Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup

            Soups may be the food for cold winter nights, but I love to make soups year round. There are so many varieties of soup that I can not resist cooking them all year long. This Potato and Ham soup made in the crockpot is one of my favorites.

It is rich and creamy, flavorful and loaded with ham and potatoes. This is also one of my favorites, because it is what I can spend just a few minutes preparing and then the crock pot does the rest of the work. How easy is that?

            I also like to add in some carrots and celery, with some onions. This just perks up that rich flavor even more.

I also get more vegetables into the family. Sometimes I will sneak in some finely chopped spinach  to give it more color and taste. And, yes, sneaky I know.

Frequently Asked Questions:

            Can I freeze the soup?

Yes! Most soups can easily be frozen, including this one. I place it in the refrigerator overnight, in an airtight container to be sure it is cooled down completely. The next day I put it into a freezer bag and then into the freezer.

            Why did my soup curdle?

The heat was likely too high. This will happen when dairy and cheeses get too hot.

            How do I store the soup?

The soup can be placed into an airtight container or into separate single serve containers and keep it in the refrigerator  for up to 5 days.

            Can I add other ingredients?

You can add whatever your family enjoys. I have heard many that add whole kernel corn, green beans and even broccoli. I have added bacon to mine during the cooking time, and also crumbled bacon on top when the soup is done.

            Can I add cheese?

Cheese is a great addition. Personally, I like to add sharp cheddar to ours. However, I have also added smoked gouda and that was delicious also.

            Can I put in some spices and herbs?

Certainly! Thyme, basil, garlic salt and parsley are super good. There are many others to add, just pick your favorites.

What do you need to make Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup

            8 large russet potatoes, diced

            1 pound of ham, diced

            2 carrots, peeled and sliced

            1 onion, diced well

            2 stems of celery, chopped

            4 cups of chicken broth

            1 ½ cups heavy cream

            ½ cup sour cream

            ¼ cup all purpose flour

            Salt and pepper to taste

How to make Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup

FIRST STEP:

Dice the potatoes, celery, carrots, onion and the ham

Place into the slow cooker, season with salt and pepper

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SECOND STEP:

Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours

When time is done, mash a portion of the potatoes, about ⅓ of them.

Do not worry, the ham will flatten a little, but not mash.

THIRD STEP:

Add in the flour, and the sour cream. Stir well to combine. Add in the heavy cream and continue stirring

FOURTH STEP:

Cover and cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.

Can be served with toasted baguette bread slices

Enjoy!

YUM!