What can I substitute for carrots in cheesy ham and potato soup?

Carrots add sweetness and color to cheesy ham and potato soup, but you can easily swap them with these alternatives without changing the flavor much: - Celery: Use the same amount (about 1 cup diced) for crunch and mild flavor. - Sweet potatoes: Dice 1 medium one for natural sweetness and extra creaminess. - Parsnips: 1 cup chopped provides a similar earthy taste. - Bell peppers: ½ cup diced red or green adds color and subtle sweetness. Simply sauté the substitute with onions and celery at the start of the recipe. This keeps the soup hearty and comforting. If avoiding veggies altogether, skip them and boost ham or potatoes for bulk. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—the cheese and ham carry the dish well. (87 words)

Is there nutrition information for cheesy ham and potato soup?

For a standard serving (1 cup or about 1/8 of a 6-quart pot made with 2 lbs potatoes, 2 cups ham, 2 cups cheddar, and half-and-half), here's the approximate nutrition per serving: - Calories: 350 - Protein: 18g - Carbs: 25g (mostly from potatoes) - Fat: 22g (from cheese and cream) - Fiber: 3g - Sodium: 800mg (varies with ham and broth) These values are estimates using USDA data and can change with ingredients or portions. For lower calories, use low-fat cheese, milk instead of cream, or turkey ham. Track precisely with a recipe app like MyFitnessPal by inputting your exact amounts. This soup is filling and provides potassium from potatoes (about 600mg per serving) for heart health. (112 words)

Can I make cheesy ham and potato soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, cheesy ham and potato soup works great in a slow cooker for hands-off cooking. Here's how: 1. Add 2 lbs diced potatoes, 2 cups cubed ham, 1 diced onion, 2 celery stalks (chopped), 3 cups chicken broth, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the crockpot. 2. Cook on low 6-7 hours or high 3-4 hours until potatoes are tender. 3. Mash some potatoes for thickness, then stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar and 2 cups half-and-half. Cook 20-30 more minutes on low until cheese melts. Avoid boiling the dairy to prevent curdling. This yields creamy results with minimal effort—perfect for busy days. Total time: 4-8 hours. Serves 8. Garnish with chives. (98 words)

How long does cheesy ham and potato soup last in the fridge?

Homemade cheesy ham and potato soup lasts 3-4 days in the fridge when stored properly. Cool it quickly to room temperature (within 2 hours of cooking), then transfer to airtight containers. Keep at 40°F (4°C) or below. Reheat on stovetop or microwave to 165°F (74°C) for safety, stirring to maintain creaminess—dairy-based soups can separate, so whisk in a splash of milk if needed. For longer storage, freeze in portions up to 3 months; thaw overnight in fridge and reheat gently. Avoid refreezing after thawing. Signs it's bad: sour smell, mold, or sliminess. Label containers with dates for easy tracking. This maximizes freshness while minimizing waste. (102 words)

How do I thicken cheesy ham and potato soup?

If your cheesy ham and potato soup is too thin, thicken it easily with these methods: - Mash potatoes: Use a potato masher or immersion blender on 1/3 of the potatoes in the pot for natural starch release. - Cornstarch slurry: Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water, stir in, and simmer 2-3 minutes. - Roux: Sauté 2 tbsp flour in 2 tbsp butter, whisk into soup off-heat, then simmer. - Extra cheese or cream: Stir in ½ cup more shredded cheddar or heavy cream at the end. Start with mashing to keep it simple and gluten-free. Simmer gently to avoid breaking the cheese emulsion. Aim for a spoon-coating consistency. Test by dipping a spoon—if it clings without dripping fast, it's perfect. Adjust salt after thickening. (108 words)

Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup Recipe: Easy and Delicious

Ingredients

– 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced Provides creamy texture and heartiness

– 1/3 cup diced celery

– 2 carrots, sliced Adds sweetness and nutrition

– 1 onion, chopped Builds aromatic base

– 2 cups diced cooked ham Adds savory, smoky flavor and protein

– 3 cups chicken broth Creates flavorful liquid base

– 2 tablespoons chicken bouillon

– Salt, pepper, and garlic powder Seasons to perfection

– 2 tablespoons butter Enhances richness

– 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour

– 2 cups milk Ensures creamy consistency

– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Delivers rich, melty cheesiness

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Notes

🥕 Use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup for a creamier texture
🧀 Sharp cheddar cheese adds more flavor than mild varieties
⏰ The soup thickens as it cools and tastes even better the next day

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 320
Sugar: 6
Sodium: 950
Fat: 16
Saturated Fat: 9
Unsaturated Fat: 6
Trans Fat: 0.5
Carbohydrates: 24
Fiber: 3
Protein: 18
Cholesterol: 70