If you’re looking for a soul-soothing, wildly comforting dish that simply wraps you in warmth, the Creamy Loaded Potato Soup with Crispy Beef Ham Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine velvety smooth potatoes blended perfectly with savory broth and cream, crowned with crispy, browned beef ham that adds a delightful crunch and smoky depth. This soup is like a big, cozy hug on a chilly day, bursting with layers of flavor and that luscious texture that keeps you coming back for just one more spoonful. It’s straightforward enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to share with friends when you want to impress without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, accessible, and each plays a crucial role in making this soup memorably delicious. The potatoes bring the creamy base, the beef ham adds crispy texture and a punch of savory flavor, and the dairy components create that rich, indulgent mouthfeel. Every element is a building block toward the perfect bowl.
- 4 cups starchy potatoes, diced: Russets work best to give your soup that silky creaminess.
- 1 cup beef ham, diced: Crisp until golden to add irresistible crunch and smoky savor.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and depth; feel free to swap in olive oil for a lighter touch.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Yellow or white onions add sweetness and aromatic warmth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh minced garlic imparts a gentle kick and fragrant boost.
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth: Choose low-sodium for balance, the broth is your flavorful liquid base.
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream: For ultimate creaminess; plant-based alternatives also work beautifully.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts into the soup for a tangy, cheesy finish (omit for dairy-free options).
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped: Adds a fresh, sharp contrast to the creamy base (chives are a fun twist).
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Offers a tangy coolness on top; Greek yogurt is a lighter, healthful substitute.
How to Make Creamy Loaded Potato Soup with Crispy Beef Ham Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by peeling and cutting your potatoes into small, even cubes to ensure they cook evenly and blend smoothly. Dice your onions finely and mince the garlic to maximize their aromatic contributions. Having everything ready makes the cooking flow effortless and enjoyable.
Step 2: Crisp the Beef Ham
Heat a splash of oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the diced beef ham. Let the pieces cook until they’re beautifully crispy and browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial because that crispy beef ham is what adds texture and a smoky depth to balance the creamy soup. Once done, remove and set aside to keep those pieces crispy.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In the same pot, melt your butter to soak up all the savory ham flavor left behind. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until the onions turn translucent and the kitchen fills with their sweet, fragrant aroma. This usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes and really builds the flavor foundation for your soup.
Step 4: Cook the Potatoes in Broth
Throw in your chopped potatoes and pour in the broth. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender enough to blend smoothly but still hold a touch of texture. This simmering phase allows all the flavors to marry beautifully.
Step 5: Blend for Creaminess
Once your potatoes are soft, use an immersion blender right in the pot to puree the soup until it’s silky and smooth. This step makes all the difference in turning simple potatoes and broth into a wonderfully luscious soup that feels indulgent with every spoonful.
Step 6: Stir in Milk and Cheese
Return the soup to medium heat and gently whisk in your milk or cream, stirring until everything is heated through. Then, add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts fully into the soup. This step lifts your soup to the next level of creamy goodness and flavor complexity. Adjust with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle this creamy delight into bowls and crown each serving with the crispy beef ham you set aside earlier. Sprinkle on chopped green onions and add a generous dollop of sour cream for that cool, tangy counterpoint. The result is a multi-textured sensation of creamy, crispy, tangy, and savory that’s impossible not to love.
How to Serve Creamy Loaded Potato Soup with Crispy Beef Ham Recipe
Garnishes
The garnishes are where you can really personalize your soup experience. Crispy beef ham bits add crunch, green onions or chives lend a burst of freshness, and a sour cream dollop brings a perfect tangy creaminess. You can even add a sprinkle of crispy bacon or a dash of smoked paprika for extra flair.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty on its own but pairs wonderfully with some crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping. A crisp green salad provides balance to the creamy richness, and roasted vegetables add a colorful, healthy touch to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress guests by serving the soup in mini pumpkin bowls or rustic bread bowls that soak up the soup’s flavor. For a party, you can offer it as shooters topped with a tiny dollop of sour cream and microgreens. Presentation can be as fun and creative as the recipe itself.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Loaded Potato Soup with Crispy Beef Ham Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen overnight, making it a perfect next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze the soup, but it’s best to hold off on the crispy beef ham garnish since it may lose its crispiness. Freeze the soup base in a sealed container for up to 2 months for a convenient, ready-made comfort meal when time is tight.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup thickens too much. Once heated through, top again with freshly crisped beef ham and your favorite garnishes for that just-made taste.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of ham if I don’t have beef ham?
Absolutely! While beef ham adds a unique flavor and texture, you can substitute with smoked ham, cooked bacon, or even pancetta. Just make sure to crisp it for that delightful contrast against the creamy soup.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap out the butter for olive oil, use plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk, and skip the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative. Greek yogurt can be replaced with coconut yogurt to keep the tang while staying dairy-free.
How can I make the soup thicker or thinner?
For a thicker soup, use less broth or mash some of the cooked potatoes before blending. To thin it out, simply add a bit more broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency.
What can I do to add more vegetables into this soup?
Feel free to add diced carrots, celery, or even corn when sautéing the onions and garlic. These veggies will add sweetness, color, and extra nutrients without overpowering the creamy potato base.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance for busy days?
Definitely! You can dice the vegetables and beef ham a day ahead or even cook and blend the soup the day before, then just reheat and add the fresh garnishes before serving. It’s a great way to save time while still enjoying homemade comfort food.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let this deliciously creamy recipe sit on the sidelines. The Creamy Loaded Potato Soup with Crispy Beef Ham Recipe is a beautiful balance of texture and flavor wrapped up in a bowl that’s perfect for family dinners, cozy gatherings, or any time you crave warmth and satisfaction. Give it a go—you’ll find it quickly becomes a beloved classic in your recipe collection.
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Creamy Loaded Potato Soup with Crispy Beef Ham Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Loaded Potato Soup with Crispy Beef Ham is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for chilly days. Made with tender russet potatoes, rich cream, savory diced beef ham, and topped with cheddar cheese, green onions, and sour cream, this soup blends creamy textures with a deliciously crispy meat topping to satisfy your comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups starchy potatoes, diced (Russets are ideal for creaminess)
- 1 cup beef ham, diced (Crisp until browned)
- 2 tablespoons butter (Can substitute with olive oil)
- 1 medium onion, diced (Yellow or white onions preferred)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (Fresh for best flavor)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (Low-sodium recommended)
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream (Use plant-based options if needed)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (Omit for dairy-free)
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (Chives can be used as an alternative)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (Greek yogurt is a healthier substitute)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Peel and chop the potatoes into small cubes, dice the onions finely, and mince the garlic cloves to get everything ready before cooking.
- Cook Beef Ham: Heat a splash of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced beef ham and cook until it becomes crispy and browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the ham from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same pot, melt the butter. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing them until the onions become translucent and fragrant, which will take about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Cook Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the pot then pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Let it cook until the potatoes are tender, approximately 20 minutes.
- Blend Soup: Once the potatoes are soft, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the soup until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Add Cream and Season: Return the blended soup to medium heat, stir in the milk or heavy cream, and heat through gently. Adjust seasoning by adding salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot creamy soup into bowls. Top each serving with the crispy beef ham, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream for added richness.
Notes
- Russet potatoes are preferred for their creamy texture when cooked and pureed.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute the milk, cream, cheese, and sour cream with plant-based alternatives.
- Low-sodium broth is recommended to control the saltiness of the soup.
- Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative to sour cream for topping.
- An immersion blender makes the pureeing process quick and easy directly in the pot.
