Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup

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This creamy Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup has just 6 ingredients and cooks to perfection in the slow cooker. The ham hock infuses the soup with a smoky and the meat is so tender it falls off the bone. Customize with your favorite toppings on the side.

As the weather cools down and you're wanting cozy evenings, there's nothing better than a warm bowl of homemade soup. This crockpot ham and potato soup includes ready-made diced potatoes and onions, savory ham hocks, and a creamy base, the perfect blend of flavors and textures.

By combining these ingredients in a crockpot and allowing them to simmer low and slow, you'll add tons of flavor and yield a super hearty soup. Adjust the seasonings and ingredients to suit your preferences and get creative with the toppings! You'll be looking forward to leftovers the next day!

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Looking for more soups to warm you up? Be sure to check out my Easy Vegetable Soup, Lasagna Soup, and Crockpot Red Beans and Rice!

Table of Contents

Why You'll Love this Recipe

Comfort Food Bliss: With its creamy texture and rich flavors, Crockpot ham and potato soup is one of the best cozy meals! At the end of a long day, this recipe will hit the spot!
Creamy Texture: The slow cooking process in a crockpot allows the potatoes to break down and become tender, resulting in a naturally creamy texture without the need for excessive amounts of cream or butter.
Easy 6-Ingredient Recipe: Once the ingredients are assembled in the slow cooker, minimal effort is required. All you have to do is get your toppings ready then dip up a bowl of that creamy soup! It's perfect for busy weeknights!
Family Favorite: This will be a recipe on weekly rotation during the colder months. It makes for a less stressful evening and everyone can make their bowl with their favorite toppings!

Ingredients

Scroll down for specific ingredient amounts in the recipe card.

Diced Potatoes and Onions: Serve as the base and bulk of the soup. Diced potatoes provide hearty texture and substance, while onions add savory depth and aroma.
Ham Hocks: Add rich, smoky, savory flavor as well as meatiness.
Chicken Broth: Provides the liquid base and enhances the overall savory depth and richness.
Garlic Powder: Introduces a subtle yet distinct garlic flavor.
Evaporated Milk: Contributes creaminess and richness to the soup.
Milk: Adjusts the soup to your desired texture.
Optional Toppings: fresh chives, hot sauce, shredded cheese, cooked bacon crumbles, sour cream, fresh parsley

The ingredients to make ham and potato soup.

Laura Ashley's Tip: You can use all different types of potatoes in this recipe. Russets are my go-to for a classic potato flavor. Yukon gold's are also great for a creamier texture and a bit sweeter flavor.

Tools You'll Need

How to make Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup

To a Crockpot, add the potatoes and onions, ham hocks, broth, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until combined.

Mixing together ingredients for potato soup in a crockpot.

Cover and cook on low 6-7 hours or high 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are fork tender. Crockpot time and temperature can vary, so adjust according to your make and model. For optimal ham hock tenderness, cook on low.
Transfer the ham hocks to a plate. Once they’re cool enough to handle, remove the meat and chop. Discard the fat and ham bone.

Plunge a potato masher into the crockpot 15-20 times, or until half of the potatoes are mashed.
Stir the ham and evaporated milk into the soup.

Add milk to desired texture. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
Ladle into bowls and serve with garnishes on the side.

Getting a spoon of potato soup from a bowl.

Expert Tips and Variations

Low and Slow Cooking: For the most tender and flavorful ham hocks, cook on low heat for an extended period. This allows the meat to become fall-apart tender and infuses the broth with rich flavors.
Vegetable Additions: Enhance the nutritional content of the soup by adding additional vegetables such as carrots, celery, or leeks. These vegetables add depth of flavor and complement the ham and potatoes beautifully.
Spice It Up: Add a dash of hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, or smoked paprika.
Creamy Base Alternatives: Instead of evaporated milk, consider using heavy cream, half-and-half, whole milk, or coconut milk. Each option will impart a unique flavor.
Different Potatoes: While using pre-cut potatoes saves time, you can also cube potatoes from scratch if desired. Simply clean and peel (or not peel) 8 chop russet potatoes. You'll need about 7 cups for this recipe. You can also experiment with Yukon Gold potatoes or red potatoes for a creamier texture and sweeter flavor.
Onion: If opting out of the pre-cut potato and onion blend and chopping fresh potatoes instead, you'll need to also chop 1 small onion (about ½ cup chopped).
Vegetarian Variation: Make a vegetarian version of this recipe by omitting the ham hocks and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra vegetables and seasonings to enhance the flavor.
Cheesy Twist: Stir in freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese or grated Parmesan cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking for an added cheesy twist.
Ham Hock Substitutes: You can use other types of meat such as smoked ham, diced ham, or even bacon in place of ham hocks. Adjust the cooking time and seasoning accordingly based on the type of meat you choose. It's a great way to use leftover holiday ham!

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Potato Ham Soup

There are lots of toppings that can elevate the flavors and textures of a bowl of this creamy potato soup! You can serve it with chopped bacon, additional ham, shredded cheese, chopped green onions or chives, sour cream or Greek yogurt, crushed tortilla chips or crackers, fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, dill), crispy fried onions, and hot sauce.

This delicious soup pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Cornbread, hoecakes, crusty bread, or warm dinner rolls are perfect for dipping into the creamy broth. Cooked vegetables like these savory cabbage fritters or a simple side salad with crisp greens can also be a refreshing balance for the richness.

For a heartier option, serve the soup alongside grilled cheese sandwiches or toasted garlic bread.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Refrigerating: Allow the potato soup to cool to room temperature before storing it. Transfer to one airtight container or divide into smaller portions. Consume it within 3-4 days to maintain optimal freshness and flavor.

Freezing: For longer storage, freeze leftovers for up to 2-3 months. Ensure there is some space at the top of the freezer-safe container or bag to allow for expansion during freezing. When ready to use, transfer it to the refrigerator a day before to thaw slowly. Alternatively, you can thaw it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.

Reheating: Reheat refrigerated or thawed ham and potato soup on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. Make sure the internal temperature reaches a safe level (165°F) before consuming. While it's safe to freeze potato soup, repeated freezing and thawing can negatively impact the texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to soak the ham hocks before adding them to the crockpot?

It's not necessary to soak the ham hocks before adding them to the crockpot. However, you can rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess salt or debris.

Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes, you can use different types of potatoes such as russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes. Each variety will impart a slightly different texture and flavor, so choose based on your preferences.

How long should I cook the potato soup in the crockpot?

Cook on low heat for 5-6 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the ham hocks are falling off the bone. Cooking times may vary depending on your crockpot and the size of the ingredients.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the ham hocks and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra vegetables such as carrots, celery, or leeks for added flavor and texture.

How do I thicken soup?

The evaporated milk cornstarch slurry will thicken the broth. If you want it thicker, you can mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water and add it to the mixture. Alternatively, you can blend a portion of the soup and return it to the crockpot or use an immersion blender for a thicker consistency. Heavy cream or cream cheese can also be thickener options.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.

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