Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup

Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup

By: Ally from Ally’s Sweet & Savory Eats

Would you believe me if I said that I first made this delicious, hearty soup over 10 years ago and that I haven’t made it since? Up until two weeks ago?

Yep, that’s me folks. The queen of forgetting great meals and then quickly moving on to others. My good friend Lori, whom I worked with way back in the day, first introduced me to this soup. Because I’m a bit of a dork I had organized a Soup Cook-off in our department every Spring. I’m fairly certain I was the only participant who got excited about it, but my faithful department took part and this soup I do believe was a winner.

We invited other departments to taste test and vote and for whatever reason this soup always stuck in my mind. I’ve tweaked it a bit over the years to my likes and what we’ve had on hand, but I’m pretty sure if Lori {or her mom Julie} is reading this she’ll remember the soup too.

You know the other reason I love this soup? It reminds me of college. Don’t ever judge cafeteria food at colleges, they are nothing like high school cafeterias. Those cooks know we are hungry, poor and broke and filling up our bellies is their main duty.

I remember great food. I remember homemade pie and never-ending ice cream flowing from the machines and I remember this soup. When it was cheesy potato soup day we showed up in droves, grabbed extra bags of oyster saltine crackers and dove in. That stuff was stick-to-your-ribs good and I have no doubt my version is too.

You know how some soups are just adult friendly? Like full of big chunks of peppers or spicy spices and your kids turn their nose as soon as they see it? Well, praise the Lord, this soup isn’t one of them. Instead it’s full of potatoes and carrots and ham and CHEESE. Pretty much everything that kids love. And adults too. It makes a great big pot and will easily stretch into two or three meals depending on how many you are feeding.

Make this and watch everyone drool! But do me a favor and serve it with extra saltine crackers. Crunch them up and enjoy!

Cheesy Ham & Potato Soup

Ingredients:

• 3 medium to large baking potatoes, peeled and diced into small bites
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 4 c. water
• 2 T. butter
• 2 chicken bouillon cubes
• 14 oz. Can evaporated milk
• 2 c. diced ham
• ¾ lb. Velveeta, cubed
• 1 t. pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large stock pot or dutch oven heat the butter over medium heat and cook the onions and carrots for 3-4 minutes or until slightly tender.
2. Add in the potatoes, water, bouillon cubes and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add in the ham, evaporated milk, cubed cheese and pepper and heat slowly, but do not boil. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted. Serve warm with saltine crackers.

Want a few other hearty favorites we love when the weather turns cold? Here you go!

Crock Pot Chicken and Noodles
Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice Soup
Garlic Knot Pizza Casserole
Hamburger Steaks with Cheesy Sauteed Mushrooms
Million Dollar Casserole
Cheesy Corn, Bacon and Potato Chowder

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Until next time – happy eating!