Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Cheese Soup

Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Cheese Soup: A Busy Mom's Dream

As a working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Juggling work, family, and a semblance of a social life leaves little room for elaborate cooking. That's why I've become obsessed with slow cooker recipes – they're my secret weapon for delicious, home-cooked meals without the hours spent slaving over a hot stove. This Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Cheese Soup is a perfect example. It's hearty, comforting, and requires minimal hands-on time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or even a relaxing weekend brunch.

The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity. You simply toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning (or even the night before!), and let it simmer away while you tackle your to-do list. The result is a creamy, cheesy soup bursting with flavor. The frozen hash browns are a game-changer; they eliminate the need for peeling and chopping potatoes, saving you precious time and effort. I often use frozen diced onion too, for the same reason. It all adds up to more time with my kids and less time stressing about dinner.

The creamy texture comes from blending a portion of the soup with cream cheese. This creates a luxuriously smooth consistency without being too heavy. I recommend using freshly shredded cheddar cheese; it melts much better than the pre-shredded kind. A good quality sharp cheddar adds a delicious sharpness that cuts through the richness of the cream cheese and ham. The subtle notes of thyme and garlic powder enhance the flavors without overpowering the other ingredients.

This soup is incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences and what you have on hand. Feel free to experiment with different types of ham (smoked, bone-in, etc.), cheeses (Monterey Jack, Gruyere), or herbs (parsley, chives). Adding a splash of milk or cream at the end can further enhance the creaminess. I sometimes add a handful of chopped spinach or kale for an extra boost of nutrients. My kids gobble this up without complaint.

Serving this soup with crusty bread and butter is a must. The bread soaks up the delicious creamy broth, making every bite even more satisfying. It's the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening, a cozy weekend, or even a quick weeknight meal when you're short on time but still want something wholesome and flavorful. I often double the recipe so I have leftovers for lunch throughout the week. The flavor only deepens with time which is a bonus for me. I also love to make it in advance, saving me more time for other things.

This Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Cheese Soup is more than just a recipe; it's a time-saver, a stress-reliever, and a delicious way to nourish my family. It's a testament to the fact that healthy, homemade meals don't have to be complicated or time-consuming. With a little planning and a trusty slow cooker, you can create amazing meals even when you're short on time. This one has become a family favorite, and I'm excited for you to try it!

Tips and Variations:

• For a spicier soup, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Substitute cooked diced chicken or turkey for the ham.
• Add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or green beans.
• Use different types of potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes (if using fresh potatoes, peel and dice them before adding to the slow cooker).
• Top with your favorite soup toppings such as bacon bits, chives, or sour cream.

Remember, cooking should be enjoyable, not a chore. This recipe is designed to make your life easier, so don't be afraid to experiment and adapt it to your own taste and preferences. Enjoy!

Step-by-step

• In a 6-quart slow cooker, add the frozen potatoes, onion, chicken broth, ham, pepper, thyme and garlic powder.
• Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours without opening the lid during the cooking time.
• When the cooking time is up, add the cream cheese to a blender, and scoop some broth and hot potatoes into the blender with the cream cheese, just enough to get the blender moving, cover and blend until smooth.
• Add this mixture back to the rest of the soup in the slow cooker.
• Add the shredded cheese and stir.
• Serve with bread and butter.
• Enjoy!