Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup

Tender potatoes, savory ham, sweet carrots, celery, onion, and a rich, creamy broth slowly come together in the crockpot while you go about your day. And the smell when you walk back into the kitchen? Incredible!!

This is the kind of recipe I love pulling out when the weather turns chilly and everyone is craving something hearty and comforting.

Even better, it doesn't require standing over the stove all afternoon.

Just add the ingredients to your slow cooker, let it do its thing, and come back to a wonderfully cozy dinner.

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What Is Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup?

This is a hearty, creamy soup made with simple ingredients that work beautifully together.

The potatoes become tender and almost melt into the broth, while chunks of ham add a salty, smoky flavor. Carrots and celery bring a little sweetness and freshness, and onion gives the whole soup that savory foundation every good homemade soup needs.

The result?

Creamy. Hearty. Savory. Comforting. And incredibly easy.

It tastes like something that simmered on the stove all day—even though your slow cooker did most of the work.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

There are plenty of reasons this soup deserves a regular spot on your dinner rotation!

• Easy preparation: Most of the work happens before the slow cooker starts.
• Perfect for busy days: Let the crockpot handle dinner while you do other things.
• Great for leftovers: The flavors are even better the next day.
• Budget-friendly: Potatoes, vegetables, and leftover ham make a filling meal without complicated ingredients.
• Family-friendly: Mild, creamy, and hearty enough to satisfy hungry appetites.
• Perfect for cold weather: Few things are better than a steaming bowl of homemade soup on a chilly evening.

And that ham sitting in the refrigerator after a holiday meal?

This is where it belongs!

What Does Ham and Potato Soup Taste Like?

This soup has that wonderful balance of savory and creamy flavors.

The ham gives it a salty, smoky richness, while the potatoes add a soft, comforting texture. Carrots provide a subtle sweetness, and celery and onion round everything out.

The creamy broth ties it all together without overpowering the other ingredients.

It's hearty without being too heavy.

And every spoonful has a little bit of everything.

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's what you'll need to make this easy slow cooker soup.

For the Soup

• Ham: Use cooked, diced ham. Leftover holiday ham works beautifully.
• Potatoes: Yukon Gold or russet potatoes both work well.
• Carrots: Peeled and sliced.
• Celery: Adds flavor and a little texture.
• Onion: Yellow or white onion works perfectly.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds wonderful savory flavor.
• Chicken broth: The liquid base for the soup. Low-sodium broth gives you more control over the salt.
• Milk: Helps create the creamy texture.
• Heavy cream: Adds extra richness.
• Butter: Gives the soup a lovely silky finish.
• Flour: Used to help thicken the creamy portion of the soup.
• Salt and black pepper: Adjust to taste.
• Fresh parsley: Optional, but a sprinkle on top makes every bowl look prettier.

A Note About the Ham

Ham can vary quite a bit in saltiness.

Because of that, I recommend waiting until the soup has cooked before adding a lot of salt.

You can always add more.

You can't quite take it back out!

Tools You'll Need

The beauty of this recipe is that you don't need much equipment.

You'll need:

• A slow cooker or crockpot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Small saucepan, if making the cream thickener separately
• Ladle for serving

That's it!

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

One of my favorite things about soup is how forgiving it can be.

Swap the Potatoes

Yukon Gold potatoes are creamy and hold their shape nicely, while russet potatoes become softer and can help naturally thicken the soup.

Either works.

Use Leftover Turkey Ham or Smoked Ham

Different types of cooked ham can work here. A smoked ham can give the soup an especially rich flavor.

Add Corn

Want a little sweetness?

Add a cup of corn during the final portion of cooking.

Add Peas

Frozen peas are another easy addition. Stir them in toward the end so they retain their color and texture.

Add Cheese

For an extra indulgent version, stir in some shredded cheddar cheese after cooking.

Now we're talking!

Make It Extra Creamy

For a richer soup, use a little more cream.

For a lighter version, use additional milk instead.

How to Make Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup