Slow Cooker Cheesy Ham & Potato Soup – Comfort in a Bowl

Nothing says comfort food like a warm, creamy bowl of Slow Cooker Cheesy Ham & Potato Soup. Packed with tender potatoes, savory ham, and rich, melted cheese, this hearty soup is perfect for chilly evenings, weeknight dinners, or meal prep.

Using a slow cooker makes this recipe effortless—you can prep in the morning and come home to a flavorful, ready-to-eat meal that tastes like it simmered all day.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy and hands-off – let the slow cooker do all the work.
  • Creamy, cheesy goodness – comfort food at its best.
  • Perfect for leftovers – flavors deepen after a day in the fridge.
  • Family-friendly – kids and adults alike love it.
  • Customizable – add extra veggies or adjust cheese types for variety.

🥔 Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 4 cups diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or russet)
  • 2 cups diced ham (leftover or fully cooked)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk or heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional garnish: green onions, extra shredded cheese, or crispy bacon bits

🔥 How to Make Slow Cooker Cheesy Ham & Potato Soup

1. Prep the Ingredients

  • Dice potatoes and ham.
  • Chop onions and mince garlic.

2. Combine in Slow Cooker

  1. In the slow cooker, add diced potatoes, ham, onions, garlic, and chicken broth.
  2. Season with black pepper, smoked paprika, and salt.

3. Cook Low and Slow

  • Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are tender.

4. Make It Cheesy

  1. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to make a roux.
  3. Slowly add milk or cream, whisking constantly until smooth and slightly thickened.
  4. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

5. Combine Cheese Sauce with Soup

  • Pour the cheese mixture into the slow cooker and stir well.
  • Let the soup cook for an additional 10–15 minutes on LOW to combine flavors.

6. Serve

  • Ladle into bowls and garnish with green onions, extra cheese, or crispy bacon bits.
  • Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with fresh dinner rolls or garlic bread.
  • Serve alongside a green salad for a lighter option.
  • Top with sour cream or hot sauce for extra flavor.

🌟 Tips for the Best Cheesy Ham & Potato Soup

✔ Use leftover ham

Perfect way to use leftover holiday ham and add extra flavor.

✔ Choose tender potatoes

Yukon Gold or russet potatoes hold their shape while softening perfectly.

✔ Adjust thickness

For a thicker soup, mash a few potatoes against the side of the slow cooker. For thinner, add extra chicken broth.

✔ Cheese variety

Cheddar is classic, but try smoked gouda, Monterey Jack, or a combination for depth.

✔ Make ahead

Soup tastes even better the next day after flavors meld in the fridge.


🧊 Storing & Reheating

Refrigerate:

Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

Freeze:

Freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed.

Reheat:

Warm in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.


❤️ Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Cheesy Ham & Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort meal—creamy, cheesy, and packed with hearty ingredients. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or cozy fall evenings, this soup is simple, flavorful, and highly satisfying.

It’s easy to prep in the morning and enjoy a warm, comforting meal at the end of the day.

Print
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Slow Cooker Cheesy Ham & Potato Soup – Comfort in a Bowl


  • Author: WAFA LI

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes (about 3–4 medium)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced (leftover or deli)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional, for creaminess)
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• Fresh chives or green onions, chopped (for garnish)


Instructions

  1. In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil (if using). Sauté onion 4–5 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
  2. Transfer to a slow cooker. Add potatoes and broth.
  3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are tender.
  4. Use a potato masher or immersion blender to lightly crush some of the potatoes—this thickens the soup.
  5. Stir in milk, ham, cheddar cheese, sour cream (if using), smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until cheese is melted and soup is creamy.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning—add more pepper, salt, or a splash of Worcestershire for depth.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chives and extra cheese.

Great with:
• Crusty bread or oyster crackers
• A dollop of extra sour cream
• As a holiday side or weeknight staple

💡 Make ahead: Flavors deepen overnight—store in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze. Reheat gently on the stove.

PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time : 15 mins , Cook Time : 6 hrs (on low) , Total Time : 6 hrs 15 mins , Servings : 4 , Calories : 320 per serving , Net Carbs: 28g , Fats: 14g , Protein: 22g

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