Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Slow Cooker Ham, Corn, and Potato Soup! Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the rich, hearty aroma of a soup that practically cooks itself. This one-pot wonder is not just a meal; it's a comforting hug in a bowl that combines the smoky goodness of ham, sweet corn, and creamy potatoes into a dish that will have your family begging for seconds. Perfect for chilly days, busy weeknights, or when you simply want to indulge in a truly satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ham, diced
- 4 cups corn, frozen
- 4 cups potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing the ham into small, bite-sized cubes, chopping the onion finely, and cutting potatoes into uniform 1/2-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Place the diced ham, frozen corn, chopped onion, and diced potatoes into the slow cooker, distributing them evenly across the bottom of the pot.
- Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients, making sure all components are mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper, adjusting to your taste preferences. Remember that ham is already salty, so use salt sparingly.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat setting. Allow the soup to cook slowly for 5-6 hours, which will help develop rich flavors and tenderize the ingredients.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the heavy cream to add richness and create a creamy texture.
- Once cooking is complete, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. The soup should have a thick, hearty consistency with tender potatoes and corn.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for added freshness and color.
Tips
- Ingredient Preparation is Key: Cut your ham and potatoes into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
- Ham Selection Matters: Use a good quality, slightly smoky ham for maximum flavor. Leftover holiday ham works wonderfully in this recipe.
- Liquid Ratio: Ensure ingredients are mostly submerged in chicken broth for optimal flavor infusion and proper cooking.
- Seasoning Technique: Be conservative with salt due to the ham's natural saltiness. You can always add more at the end.
- Cream Addition Timing: Stir in heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
- Optional Enhancements: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Storage Tip: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep and future quick dinners.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 55mg
