Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Cheese Soup
This super easy Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Cheese Soup has no morning prep involved! Just dump, go, and come home to a delicious meal the whole family loves!
This super easy Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Cheese Soup has no morning prep involved! Just dump, go, and come home to a delicious meal the whole family loves!
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
- 1/2 cup diced onion (i use frozen diced onion!)
- 1 1/2 - 2 cups diced ham
- bread and butter for serving
- 1 32-oz. bag frozen southern style hash browns
- 1 32-oz. box chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder (not in photo)
- 1 8-oz. box 1/3 less fat cream cheese
- 1 8-oz. block sharp cheddar cheese shredded (don't buy pre-shredded, it won't melt as well)
- Carbohydrate 0.0405846554487179 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.0029193108974359 g
- Fiber 0.0188561698717949 g
- Protein 0.00650428685897436 g
- Saturated Fat 0.000981009615384615 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (0g)
- Sodium 0.0299679487179487 mg
- Sugar 0.0217284855769231 g
- Trans Fat 0.000692227564102564 g
- Calories 0 calories
Step-by-step
- In a 6-quart slow cooker, add the frozen potatoes, onion, chicken broth, ham, pepper, thyme and garlic powder.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours without opening the lid during the cooking time.
- When the cooking time is up, add the cream cheese to a blender, and scoop some broth and hot potatoes into the blender with the cream cheese, just enough to get the blender moving, cover and blend until smooth.
- Add this mixture back to the rest of the soup in the slow cooker.
- Add the shredded cheese and stir.
- Serve with bread and butter.
- Enjoy!
Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Cheese Soup: A Busy Mom's Dream
Life as a mom is a whirlwind. Between school runs, work deadlines, and keeping the house somewhat tidy, finding time for anything beyond basic survival feels like a luxury. Cooking, once a source of joy and creativity, can often feel like another item on the never-ending to-do list. That's why I've become a huge fan of slow cooker recipes. They're a lifesaver, transforming complicated meals into effortless triumphs.
This Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Cheese Soup is a perfect example. Forget about chopping vegetables and simmering for hours; this recipe requires minimal prep and allows the slow cooker to work its magic while you tackle other responsibilities. The result? A hearty, comforting soup that the whole family will devour, even the picky eaters. I often make a double batch, knowing that leftovers are just as delicious the next day – perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
The beauty of this soup lies in its versatility. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking. Love bacon? Add a few strips of cooked bacon for extra flavor. Want a spicier kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Don't have frozen hash browns? Fresh potatoes will work just as well (though they might require a little more chopping).
The creamy texture, achieved by blending a portion of the soup with cream cheese, is a game-changer. It adds a rich and luxurious feel without overpowering the other flavors. And let's not forget the melted cheddar cheese, the perfect finishing touch that transforms a simple soup into something truly special. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping, and you have a complete and satisfying meal.
Beyond the convenience, this soup is also surprisingly healthy. It's packed with protein from the ham and potatoes, and the vegetables provide essential nutrients. It's a far cry from the processed meals we often resort to when time is short, and it's a far better option for our family's well-being.
So, if you're a busy mom, a working professional, or simply someone who appreciates the simplicity of a great meal without the fuss, give this Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Cheese Soup a try. It's more than just a recipe; it's a time-saver, a family pleaser, and a reminder that even the busiest lives can still enjoy delicious, homemade food.
Beyond the Recipe: The slow cooker has become my indispensable kitchen companion, not only for soups but also for stews, chili, and even pulled pork. It takes the pressure off weeknight dinners, allowing me to focus on other aspects of my life. What are your favorite slow cooker recipes? Share them in the comments below!
Tips and Tricks: For the creamiest soup, use good quality cream cheese. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. If you're short on time, you can even use pre-cooked ham, further reducing the prep time.
This recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious and nutritious meals don't have to be time-consuming. With a little help from our trusty slow cookers, we can nourish our families with ease and enjoy the simple pleasure of a home-cooked meal without the stress.
