And Potato Soup?
Yes, you can freeze Paula Deen’s ham and potato soup, though the potatoes may become a bit mushy when reheated. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What Can I Substitute For Heavy Cream In Paula Deen’s Ham And Potato Soup?
If you want a lighter version of Paula Deen’s ham and potato soup, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or a combination of milk and sour cream. However, the soup may be less rich and creamy with these substitutions.
Is Paula Deen’s Ham And Potato Soup Gluten-free?
No, Paula Deen’s ham and potato soup is not gluten-free as it uses flour to thicken the broth. To make it gluten-free, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or use cornstarch as a thickening agent.
Can I Add Vegetables To Paula Deen’s Ham And Potato Soup?
Yes, you can add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or leeks to Paula Deen’s ham and potato soup. These additions will enhance the flavor and texture of the soup. Just make sure to chop the vegetables into small pieces so they cook evenly with the potatoes.
What Type Of Ham Is Best For Paula Deen’s Ham And Potato Soup?
For the best flavor, use a bone-in ham or leftover cooked ham. A smoked ham or honey-baked ham adds extra depth and richness to the soup. Avoid using deli ham or processed ham as they may not provide the same hearty, flavorful result.