Creamy Ham and Cheese Potato Soup

Overview

This Lazy Ham and Potato Soup recipe is a comforting dish born out of necessity and creativity. Perfect for using up leftover ham, it requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor, making it a hit for weeknight dinners or cozy family gatherings. With a preparation time of just 5 minutes and a total cook time of 1 hour and 30 minutes, it yields approximately 12 servings, ensuring there’s plenty to go around.

Ingredients

• 6 cups water
• 2 cups milk
• Leftover ham (amount according to preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon parsley flakes
• 1/2 pound Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Potato flakes (enough to thicken the soup)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 126
• Total Fat: 9.7g
  • Saturated Fat: 6.1g
• Cholesterol: 29.1mg
• Sodium: 316.2mg
• Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 0.3g
  • Sugars: 1.6g
• Protein: 5.2g

Instructions

1. Simmer Ham: In a large Dutch oven, combine water, salt, pepper, and leftover ham. The amount of ham used can vary based on what you have available. Simmer this mixture over medium heat for about an hour, allowing the flavors to meld.

2. Add Milk and Seasonings: After simmering, add milk, parsley flakes, and enough potato flakes to thicken the soup to your desired consistency. Stir well to combine.

3. Incorporate Velveeta Cheese: Add the cubed Velveeta cheese to the pot. Continue to simmer and stir until the cheese is completely melted and incorporated into the soup, creating a creamy texture.

4. Stir in Sour Cream: Once the cheese is melted, stir in the sour cream until well combined. This adds richness and a slight tang to the soup.

5. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with additional parsley flakes or shredded cheese.

Tips and Serving Suggestions

• Variations: Feel free to customize this soup based on your preferences. You can add diced potatoes instead of potato flakes for a heartier texture.
• Storage: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
• Accompaniments: Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Reviews and Rating

• Rating: 5 stars from 4 reviews. Users appreciate the simplicity and flavor of this soup, noting its versatility and how it becomes a meal on its own.

Keywords and Categories

• Keywords: Very Low Carbs, Low Protein, Weeknight, Less than 4 Hours, Easy
• Category: Vegetable

This Lazy Ham and Potato Soup recipe is a testament to the beauty of improvisation in the kitchen, turning leftovers into a dish that satisfies and delights. Perfect for busy evenings or lazy weekends, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household too.