As the chilly air settles in and the leaves begin to turn, there’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of soup to warm the soul. Recently, after a festive gathering that left an abundance of delicious leftover spiral ham, I found myself longing for a hearty meal that didn’t require hours in the kitchen. What emerged was my Creamy Buttery Spiral Ham and Potato Soup – a delightful fusion of creamy goodness and savory ham that transforms those leftovers into something extraordinary.
The rich aroma of garlic and onions warming in butter, mixed with tender potatoes and chunks of savory ham, fills the kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere that feels like a warm hug. This one-pot wonder not only satisfies after a busy day but also offers an easy solution for those seeking to elevate the mundane weeknight dinner. Join me as we dive into this recipe that’s as comforting as your favorite childhood dish and draws family and friends around the table, eager for just one more bowl.
Why is Buttery Spiral Ham and Potato Soup amazing?
Comforting warmth: This soup is a delightful way to enjoy chilly evenings and makes you feel at home.
Easy preparation: In just one pot, you can whip up a cozy meal that’s ready in under an hour.
Perfect for leftovers: Don’t let that spiral ham go to waste—transform it into a hearty dish that everyone will love.
Rich and creamy: The combination of potatoes and butter creates a texture that’s luxurious yet comforting.
Family-friendly: This recipe is sure to satisfy picky eaters, making mealtime a joy for everyone.
For more cozy recipes like this, check out my delicious guide to hearty soups.
Buttery Spiral Ham and Potato Soup Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- Spiral Ham – Adds savory flavor and protein; ideal for using leftovers.
- Russet Potatoes – Breaks down during cooking for thickness; Yukon Gold can be used for firmer texture.
- Onion – Provides aromatic depth; use yellow or white onions for best flavor.
- Garlic – Enhances overall flavor; fresh cloves are preferred, but garlic powder works in a pinch.
- Mustard Seeds – Adds subtle heat; optional if you prefer a milder flavor.
For Seasoning
- Onion Powder – Enhances the soup’s savory profile; adjust according to taste.
- Garlic Powder – Gives an extra punch of flavor; can be added based on your preference.
- Black Pepper – Season to your liking for balanced flavor enhancement.
For the Creaminess
- Premium Better Than Bouillon Roasted Chicken Base – Adds depth to the broth; a little goes a long way.
- Butter – Use for making roux, creating a creamy and flavorful base.
- Flour – Thickens the soup; essential for achieving a smooth texture.
- Whole Milk – Key for creaminess; substitute with heavy cream for an even richer soup.
For Garnish
- Scallions – Adds freshness and color; optional but highly recommended for finishing your dish.
How to Make Buttery Spiral Ham and Potato Soup
Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, mix together the water, diced spiral ham, cubed russet potatoes, diced onion, and minced garlic. Bring to a boil and cook for 15 minutes until the potatoes start to soften.
Stir in Seasonings: Reduce the heat, then add in the mustard seeds, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and Better Than Bouillon chicken base. Stir everything together until well mixed.
Make the Roux: In a separate skillet, melt butter over low-medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to bubble and form a roux that will thicken your soup.
Incorporate Milk: Gradually whisk in whole milk to the roux until it’s smooth and free of lumps. Continue cooking on low heat for about 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Combine Creamy Mixture: Carefully pour the creamy mixture into the main pot with the soup base, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes, until the soup is creamy and the potatoes are tender.
Taste and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings to your preference. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped scallions for added color and flavor.
Optional: Top with crispy bacon bits for an extra layer of deliciousness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Tips for the Best Buttery Spiral Ham and Potato Soup
- Perfect Potatoes: Ensure your russet potatoes are diced evenly for consistent cooking; fork-tender is the goal before adding cream.
- Roux Mastery: Whisk your roux thoroughly to avoid lumps—add milk gradually, keeping the heat at a gentle simmer to prevent curdling.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra flavor kick, add the chopped ham during the last 10 minutes of cooking; this allows it to meld perfectly with the soup.
- Season to Taste: Don’t hesitate to taste at the end and adjust seasonings; this is your chance to make the buttery spiral ham and potato soup uniquely yours!
- Thickening Tip: If the soup is too thin, simmer uncovered for a few minutes to let it reduce; this enhances the flavor and thickens the texture.
What to Serve with Buttery Spiral Ham and Potato Soup?
Warm, buttery goodness awaits you, and with the right pairings, you can create a meal to remember.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping, this golden treasure soaks up the creamy soup and adds a satisfying crunch.
- Buttered Cornbread: The slightly sweet flavor of cornbread beautifully complements the savory richness of the soup, making every bite a delight.
- Simple Side Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette provides a bright contrast, balancing the hearty soup perfectly.
- Steamed Green Beans: Their crisp texture and vibrant color enhance the meal while adding a nutritious element to the table.
- Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini caramelized in olive oil add a depth of flavor, marrying with the ham and potatoes beautifully.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, buttery, and fragrant, these are a fun way to scoop up every last drop of your delicious soup.
- Apple Crisp: For dessert, serve a warm apple crisp to end the meal on a sweet note, contrasting delightfully with the savory main.
- Light White Wine: A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc brings a refreshing quality, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Make Ahead Options
These Buttery Spiral Ham and Potato Soup preparations are perfect for busy weeknights, saving you time and making meal planning a breeze! You can chop the onions, garlic, and potatoes up to 24 hours in advance; just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. Additionally, the soup can be fully cooked and refrigerated for up to 4 days, with flavors intensifying beautifully as it sits. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the soup on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if necessary for creaminess. Tasty and comforting, this soup will be just as delicious, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen without sacrificing flavor.
Storage Tips for Buttery Spiral Ham and Potato Soup
Fridge: Store the soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop after a day, making leftovers even tastier!
Freezer: Portion the soup into individual servings and freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Gently heat the soup on the stovetop over low-medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even warming and enjoy your creamy buttery spiral ham and potato soup!
Buttery Spiral Ham and Potato Soup Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe and make it your own—there are countless twists and substitutions to explore!
Dairy-Free: Use almond milk or coconut milk instead of whole milk for a creamy texture without dairy.
Veggie Boost: Add diced carrots or peas for an extra burst of color and nutrition. These vegetables cook well and enhance the soup’s heartiness.
Spicy Kick: Stir in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to elevate the heat level, creating a tantalizing contrast to the creaminess.
Loaded Delight: Top the soup with crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream for a loaded, indulgent experience that everyone will love.
Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for aromatic complexity. Their fragrance will make the soup even more inviting and comforting.
Cheesy Variation: Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese into the creamy mixture for a cheesy twist that pairs wonderfully with the savory ham.
Different Potatoes: Swap russet potatoes for sweet potatoes for a subtly sweet flavor and extra nutrients, adding a unique twist to the traditional recipe.
One-Pot Wonder: For added depth, toss in some celery and bell peppers with the onions during the initial cooking stage. They’ll become tender and flavorful as they simmer in the broth.
Buttery Spiral Ham and Potato Soup Recipe FAQs
What kind of spiral ham should I use?
I recommend using fully-cooked spiral hams, as they provide a rich layer of flavor and are easy to shred into your soup. Look for hams that are minimally processed and free from added preservatives for the best taste.
How should I store leftover soup?
Store your Buttery Spiral Ham and Potato Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To enjoy it later, simply reheat it gently on the stovetop until warmed through. Remember, the flavors often become even better after a day!
Can I freeze the soup?
Absolutely! Portion the soup into individual servings and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the soup cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat it over low-medium heat while stirring occasionally.
How do I know if the potatoes are cooked properly?
You want your potatoes to be fork-tender before adding the milk to the pot. This usually takes about 15 minutes of boiling. If you find any potatoes that aren’t soft enough, simply continue cooking for a few more minutes and check again.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Yes! To make Buttery Spiral Ham and Potato Soup gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. If using cornstarch, mix it with a bit of cold water to create a slurry before adding it to the soup to avoid lumps.
Is this soup safe for my pets?
Unfortunately, this soup is not suitable for dogs or cats due to the onions and garlic, which can be harmful to them. If you’re looking for a pet-friendly treat, consider cooking plain ham or unseasoned potatoes separately for your furry friends.
Hearty Buttery Spiral Ham and Potato Soup For Cozy Nights
Equipment
- - Large pot
- - Skillet
- Whisk
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 2 cups Spiral Ham diced
- 4 medium Russet Potatoes cubed
- 1 medium Onion diced
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Mustard Seeds optional
For Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- to taste Black Pepper
For the Creaminess
- 1 tablespoon Premium Better Than Bouillon Roasted Chicken Base
- 4 tablespoons Butter
- 1/4 cup Flour
- 2 cups Whole Milk or heavy cream
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons Scallions chopped
Instructions
Instructions
- In a large pot, mix together the water, diced spiral ham, cubed russet potatoes, diced onion, and minced garlic. Bring to a boil and cook for 15 minutes until the potatoes start to soften.
- Reduce the heat, then add in the mustard seeds, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and Better Than Bouillon chicken base. Stir everything together until well mixed.
- In a separate skillet, melt butter over low-medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to bubble and form a roux that will thicken your soup.
- Gradually whisk in whole milk to the roux until it's smooth and free of lumps. Continue cooking on low heat for about 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Carefully pour the creamy mixture into the main pot with the soup base, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes, until the soup is creamy and the potatoes are tender.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings to your preference. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped scallions for added color and flavor.