Warm up your soul with a hearty bowl of **Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup with Heavy Cream**. This incredibly comforting and flavorful dish is perfect for chilly evenings, bringing smiles to everyone at your dinner table. Whether you’re utilizing the rich, smoky depth of ham hocks or giving new life to leftover ham, this slow-cooker recipe is a true game-changer. We’ll guide you through crafting a luxuriously creamy soup, packed with tender potatoes, savory ham, and aromatic vegetables like carrots and celery.
As the crisp air signals the arrival of colder seasons, our slow cooker becomes the ultimate kitchen companion. This recipe for slow cooker ham and potato soup isn’t just another meal; it’s an experience. Imagine a thick, creamy chowder-like soup, infused with deep flavors, requiring minimal effort. It’s an ideal Crockpot recipe that promises to become a cherished family favorite, whether you prefer diced russets or the convenience of frozen hashbrowns.
Beyond its incredible taste, this soup stands out as an ingenious way to master how to cook ham hocks in a slow cooker. Instead of just cooking the hocks, we transform them into the star of a complete, mouth-watering meal. Furthermore, it serves as a fantastic leftover ham recipe, perfect for repurposing holiday ham after Thanksgiving or Christmas. For those who love an extra layer of indulgence, we’ll share tips on making it cheesy, with some melted inside and a generous sprinkle on top. And don’t worry, if you need a dairy-free alternative, we’ve got delicious suggestions for that too.
The Magic of Ham Hocks in Soup
For those unfamiliar with them, ham hocks might appear a bit unusual in the grocery store aisle – bony with tantalizing bits of meat and skin. However, these humble ingredients are a culinary secret weapon, particularly when slow-cooked. They imbue any dish with an unparalleled smoky, savory depth that’s difficult to achieve otherwise. We’ve previously used them to create delightful slow cooker ham and beans, but in this potato soup, their contribution is truly transformative. Not only do ham hocks offer incredible flavor, but they are also a remarkably economical choice, making this a budget-friendly gourmet meal.
The long, slow cooking process tenderizes the meat to perfection, allowing it to fall effortlessly off the bone and release its rich essence into the broth. This creates a deeply complex and satisfying base for our creamy ham and potato soup, making it stand out from recipes that use pre-cooked ham alone. If you’ve been hesitant to try them, now is the time to discover the secret to truly flavorful slow-cooked dishes.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Creamy Ham and Potato Soup
Creating an exceptional slow cooker ham and potato soup starts with understanding your ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to build layers of incredible flavor and achieve that comforting, creamy texture:
- Ham Hocks or Leftover Ham: The heart of this soup! We recommend using smoked ham hocks for their deep, smoky flavor and tender texture once slow-cooked. Typically, a package of two, totaling about 1.5 lbs, offers fantastic value and flavor. Alternatively, 1.5 cups of diced leftover ham works wonderfully for a quicker prep, though you might miss a bit of that intense smoky essence. This adaptability makes it an incredibly versatile and easy Crockpot soup solution.
- Potatoes: Russet potatoes are our go-to choice due to their starchy nature, which contributes to the soup’s creamy consistency as they break down slightly during cooking. However, red potatoes can also be used; they tend to hold their shape a bit more, offering a chunkier texture. The key is to dice them into approximately 1/2-inch to 1-inch pieces – not too small, or they’ll turn to mush. We love keeping the skins on for added nutrients and rustic appeal, but you can peel them if preferred.
- Broth: High-quality Chicken broth forms the flavorful liquid base. It’s essential for cooking the ham hocks and tenderizing the vegetables over several hours. While chicken broth is preferred, don’t hesitate to use vegetable broth if that’s what you have on hand. The goal is a rich, savory liquid.
- Aromatics: Diced Onion and minced Garlic are non-negotiable for building a robust flavor foundation. They lend a wonderful aromatic depth that elevates the entire dish.
- Seasonings: We typically season this soup with a blend of salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. A touch of garlic salt can further enhance the savory notes. Feel free to adjust these to your family’s preference, perhaps adding a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra layer of warmth.
- Vegetables: Adding chopped Carrots and sliced Celery not only boosts the nutritional value but also introduces a subtle sweetness and earthy undertone. Baby carrots, cut in half, are a convenient option. Ensure they are fully submerged in the broth for proper cooking.
- Heavy Cream: This is where the magic happens for that ultimate creamy, rich consistency. We highly recommend full-fat heavy cream for the best texture and indulgent flavor. While low-fat alternatives exist, they won’t provide the same luxurious mouthfeel that defines this comfort food. If you find yourself without heavy cream, there are several effective heavy cream substitutes you can explore.
- Cornstarch: A small amount of cornstarch, whisked with a bit of cool water, is used at the end to thicken the soup to your desired consistency. For a gluten-free option, arrowroot flour can be used as an excellent alternative.
For an even smoother, more chowder-like consistency, you can dice your potatoes into smaller pieces. Alternatively, for that restaurant-quality smooth texture, an immersion blender can be used directly in the slow cooker once the soup is cooked, pureeing some of the potatoes and vegetables into the broth.
Easy Option: Making Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup with Frozen Hashbrowns
For ultimate convenience, this recipe can be easily adapted to use pre-cut frozen hashbrowns, similar to our popular Crockpot potato soup with frozen hashbrowns. This eliminates the need for peeling and dicing fresh potatoes, significantly cutting down on prep time.
When using frozen hashbrowns, expect a slightly different, often smoother, final texture. The pre-shredded or diced nature of frozen hashbrowns means they tend to break down more completely during the long cooking process, resulting in a less chunky soup. You might find that the soup isn’t quite as thick initially compared to using fresh, diced potatoes. If this is the case, simply increase the amount of cornstarch-slurry added at the end until you achieve your preferred creamy consistency. This variation is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave homemade comfort with minimal fuss.
Delicious Variations and Substitutions for Your Ham and Potato Soup
This Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to tailor it to your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:
- Ham Options: If ham hocks aren’t available or you prefer not to deal with bones, a diced ham steak is an excellent substitute. While you might sacrifice some of the deep smoky flavor that ham hocks provide, it still adds a wonderful savory element and cuts down on mid-cooking prep. Cooked bacon, diced and crisped, can also be stirred in at the end for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Vegetable Boost: Feel free to increase the quantities of carrots and celery for a more vegetable-rich soup, or even add other hearty vegetables like peas, corn, or diced bell peppers during the last hour of cooking. Conversely, if you’re not a fan, you can omit them entirely. Just ensure any added vegetables are submerged in the broth for proper cooking.
- Cheesy Indulgence: For cheese lovers, consider stirring in a cup of shredded sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese during the final 30 minutes of cooking. The cheese will melt beautifully, adding an extra layer of richness. Garnish individual bowls with an additional sprinkle of shredded cheese and fresh green onions for a pop of color and fresh bite.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce can introduce a subtle warmth and kick, if you enjoy a little heat in your soup.
- Herbs & Spices: Experiment with different herbs beyond basil and oregano. Thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves (removed before serving) can add distinct aromatic profiles.
Expert Tips for the Best Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup
Achieving the perfect creamy, flavorful ham and potato soup in your slow cooker is simpler than you think with these expert tips:
- The Power of Low and Slow: This cannot be stressed enough – always cook this Crockpot potato soup recipe on the low setting. High heat can cause dairy to curdle and potatoes to become grainy or mushy. Low and slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully, the ham hocks to tenderize perfectly, and the potatoes to achieve that ideal creamy texture. Patience is a virtue here!
- Mid-Cook Ham Hock Prep: If you’re using ham hocks, the main “active” step in this otherwise hands-off recipe involves removing the hocks midway through cooking. This allows you to easily separate the tender meat from the bones and any excess fat, then return the succulent ham back into the pot. This ensures every bite is pure deliciousness.
- Achieving Creamy Perfection: The heavy cream is added towards the end to maintain its rich texture and prevent separation. For an even more luxurious, velvety consistency, a cornstarch slurry is your best friend. Simply whisk 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with the remaining 1/4 cup of heavy cream until completely smooth before stirring it into the soup. This will thicken the soup beautifully without altering its flavor. Cook for an additional 30 minutes on low after adding the slurry to allow it to fully activate.
- Customizing Thickness: The soup’s final thickness is entirely up to you. The recipe aims for a hearty, chowder-like consistency. If you prefer a thinner soup, you can omit the cornstarch or use less. If you desire an even thicker result, feel free to add another tablespoon of cornstarch slurry, ensuring it’s well combined.
- Serving Enhancements: Elevate your serving with simple garnishes. A sprinkle of fresh parsley, a dollop of sour cream, or a generous topping of shredded cheddar cheese will add visual appeal and extra flavor. Crisp bacon bits or croutons also make excellent additions for texture.
Remember, this is designed to be an incredibly easy, “throw-together” meal that yields amazing results. With these tips, you’re set to create a slow cooker ham and potato soup that will be requested again and again.
Hearty Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup Recipe
Justine
15 minutes
6 hours
30 minutes
8
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Equipment
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1 slow cooker (6-quart or larger recommended)
Ingredients
- 2 large smoked ham hocks, approximately 1.5 lbs total, or 1.5 cups diced leftover ham
- 5 medium russet potatoes, diced into 1-inch cubes (skins on or peeled)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1 cup carrots, diced or baby carrots cut in half, optional
- 2 stalks celery, sliced, optional
- 32 oz chicken broth
- 1 1/4 cup heavy cream, divided
- 2 tbsp cornstarch, optional, for thickening
Instructions
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Place ham hocks in the center of your slow cooker, with flat ends facing down. If using diced ham, add it now.
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Dice potatoes (with or without skins) into approximately 1-inch cubes and arrange them around the ham hocks in the pot. Add diced onions.
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Sprinkle in all seasonings (salt, pepper, basil, oregano, garlic salt). Add carrots and celery, if desired, ensuring they are submerged.
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Pour chicken broth over all ingredients. Secure the lid and cook on LOW for 6 hours.
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After 6 hours, lift the lid and test the potatoes for tenderness. Carefully remove the ham hocks from the pot. On a cutting board, remove the bones and any excess fat, then shred or dice the tender ham meat. Return the ham meat to the slow cooker.
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Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. In a small separate bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/4 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until a smooth slurry forms. Pour this slurry into the soup and stir thoroughly.
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Replace the lid and continue to cook on LOW for an additional 30 minutes, or until the soup has thickened to your desired consistency. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition
Calories: 263kcal,
Carbohydrates: 7g,
Protein: 11g,
Fat: 22g,
Saturated Fat: 11g,
Cholesterol: 87mg,
Sodium: 1258mg,
Potassium: 336mg,
Fiber: 1g,
Sugar: 2g,
Vitamin A: 3271IU,
Vitamin C: 10mg,
Calcium: 50mg,
Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Entree, Main Course, Soup
American
Tried this recipe?Mention @thetypical_mom or tag #thetypicalmom!
Frequently Asked Questions About Ham and Potato Soup
The absolute best way to infuse incredible flavor into your potato soup is by incorporating a rich, savory ham, especially if you’re using oven-baked ham. The smoky notes of ham elevate the entire dish. Beyond that, a robust blend of seasonings – like garlic, onion, basil, and oregano – is crucial. For an extra layer of umami and depth, consider adding crisped bacon bits as a garnish or stirring in a dash of smoked paprika during cooking.
Achieving that perfect thick and creamy texture is straightforward. Our preferred method involves adding heavy cream towards the end of the cooking process. For extra thickness, create a slurry by whisking 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with about 1/4 cup of cool heavy cream (or cold water if dairy-free). Stir this mixture into the hot soup and continue cooking on low for another 30 minutes. This allows the cornstarch to activate and thicken the soup beautifully. If you desire an even richer, thicker soup, you can increase the cornstarch to 3 tablespoons.
Yes, ham and potato soup can certainly be frozen, making it an excellent meal prep option. Be aware that soups containing heavy cream or other dairy may experience some slight separation in texture once thawed and reheated. The flavor, however, will remain delicious. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When reheating, gently warm on the stovetop, stirring frequently, and if needed, add a splash of milk or broth to restore its creamy consistency.
Dairy-Free Alternatives for Creamy Ham and Potato Soup
For those avoiding dairy, achieving a rich and creamy ham and potato soup is entirely possible with a few simple substitutions:
- Cream Cheese as a Thickener: If heavy cream isn’t an option, softened cream cheese (dairy or dairy-free alternative) can be a fantastic substitute. Allow it to come to room temperature to soften significantly before whisking it into the hot broth. Blend it thoroughly until smooth and fully incorporated, providing a wonderful tang and thickness. Many brands now offer excellent dairy-free cream cheese alternatives that perform similarly.
- Plant-Based Milks and Thickeners: To create a thick and creamy potato soup without any dairy, consider using plant-based milks. Unsweetened almond milk or cashew milk are excellent choices due to their neutral flavor. To ensure it thickens properly, you’ll want to combine the plant-based milk with a bit more cornstarch than the original recipe calls for, creating a slurry. Whisk this mixture until smooth, then stir it into the hot soup during the final 30 minutes of cooking. The starches in the potatoes will also naturally contribute to the creaminess.
- Lactose-Free Dairy Products: For those who are lactose intolerant but still consume dairy, readily available lactose-free heavy cream, cream cheese, or sour cream can be used as direct substitutes, maintaining the classic flavor and texture without compromise.
With these adaptable options, everyone can enjoy a luscious, comforting bowl of ham and potato soup tailored to their dietary needs.
More Comforting Slow Cooker and Easy Meals to Explore
If you’ve fallen in love with the ease and deliciousness of this Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup, you’re in for a treat! Our collection of under-30-minute prep meals and slow cooker recipes is designed to bring maximum flavor with minimal effort:
- For another indulgent potato dish, our Loaded Baked Potato Soup in the slow cooker offers all the rich flavors of a fully loaded baked potato in a comforting bowl.
- Simplify your holiday cooking with effortlessly creamy slow cooker mashed potatoes, freeing up valuable stovetop space.
- Pair our incredible 5-ingredient Crockpot chili with perfectly cooked baked potatoes in a Crockpot for a fuss-free and satisfying meal.
- If you’re seeking a similar hearty meal with a faster cooking time, our Instant Pot barley soup delivers rich flavors in a fraction of the time.
- Embrace tradition with a delicious bowl of Black Eyed Peas and Ham Hocks, a classic New Year’s dinner known for bringing good luck and incredible taste.
These recipes are designed to fit seamlessly into your busy lifestyle, proving that wholesome, homemade meals don’t have to be complicated. Dive in and discover your next family favorite!
