Ham and Cheese Soup Recipes

Did you know that over 70% of households in the U.S. have at least one type of cheese in their fridge? This makes ham and cheese soup a perfect candidate for a quick, comforting meal that utilizes what you already have. You can whip it up in just 30 minutes, and it’s adaptable enough to incorporate leftovers or whatever veggies you prefer. But what’s the secret to achieving that creamy texture everyone loves? Let’s explore some variations that might just become your new favorites.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you’re craving a warm, comforting meal, this ham and cheese soup is a perfect choice.

You’ll love how quickly it comes together—just about 30 minutes from start to finish. Using simple, common ingredients means you probably have most of them already in your kitchen. Plus, if you use pre-cooked ham, it cuts down on cooking time even more. This recipe is flexible, allowing you to customize it with leftover ham or adjust the seasoning to your taste. It’s also a one-pot meal, making cleanup a breeze. With about 210 calories per cup, it’s a satisfying option, especially when paired with homemade bread or rolls for dipping. Additionally, the soup is enriched with sharp cheddar cheese, enhancing the flavor significantly.

Enjoy this hearty soup on a chilly night!

History

The rich history of ham and cheese soup reflects centuries of culinary evolution and cultural influences.

Ancient Romans utilized legumes like split peas in their soups, making dishes that were affordable and filling for common people. As time went on, Europeans added salted pork or ham to the mix, enhancing the flavor and providing essential nutrients. During the 17th century, sailors enjoyed this hearty soup on long voyages, as it stored well. Cheddar cheese, with its origins in England, has also played a significant role in soup recipes due to its versatility and comforting taste. Over the years, ham and cheese soup transformed, especially during the Great Depression, becoming a staple meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. This evolution was further influenced by the introduction of high-quality ingredients that enhanced the overall flavor and texture of the dish.

Recipe

Ham and Cheese Soup Recipe

Ham and cheese soup is a delightful dish that combines the heartiness of ham with the creaminess of cheese, making it perfect for any occasion. This comforting soup isn’t only easy to make but also allows for a variety of ingredient substitutions based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Notably, the Amish diet historically includes a lot of pork, particularly ham, making this dish a fitting choice for those who appreciate traditional flavors.

Whether you’re looking to warm up on a cold day or serve something filling for a weeknight meal, this recipe will satisfy your cravings. The beauty of ham and cheese soup lies in its versatility. You can experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar, Gruyere, or even a mix, to create a flavor profile that you love.

Additionally, incorporating vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or even beans not only adds nutrition but enhances the texture and taste. Follow this recipe for a delicious ham and cheese soup that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients:
– ¼ cup butter
– ¼ cup flour
– 4 cups milk
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– ¾ teaspoon garlic salt
– ¼ cup chopped onions
– ¾ lb. ham, cubed
– 2 cups cooked potatoes
– 1 cup cooked carrots
– ½ pound melting cheese

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue to heat it until it turns a light brown color, being careful not to burn it.
2. Stir in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes to create a roux, ensuring that it doesn’t clump together.
3. Gradually add the milk while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Then, add in the salt, black pepper, garlic salt, and chopped onions.
4. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently for about 2 minutes.
5. Once boiling, reduce the heat and add the cubed ham, cooked potatoes, and cooked carrots. Allow the soup to heat through for approximately 15 minutes.
6. Finally, add the melting cheese, stirring gently to incorporate it into the soup. Be careful not to let the soup boil after adding the cheese; instead, let it simmer on medium heat until the cheese is fully melted.

Extra Tips:

When preparing this soup, make sure to choose a good quality melting cheese for the best results. Cheddar, Swiss, and Gruyere are excellent choices.

Additionally, you can customize the soup by adding extra vegetables like peas or corn for added nutrition and flavor. If you prefer a thicker consistency, consider adding more flour at the roux stage or reducing the amount of milk.

Always taste the soup and adjust the seasonings according to your preference before serving. Enjoy your warm and comforting ham and cheese soup!

Final Thoughts

While exploring the delightful world of ham and cheese soup, you’ll find it’s a dish that truly caters to your tastes and preferences.

This versatile soup can be made with or without potatoes, and you can easily add beans, broccoli, or other ingredients to customize it. Using leftover holiday ham is a great way to make this dish even more special. Additionally, this hearty dish is ideal for weeknight dinners due to its quick cooking time.

You can prepare it on the stovetop in under an hour or let it simmer in a slow cooker for convenience. Remember to add cheese at the end to keep it creamy.

Serve your soup with crusty bread or cornbread for a satisfying meal, perfect for warming up on cold nights. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors!

FAQ

Curious about ham and cheese soup? You might wonder about the key ingredients. Typically, these soups include ham, cheese, potatoes, and vegetables like onions and carrots.

Most recipes start by sautéing onions, and sometimes bacon, before adding flour to thicken the soup. Cooking usually takes 30-45 minutes. Additionally, using Great Northern beans can add a hearty texture to the soup.

You can use various cheeses, from cheddar to Gruyere, for different flavors. If you want to make it more exciting, try adding bell peppers or corn.

For storage, keep your cooked soup in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to avoid thickness.

Serve it hot, garnished with herbs, and enjoy it with bread or croutons on the side!

Ham and Cheese Soup Recipes

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Ingredients

  

• Ingredients:
• - ¼ cup butter
• - ¼ cup flour
• - 4 cups milk
• - 1 teaspoon salt
• - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• - ¾ teaspoon garlic salt
• - ¼ cup chopped onions
• - ¾ lb. ham cubed
• - 2 cups cooked potatoes
• - 1 cup cooked carrots
• - ½ pound melting cheese

Instructions

 

• Instructions:
• In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue to heat it until it turns a light brown color, being careful not to burn it.
• Stir in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes to create a roux, ensuring that it doesn't clump together.
• Gradually add the milk while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Then, add in the salt, black pepper, garlic salt, and chopped onions.
• Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently for about 2 minutes.
• Once boiling, reduce the heat and add the cubed ham, cooked potatoes, and cooked carrots. Allow the soup to heat through for approximately 15 minutes.
• Finally, add the melting cheese, stirring gently to incorporate it into the soup. Be careful not to let the soup boil after adding the cheese; instead, let it simmer on medium heat until the cheese is fully melted.