Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Soup with Ham Recipe

Name: Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Soup with Ham
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 270 min
Total time: 275 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 (28 ounce) package frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed; 2 cups diced cooked ham; 0.5 cup diced onion; 2 stalks celery, chopped; 4 cups chicken broth; 0.25 teaspoon salt; 0.25 teaspoon pepper; 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened; 1 (8 ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, or to taste

Cook Time: 270 minutes

Ingredients
This recipe yields 6 servings, based on the original recipe (1X). Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Not all recipes scale perfectly.

1 (28 ounce) package frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
2 cups diced cooked ham
cup diced onion
2 stalks celery, chopped
4 cups chicken broth
teaspoon salt
teaspoon pepper
teaspoon garlic powder
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (8 ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons chopped green onions, or to taste

Directions

Combine hash browns, ham, onion, celery, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on Low heat for 4 to 5 hours, or until the celery is soft.
Once the vegetables are soft, mix in the softened cream cheese and shredded Cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and well incorporated.
Cover and continue cooking on Low for an additional 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure everything blends smoothly.
Once ready, serve the soup topped with chopped green onions for an extra burst of flavor and color.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	518	-
Total Fat	42g	54%
Saturated Fat	22g	112%
Cholesterol	110mg	37%
Sodium	1846mg	80%
Total Carbohydrate	28g	10%
Dietary Fiber	2g	9%
Total Sugars	2g	-
Protein	24g	48%
Vitamin C	30mg	33%
Calcium	322mg	25%
Iron	2mg	12%
Potassium	884mg	19%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data. (-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient.

If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

This hearty and creamy Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Soup with Ham is the perfect dish for any cold evening. Rich with the flavors of cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and ham, it's a comfort food that will leave you feeling satisfied. The slow cooker does all the work, making it an easy meal to prepare and enjoy with minimal effort.

History and Origins

Potato soup has been a beloved dish across the world for centuries, with roots tracing back to rural communities where potatoes were a staple food. The idea of pairing potatoes with cheese and ham is relatively modern, but it draws from long-standing culinary traditions of pairing hearty root vegetables with rich dairy products. This particular version of potato soup, featuring cheese and ham, has its origins in American comfort food culture, likely gaining popularity in the Midwest where ham and potatoes are key ingredients in regional dishes.

Regional Variations

While this cheesy potato soup is universally adored, there are several regional twists on the dish. In the American South, for example, some cooks may add bacon or even use a different variety of cheese such as Velveeta for an extra creamy texture. In the Midwest, where potato-based dishes are especially popular, it is common to include extra vegetables like carrots and celery, enhancing both the flavor and the nutritional content. The dish is also popular in homes where leftover holiday ham is used, making it a great post-holiday recipe.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Though it shares similarities with other potato soups, such as the classic creamy potato or loaded baked potato soups, the key distinguishing factor of the Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Soup with Ham is the combination of cream cheese and sharp cheddar. This gives the soup a velvety, indulgent texture that is not typically found in traditional potato soups. Additionally, the inclusion of ham adds a savory, meaty depth to the flavor profile, setting it apart from vegetarian or simpler potato soups.

Where It's Typically Served

This soup is a staple at cozy family dinners and gatherings. Its often served with crusty bread or crackers to complement its rich, creamy texture. The dish is ideal for chilly days and is often found on the menu at casual diners, family-owned restaurants, or during holiday gatherings where comfort food reigns supreme. You may also encounter it in larger gatherings, as it can be easily scaled up to serve a crowd.

Fun Facts About Potato Soup

Potatoes are one of the worlds most versatile vegetables, and they have been a major part of the human diet for thousands of years. The first potato soup recipes date back to the early 18th century. Interestingly, potatoes were initially seen as a food for the poor, but over time, they became a key ingredient in luxurious and hearty dishes like this one. Ham, traditionally a preserved food, also carries a historical significance as a way to store meat for longer periods, which made it a crucial protein source in many households before refrigeration was widely available.

Additionally, this slow cooker variation allows for easy meal prep, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or even for meal prepping in advance. The beauty of slow cooking is that the flavors meld over time, creating a depth that can be hard to achieve with quicker cooking methods.

In summary, the Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Soup with Ham is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a comforting, flavorful dish that appeals to a wide variety of tastes. Whether you're using leftovers or cooking from scratch, its a recipe thats sure to please everyone around the dinner table.

FAQ about Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Soup with Ham Recipe

Yes, you can use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns. Simply peel and dice them into small cubes. Fresh potatoes may take a little longer to cook, so be sure to allow extra time for the soup to cook until the potatoes are tender.

Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating or freezing.

Yes, this soup can be frozen. Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. When reheating, be aware that the texture of the potatoes may change slightly after freezing, but it will still be delicious.

Yes, you can omit the ham or substitute it with other proteins like cooked sausage, turkey, or chicken. Alternatively, you can make a vegetarian version by skipping the meat and adding more vegetables such as carrots, peas, or broccoli.

You can substitute the Cheddar cheese with other cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even Velveeta for a creamier texture. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile of the soup may change slightly depending on the cheese you choose.

If the soup turns out too thick, you can add more chicken broth or milk to reach your desired consistency. Stir well and adjust seasoning as needed to maintain the flavor.

Yes, you can make this soup on the stovetop. To do so, sauté the onions and celery in a bit of butter, then add the broth, potatoes, and seasonings. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. After that, add the cream cheese and Cheddar cheese, and stir until melted.

If you want to make the soup spicier, consider adding some cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños. You can also use a spicier variety of cheese, like a sharp pepper Jack.

Yes, you can use other types of broth, such as vegetable broth or turkey broth, if you prefer. The flavor of the soup may vary depending on the type of broth used, but it will still be delicious.

If you'd like to thicken the soup, you can mash some of the potatoes directly in the slow cooker with a potato masher or use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup for a creamier texture.

Comments

kikikim

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

I replaced the hash brown potatoes with frozen califlower rice to keep carbs in check. Although the califlower rice were not as hearty as hash brown potatoes, this slow cooker soup with the cream cheese,and sharp cheddar cheeses still tasted creamy,satisfying and delicious!

KeenFish5220

04/12/2023 11:09:53 PM

Best Easter dinner - makeover!! It is RARE that I ever post about these recipes!! This one is simple but so amazing! I used my left overs from Easter, spiral ham chopped, au gratin scalloped potatoes, chopped , I added 1/4 tsp celery salt, ( had no celery), and added 3 carrots chopped/sliced in mandolin, only used a 1/3 stick cream cheese, which I first puréed with immersion blender in some hot broth before adding, so no lumps. Crock pot on high for 5 hours!! It was SO good, I made it two days in a row!!! Will not lose this recipe!!

Angela DiNicola

12/20/2023 02:00:58 AM

Delicious soup! I had a ham bone so I used this recipe as a base. I didn’t have hash browns so used the 3 potatoes I had and cut them in cubes. I put the onion, seasonings and potatoes along with the ham bone and slow cooked for several hours. I removed the bone and after cooling, took all the meat off. I took the potatoes out of the soup and after cooking the liquid, skimmed off the fat and added the potatoes. I didn’t have cream cheese so I used plain Greek yogurt , and a little sweet cream. I used immersion blender and then added the ham. Incredible! Would have used celery and carrots if I had them. Will next time.

Tim T

01/02/2020 02:55:53 AM

Wow, this turned out great ! I only made a few “adjustments” out of necessity; the recipe as written is totally solid: -Doubled the ham-Freeze dried onions-Canned sliced new potatoes-Added a can of sliced carrots-Used chicken ‘bone’ broth-Slow cooker on High (not Low) for same indicated durations-Velveeta instead of cheddar. And...it’s awesome. Flavors of the indicated ingredients is honestly all you need..resist the urge to add additional seasoning, thickening, or alter ratios on your first try with this recipe (‘cept maybe upping the ham qty). Though it’s clearly an excellent starting point to get imaginative with other veggies, proteins, etc..next time round’. Thanks for a great soup to start the new year:)!

Carla Roberts Hanson

01/09/2022 02:28:04 PM

After reading the reviews, I made a few adjustments. I used the frozen hash browns and cooked the ingredients (except the ham) on high for 4 hours. Then I used an immersive blender to blend the soup smooth. Then I added the ham. Let that warm on low. One half hour before we were ready to eat, I put in half of the cream cheese and the 8 oz of cheddar. My husband and son both like the soup. I think the green onions helped add flavor. It was fine just not jammed packed with flavor.

JovialTofu6642

12/30/2024 12:36:49 AM

This recipe inspired me to use my leftovers. 1 package of Resers scalloped potatoes, 17oz chicken bone broth, 1/4 C sauteed onion, 3 C diced leftover ham. Placed all in 3Q pan via stove top on M-L for about 25 minutes. Very Delicious

BriefSeed8659

10/23/2024 05:33:14 PM

We made a couple of changes, although the recipe stood on its own. I sliced a few baby carrots and added a half pkg. of instant mashed potatoes just enough to thicken a little more. Sooo good.

FunCrab5815

05/03/2025 05:29:05 PM

This soup is SO GOOD!! Great way to use leftover holiday ham. I also ad some frozen sliced carrots (thawed). We have this with crusty bread, AWESOME!!. *****NOTE****** I use a 6 quart crock pot. The only thing I ad is the carrots, and everything barely fits. So make sure your crock pot is big enough, or cut the recipe in half. Enjoy!!

DPAC443

01/16/2025 12:25:01 AM

I took advice from other reviewers and used real potatoes. I pre-cooked them to cut back on the starch and then cubed them. I simmered the onion and celery in butter before adding the other ingredients. I substituted milk for the cream cheese and added some of the gelled broth from the leftover ham. Garnished with crumbled bacon and green onion. The soup was thin and did not have a weird texture. Tasted great and will definitely make it again.

Ameryjs

12/28/2020 05:32:05 AM

Fantastic recipe! Turned out better than excepted. Very rich and creamy. I used 1 and a half Tsp. Garlic powder, and also added about a half cup Green Bell pepper. Cooked on high for 3 hours, then added cheese. Excellent!

crystal

08/06/2020 02:56:58 PM

I have made this a few times. The first time I made it exactly how it’s written. I didn’t like the frozen potatoes, so I use fresh red potatoes. I don’t measure anything. I also had bacon and more cheddar cheese than what it calls for. My husband and I love this recipe.

Tatiana

09/25/2025 01:02:56 PM

I cooked today this soup but added some cauliflowers , some brocoli and carrots. I started in my oven on slow cooker mode at 100°C but in 4 hours they weren't cooked properly and I moved on the hob to finish. It get out delicious. Definitely will cook again 😋 👍

kaminshafer

09/08/2025 12:09:37 AM

very good flavor. I didn't have frozen hash browns so I just chopped up my own. I also added broccoli. I will make it again.

MamaBug

09/06/2025 09:47:53 PM

This recipe is very good but I did make a few changes only because I used what I had on hand. I used Velveeta cheese and cream of cheddar ( omitted cream cheese). I also add frozen corn ( thawed). My family of 4 ate every bit of it. No Leftovers! I think some 🥦 and 🥕 would give it more heft. Could be salty so be thoughtful.

FlashyGum6405

09/04/2025 05:47:06 PM

Simple and great flavor. It's easy to add ham, sausage, or leave out meat and sprinkle with crumbled bacon.

Angela Ackermann

04/22/2025 04:49:27 PM

It was awesome and easy to fix

Good Stuff

04/06/2025 06:25:11 PM

A really flavorful and easy soup to make.

Cathy McGee

03/02/2025 10:29:00 PM

Perfect potato soup. So flavorful! I used the southern hash brown potatoes with onions and peppers. Also added polish kabalska cut up into soup.

Marie Price

02/17/2025 10:19:33 PM

I like it I will cook it again Thank you for the recipe

Pamela Roberts

02/17/2025 09:37:01 PM

Totally satisfied my cravings.

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Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Soup with Ham Recipe

History and Origins

Regional Variations

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Where It's Typically Served

Fun Facts About Potato Soup

FAQ about Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Soup with Ham Recipe