1-First Step: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients Begin by preparing all your ingredients to make the process smooth. Dice 3 1/2 cups of potatoes, 1/3 cup of celery, 1/3 cup of carrots, and 1 cup of onion, then measure out 1 to 2 cups of cooked ham. Also, get 3 1/4 cups of ham stock or broth ready, along with the other seasonings. This mise en place helps avoid rushing and ensures your cheesy ham and potato soup turns out just right. For dietary tweaks, use vegetable stock if you’re aiming for a lighter version.

2-Second Step: Combine and Boil the Base Next, add the potatoes, celery, carrots, onion, ham, and stock or broth into a large stockpot. Turn the heat to high and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to medium heat and let it cook until the potatoes are tender, which takes about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and if you’re adding more veggies for extra nutrition, this is the time to adjust. This step builds the foundation of your cheesy ham and potato soup, infusing flavors together.

3-Third Step: Season the Mixture After the potatoes soften, stir in 2 tablespoons of chicken bouillon if you’re not using chicken broth, plus salt to taste and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Taste as you go to customize the seasoning based on your preferences or dietary needs, like reducing salt for a lower-sodium version. This enhances the savory profile of the cheesy ham potato soup, making it even more appealing for family meals.

4-Fourth Step: Make the Cheese Sauce In a separate saucepan, melt 5 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in 5 tablespoons of flour and cook, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a roux, about 1-2 minutes. Slowly pour in 2 cups of milk while continuing to stir to avoid lumps, then increase the heat to medium. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens, roughly 4-5 minutes. For a gluten-free adaptation, substitute the flour here. This creamy base is what gives your cheesy ham and potato soup its signature texture.

5-Fifth Step: Add Cheese and Combine Once the sauce has thickened, mix in 2 cups of shredded cheese and stir until it’s fully melted and smooth. Now, pour this cheese mixture into the stockpot with the boiled ingredients. Cook everything together over low heat until it’s heated through, about 5 minutes. If you want a thicker soup, gently mash some of the potatoes in the pot. This step finalizes the creamy goodness of your cheesy ham potato soup, and it’s a great spot to add extras like garlic for more flavor.

6-Final Step: Serve and Enjoy Once heated, remove the soup from the heat and let it cool slightly before serving. Ladle it into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. This cheesy ham and potato soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Remember, it thickens as it cools, so add a bit of broth if needed when reheating leftovers, making it ideal for meal prep among busy parents or working professionals. Find more hearty recipes like this at garlic butter steak and potatoes for complementary dishes.