Ham and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe | Easy Leftover Ham Recipe (2024)

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Katerina

4.80 from 5 votes

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Creamy, comforting, and cheesy Sweet Potato Soup packed with ham and veggies.It’s a simple and delicious soup full of textures and flavor, and it’s the perfect recipe for leftover ham.

Ham and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe | Easy Leftover Ham Recipe (2)

Despite tasting like it’s been simmering for hours, this Ham and Sweet Potato Soup is ready in under an hour. I’d love to have soup every night in winter, but with kids around clamoring for chicken nuggets and fries, it’s not always an option. However, with the chilly season here and the Holidays around the corner, this hearty, veggie-filled soup is a perfect way to enjoy those festive leftovers. On these chilly evenings, nothing beats curling up with a bowl of warm soup, whether it’s a creamy Cauliflower Cheese Soup, a hearty Turkey Soup, or the comforting Gnocchi Zuppa Toscana.

Why We Love This Soup

  • Comfort Food: The combination of sweet potatoes and ham is delicious and perfect for cozy meals.
  • Quick: This soup is quick to prepare, taking just a little over 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
  • Great for Leftovers: This recipe is an excellent way to utilize leftover ham, offering a tasty solution for post-holiday meals.
Ham and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe | Easy Leftover Ham Recipe (3)

Ham And Sweet Potato Soup Ingredients

  • Olive Oil & Butter: For sautéing.
  • Diced Cooked Ham: I used 1 cup.
  • Onion & Garlic
  • Sweet Potatoes, peeled and cubed. You’ll need 3 to 4 cups.
  • Carrots & Celery: Contribute a mild, sweet, fresh flavor.
  • Dried Basil, Parsley, Thyme: A blend of herbs for depth of flavor.
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Chicken Broth
  • All-Purpose Flour (for roux): Thickens the soup, giving it a creamy texture.
  • Milk (for roux): Adds creaminess to the roux and the soup.
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Brings a creamy, cheesy richness.

How To Make Ham And Sweet Potato Soup

Ham and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe | Easy Leftover Ham Recipe (4)
Ham and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe | Easy Leftover Ham Recipe (5)
  1. Cook the Ham: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil and brown the diced ham in a soup pot, then remove it and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Veggies: In the same pot, add oil and butter. Sauté onions, sweet potatoes, carrots, and celery.
  3. Add Seasonings: Mix in garlic, basil, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper; cook briefly.
  4. Simmer: Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then simmer until vegetables are tender.
  5. Roux: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in the flour, then the milk, cooking until thickened. Stir in the cheese.
  6. Combine: Add ham back to the soup, then pour in the roux. Cook until heated through and serve.

Recipe Tips And Variations

  • Consistent Chopping: Cut the vegetables into uniform pieces for even cooking.
  • Brown the Ham: Sautéing the ham enhances its flavor.
  • Low and Slow Roux: Cook the roux on medium-low heat to avoid a lumpy texture.
  • Simmer: Let the soup simmer gently to tenderize the vegetables without overcooking.
  • Adjust Thickness: If the soup is too thick, add more broth; if too thin, simmer longer for reduction.
  • Different Proteins: Substitute ham with cooked bacon, sausage, or chicken.
  • Vegetarian: Skip the meat and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a bit of heat.
  • Veggies: Add other vegetables like spinach or corn for extra nutrition and flavor.
Ham and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe | Easy Leftover Ham Recipe (6)

Serving Suggestions

Slurp up and realize thatsweet potatoes and ham were made for each other! Serve this rich and filling soup with Bacon and Eggs Asparagus Salador my Salmon Cobb Salad with Spinach and Feta. Add a slice of warm Cornbread and a side of Oven Roasted Brussel Sprouts, too.

Storing Leftovers

Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, defrost in the fridge overnight, then add the soup to a saucepan and reheat over medium heat. Add broth or milk, a few tablespoons at a time, until desired consistency.

Delicious Potato Soup Recipes

  • Lighter Loaded Baked Potato Soup
  • Smoked Sausage, Kale and Potato Soup
  • Cream of Broccoli and Potato Soup
  • Parsnip and Potato Soup
  • Slow Cooker Leek and Potato Soup

ENJOY!

Ham and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe | Easy Leftover Ham Recipe (7)

Ham and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe

Katerina | Diethood

This Ham and Sweet Potato Soup is a comforting blend of creamy, cheesy richness, packed with savory ham and tender sweet potatoes, and makes for a hearty, flavorful meal.

4.80 from 5 votes

Rate this Recipe!

Servings : 6 servings

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Ingredients

For the Soup

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 cup diced cooked ham
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 3 to 4 cups peeled and cubed sweet potatoes, about 1/2-inch cubes
  • 2 carrots, cut into rounds
  • 4 ribs celery, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, or to taste
  • 5 to 6 cups low sodium chicken broth

For the Roux

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • chopped fresh parsley, for garnish, optional

Instructions

  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat in a Dutch oven or a large soup pot. Add the diced ham to the heated oil and cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until lightly browned on all sides. Remove it from the pot and set aside.

  • Add the remaining olive oil to the pot and 1 tablespoon butter; cook over medium-high heat until butter is melted.

  • Stir in the diced onions, chopped sweet potatoes, carrots, and celery; cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

  • Stir in garlic, basil, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 more minute.

  • Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil; lower to a simmer and continue to cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

  • In the meantime, make the roux and melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk the flour into the butter with a fork.

  • Cook and stir for 1 minute, or until the mixture is thickened.

  • Slowly stir in the milk and stir until completely smooth. Continue to cook and stir for 4 minutes, or until mixture is thickened. Stir in the cheese until melted and smooth.

  • Add the ham back into the soup, then, pour the roux into the soup, and cook for 5 more minutes or until heated through.

  • Taste for seasonings and adjust accordingly.

  • Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with parsley, and serve.

Notes

  • Cut the vegetables into uniform pieces for even cooking.
  • Browning the ham enhances its flavor.
  • Cook the roux on medium-low heat to avoid burning.
  • Substitute the ham with cooked bacon, sausage, or chicken.
  • Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for some heat.
  • Add other veggies like spinach, kale, or corn.

Nutrition

Serving: 2 cups | Calories: 386 kcal | Carbohydrates: 28 g | Protein: 16 g | Fat: 24 g | Saturated Fat: 12 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9 g | Trans Fat: 0.4 g | Cholesterol: 63 mg | Sodium: 742 mg | Potassium: 752 mg | Fiber: 3 g | Sugar: 9 g | Vitamin A: 13522 IU | Vitamin C: 9 mg | Calcium: 262 mg | Iron: 2 mg

Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Keyword: ham recipes, holiday soup recipe, leftovers, potato soup, sweet potatoes

Did you make this recipe?Leave a Rating!

Categories:

  • Christmas
  • Dinner Recipes
  • Freezer Friendly Meals
  • Holidays
  • Pork Recipes
  • Soups
  • Thanksgiving
Ham and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe | Easy Leftover Ham Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Can a ham bone be used twice for soup? ›

Ham Bone Soup Recipes

Depending how much meat comes off the bone, you may be able to reuse it if you refrigerate it between uses. Salt and pepper the recipe to taste.

How do you thicken ham soup? ›

Try adding breadcrumbs, cream or pureed vegetables to make a heartier ham and beans. If you don't have any extra ingredients, you can add a vegetable-based starch. Cornstarch will thicken your meal without changing its flavor. 2 Whisk to gather some flour and water and then whisk it into the soup.

How long is ham soup good for? ›

This ham and soup will stay good for 3-4 days in an airtight container stored in your fridge. You can definitely store your soup in the freezer if you'd like. You can store it either in a large airtight container, or in smaller individual containers. Thaw either in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat.

Is ham still good after 7 days? ›

Now that Easter is over, you might be wondering what to do with leftover ham. Of course there are many options, but one thing you should not do is let it sit too long in the refrigerator. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, ham is good for three to five days in the refrigerator after it is cooked.

What to do with a fully cooked bone-in ham? ›

A fully cooked, ready-to-eat ham (also referred to as a "city ham") can be sliced and served cold or at room temperature—there's no need to reheat it. A spiral-cut ham is delicious this way, whether eaten by the slice, tucked into biscuits, or in a grilled cheese sandwich.

Is it better to thicken soup with flour or cornstarch? ›

The most classic and surefire way to thicken a broth-based soup is with a cornstarch slurry. Whisk together equal parts cornstarch (or arrowroot) and water or broth, then whisk it into the pot of soup. A good ratio to get to a pleasant thickness without your soup tasting goopy or heavy is one tablespoon.

What does cornstarch do to soup? ›

Cornstarch, or corn flour, can be used to thicken soup through its high starch content. Cornstarch is a great thickener for soup because only a little bit is needed to significantly thicken a soup, and it will not affect the flavor profile of the soup.

Can you eat soup that was 6 days old? ›

Soup lasts within the fridge for three to four days before you'll be able to throw it out. If you would like to store leftover soup longer than three to four days, you'll be able to keep it within the deep freezer for three to six months.

Is 5 day old soup OK? ›

A general rule of thumb is that soup can be stored in the refrigerator for about three days, but you should always taste your dish before deciding to reheat. A clear, vegetable-based soup with some acidity, such as tomatoes, may last longer. Chicken soup usually lasts three to five days.

Can I eat week old leftover soup? ›

According to the FDA Food Code, all perishable foods that are opened or prepared should be thrown out after 7 days, maximum. No leftovers should survive in your fridge for longer than that. Some foods should be even be thrown away before the 7 day mark.

Which end of the ham is better? ›

The shank end (or leg portion) sports that classic ham profile, so it's a good choice for a picture-perfect table. The meat tends to be leaner and it has one long bone, which makes carving easier. The butt end (the top half of the ham) has more tender, fattier meat, lending a richer flavor.

Do you slice ham before or after cooking? ›

Don't slice your ham until everyone is ready to eat! If you slice beforehand and put it in the oven to keep warm, the ham can run the risk of drying out. Instead: Wait until everyone is sitting down and ready to eat, then slice your ham to ensure that it's hot and flavorful!

How many times can you use a hambone? ›

Although you may be able to use a ham bone again for soup, if not all of the meat comes off of the bone, most of the flavor you can get from the bone will be used up the first time you use it to make soup. If you want to try to reuse the bone, refrigerate it and use it again within a couple of days.

Can you refreeze a ham bone for soup? ›

As long as the ham was stored in the refrigerator at a safe temperature after thawing for no more than four days, it's fine to refreeze the ham. Just know that taste and texture could be affected. Freezing creates ice crystals that rupture the meat's cell structure, which causes the liquid you see during thawing.

How many times can you use a soup bone? ›

Use Bones Over and Over (Over and Over) Consider reusing the bones for each batch of soup until they break or you just get tired of the process and want to clean the pot. please Each batch of soup is less tasty than the last, but still nutritious.

How many times can you reuse bones for soup? ›

Generally, doing a third (or more) use of the bones for broth will extract very little flavor, mostly only giving you a bit of the remaining gelatin. Any flavor that does still exist will also become increasingly unbalanced.

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