Slow Cooker Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup

Slow Cooker Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup is a creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days! Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for it:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes (about 4 medium-sized potatoes)
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh, if you prefer)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for sautéing)
• 2 tbsp butter (for garnish, optional)
• Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Ingredients:
   • Peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes.
   • Dice the ham and onion, and mince the garlic.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic (Optional):
   • If you have a few extra minutes, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if you’re in a rush.
3. Add to the Slow Cooker:
   • Transfer the diced potatoes, ham, sautéed onion and garlic (if using), chicken broth, and thyme to the slow cooker.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook:
   • Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
5. Make it Creamy:
   • Once the potatoes are cooked, use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes in the slow cooker to thicken the soup. You can mash as much or as little as you like, depending on your desired texture.
   • Stir in the heavy cream and sour cream (if using) to make it extra creamy.
6. Add Cheese:
   • Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into the soup. You can add more cheese for an extra cheesy flavor if you’d like!
7. Serve:
   • Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a dollop of butter (optional), green onions, or fresh parsley.
8. Enjoy:
   • Serve this cozy soup with some crusty bread or crackers for dipping.

Tips:

• If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of it in a blender and then return it to the slow cooker.
• For added flavor, you can sprinkle extra cheese or crispy bacon on top before serving.
• You can use a rotisserie chicken instead of ham if you prefer or have leftover chicken to use up.

This cheesy ham and potato soup is perfect for those chilly nights when you want something hearty, creamy, and comforting! Enjoy! 🍲🧀