Instant Pot Ham & Potato Soup combines hearty ingredients into a creamy, satisfying bowl perfect for any season. Tender Yukon Gold potatoes, savory ham, and simple vegetables create a comforting blend that warms the soul with every spoonful.

This easy-to-make soup brings together aromatic herbs, garlic, and rich cream, offering depth of flavor without long preparation. The Instant Pot ensures a perfectly cooked, velvety texture, making this a reliable go-to for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends.

Ideal for family meals or solo comfort food, this soup balances nourishment and indulgence effortlessly. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a hearty lunch, dinner, or even a make-ahead meal.

Instant Pot Ham & Potato Soup Ingredients

Ham: Brings a savory, smoky depth that forms the heart of the soup, infusing each bite with rich, comforting flavor.

Yukon Gold Potatoes: Creamy yet firm, these potatoes create a luscious texture while absorbing the aromatic broth beautifully.

Onion & Celery: These aromatic vegetables lay the flavorful foundation, adding subtle sweetness and a gentle crunch.

Garlic: Enhances the savory profile with a warm, fragrant punch that elevates the overall taste.

Herbs – Thyme & Rosemary: Provide an earthy, aromatic backdrop, balancing the richness of the ham and cream.

Heavy Cream: Adds silky smoothness, rounding out the flavors into a luxuriously comforting bowl.

Vegetable Broth: Acts as the soul of the soup, unifying all ingredients while keeping it light and nourishing.

Recipe Tips

1. Enhance Flavor with Browning: Before pressure cooking, sauté the ham, onion, and celery until lightly browned. This step deepens the savory profile and adds a subtle caramelized sweetness that elevates the soup’s overall richness.

2. Customize Thickness: For a creamier, thicker soup, mash some of the cooked Yukon Gold potatoes directly into the pot. Alternatively, stir in a cornstarch slurry at the end and simmer briefly. This allows you to control the consistency to your preference.

3. Herb Variations: While thyme and rosemary provide classic flavor, experimenting with fresh parsley or a pinch of smoked paprika can add complexity. Adding herbs at the end preserves their aromatic qualities and brightens the final dish.

What to Serve with Instant Pot Ham & Potato Soup

Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: Soft, golden rolls or a warm, crusty baguette pair perfectly, ideal for dipping and soaking up the creamy soup. The contrast of textures enhances each comforting bite.

Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup. Ingredients like arugula, cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced radishes add brightness and a crisp contrast.

Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar or Parmesan on top for an extra layer of indulgence. Melted cheese enriches the soup’s creaminess while adding a savory finishing touch.

FAQ

1. Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes, russet or red potatoes can be substituted. Yukon Golds are ideal for their creamy texture, but other varieties will work, keeping in mind slight differences in consistency.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely. The soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

3. Can I make this soup without cream?
Yes, substitute with milk, half-and-half, or a dairy-free alternative. The soup will remain flavorful, though slightly less rich and silky.

4. How do I adjust the soup for low sodium?
Use low-sodium broth and season gradually with salt at the end. This allows you to control the saltiness and prevent over-seasoning.

Instant Pot Ham & Potato Soup

This Instant Pot Ham & Potato Soup delivers a hearty, nourishing meal, combining tender chunks of ham with velvety Yukon Gold potatoes and a selection of aromatic vegetables. Its rich, comforting flavors make it an ideal choice for a quick yet satisfying dinner.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Servings: 6 People

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

Olive oil
2 cups diced ham
2 cups Yukon Gold potatoes cubed
1/2 small onion finely diced
1 large stalk of celery diced
2 cloves garlic minced
3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with water optional, for thickening

Method

Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and warm the olive oil. Add the diced onion and celery, cooking for 2–3 minutes until softened and aromatic.
Stir in the minced garlic and diced ham, continuing to sauté for an additional 2–3 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Introduce the vegetable broth, cubed Yukon Gold potatoes, thyme, and rosemary. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Secure the lid and set the vent to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure before opening the lid.
Incorporate the heavy cream, seasoning with salt and pepper to achieve the desired taste.
For a richer, thicker texture, mash a portion of the cooked potatoes directly into the soup.
If additional thickening is preferred, whisk together cornstarch and water, then add to the soup while on sauté mode. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the desired consistency is achieved.
Adjust seasoning as necessary, particularly if using low-sodium broth, adding between 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of salt as needed.
Yukon Gold potatoes are preferred for their creamy texture and ability to hold shape during cooking, though russet potatoes can serve as an acceptable alternative.
The cornstarch slurry offers a method to achieve a more indulgent, velvety finish if desired.

Instant Pot Ham & Potato Soup recipe