Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 cups milk (can use whole, 2%, or skim)
- 3 cups russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 1/2 cups diced cooked ham
- Optional: 1/2 cup frozen corn
Instructions
1. Prep and saute
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion, celery, carrots, salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
2. Make the roux
- Melt the butter in the pot with the vegetables.
- Gradually whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes a smooth paste.
3. Add liquids and simmer
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until incorporated and smooth.
- Add the potatoes, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Finish the soup
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the ham and optional corn. Heat through but don’t boil after adding the cheese.
5. Adjust and serve
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional shredded cheese, chopped chives, or crumbled bacon if desired.
Tips
Potato variety: Russet potatoes work best due to their starchy nature, which helps thicken the soup.
Cheese choice: Sharp cheddar adds great flavor, but you can experiment with other melty cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or Gruyere.
Leftovers: Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup thickens as it cools. Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to thin it out a bit.
Enjoy your hearty and delicious soup!
