Nothing warms up a Christmas evening quite like a big pot of creamy ham and potato soup simmering on the stove. This Christmas Healthy Dinner Creamy Ham & Potato Soup has been my family’s go-to holiday comfort food for years – it’s hearty enough to satisfy but light enough that you don’t feel stuffed after all those Christmas cookies! I love how it transforms leftover holiday ham into something magical, with tender potatoes and sweet carrots swimming in that velvety broth. The scent of thyme and onions bubbling away always makes our kitchen feel extra festive. Best of all, it comes together in under an hour, giving you more time to enjoy the holiday magic with your loved ones.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Healthy Dinner Creamy Ham & Potato Soup
Let me tell you why this soup has become a Christmas tradition in my house – and why it’ll steal your holiday heart too! First off, that creamy texture feels indulgent but won’t weigh you down like heavy holiday dishes often do. Here’s what makes it special:
- Comfort in every spoonful: The combination of tender potatoes and savory ham creates that warm hug feeling we all crave during the holidays
- Holiday leftover magic: That Christmas ham bone or extra diced ham transforms into something extraordinary
- Surprisingly light: Using low-sodium broth and just enough creaminess means you can enjoy seconds guilt-free
- One-pot wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time for opening presents and making memories
Trust me, once you try this soup on a chilly December evening, you’ll understand why it’s become my must-make Christmas dinner!
Ingredients for Christmas Healthy Dinner Creamy Ham & Potato Soup
What I love about this soup is how simple the ingredients are – you probably have most in your kitchen right now! But the magic happens in the details, so let’s talk specifics:
- 2 cups diced ham – I prefer leftover holiday ham for that extra smoky depth, but deli ham works too
- 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes – Yukon Golds are my favorite for their buttery texture
- 1 cup diced carrots – about 2 medium, peeled for that sweet holiday color
- 1 cup diced celery – don’t skip this! It adds such nice freshness
- 1 small onion, diced – yellow onions work best here
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth – trust me, low-sodium lets the ham flavor shine
- 1 cup milk – whole milk gives the best creaminess
- 2 tablespoons butter – real butter makes all the difference
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – our thickening superhero
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – or fresh if you’re feeling fancy!
- Salt and pepper – to taste at the very end
See? Nothing fancy – just good, honest ingredients that come together into something magical. Now let’s get cooking!
Equipment Needed
Don’t worry – you won’t need any fancy gadgets for this cozy Christmas soup! Here’s what I grab from my kitchen:
- A large pot – about 5 quarts works perfectly
- Wooden spoon – for stirring that creamy goodness
- Measuring cups and spoons – because eyeballing flour never works for me!
- Sharp knife and cutting board – for prepping all those veggies
That’s seriously it! Now let’s make some holiday magic happen.
How to Make Christmas Healthy Dinner Creamy Ham & Potato Soup
Okay, let’s dive into making this holiday favorite! The process is simple, but I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that make all the difference. Follow these steps, and you’ll have the creamiest, most comforting Christmas soup ready in no time.
Preparing the Vegetables
First things first – let’s get those veggies ready! I dice my onion, carrots, and celery into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Melt the butter in your pot over medium heat, then add this colorful trio. You’ll know they’re ready when the onions turn translucent and the carrots just start to soften – about 5 minutes of gentle stirring. This base layer of flavor is what makes the soup so darn good!
Building the Soup Base
Now for the magic touch – the roux! Sprinkle the flour over your softened veggies and stir constantly for about a minute. It’ll look pasty at first, but don’t worry. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring like crazy – this prevents lumps and creates that velvety texture we love. The mixture will thicken beautifully as it comes to a gentle bubble.
Simmering and Final Touches
Time for the stars of the show! Add your potatoes, ham, and thyme, then let everything simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender – about 15 minutes. Here’s my pro tip: when you stir in the milk at the end, don’t let it boil hard or it might separate. Just heat it through until steaming, then taste and adjust the seasoning. That’s it – Christmas comfort in a bowl!
Tips for Perfect Christmas Healthy Dinner Creamy Ham & Potato Soup
After making this soup every Christmas for years, I’ve picked up some tricks that take it from good to “wow!” Here are my can’t-miss tips:
- Ham hacks: That leftover holiday ham bone? Toss it in while simmering for incredible depth of flavor (remove before serving). No leftovers? Smoked deli ham works beautifully.
- Texture control: Want it creamier? Mash some potatoes with your spoon before adding milk. Prefer it brothy? Use less flour.
- Season smart: Always taste after adding milk – ham varies in saltiness! I often finish with a grind of black pepper and fresh thyme.
- Make-ahead magic: The flavors deepen overnight! Just add milk when reheating.
These little touches make all the difference in creating your new holiday favorite!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, how I love serving this soup on Christmas evening! A crusty baguette for dipping is absolutely essential – my family fights over the last piece! For a festive touch, I garnish each bowl with a sprig of fresh thyme or a sprinkle of paprika. If you’re feeling fancy, a simple arugula salad with lemon dressing makes the perfect fresh contrast to the creamy soup. Trust me, with candles flickering and this steaming bowl in front of you, it’s pure holiday magic!
Storage and Reheating
Here’s the good news – this soup tastes even better the next day! Store it airtight in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, go low and slow – medium heat with frequent stirring prevents the milk from curdling. If it thickens too much, just stir in a splash of broth or milk. Easy as Christmas pie!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on what’s in each comforting bowl (based on a 1-cup serving):
- 280 calories – lighter than most holiday dishes!
- 8g fat (3g saturated) – that butter adds richness without going overboard
- 18g protein – thank you, delicious ham!
- 35g carbs with 4g fiber – potatoes give you energy without spiking blood sugar
Remember, this is just an estimate – your exact numbers might vary slightly depending on your ingredients. But compared to typical Christmas fare? It’s a nutritional win!
FAQs About Christmas Healthy Dinner Creamy Ham & Potato Soup
Over the years, I’ve gotten so many questions about this beloved Christmas soup – here are the ones that come up most often!
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely! Frozen diced carrots work great – just add them straight from the freezer. For potatoes, I’d still recommend fresh since frozen can get mushy. If you’re in a pinch, thaw frozen hash browns first and pat them dry.
How can I make this dairy-free?
Easy swaps! Use olive oil instead of butter and your favorite unsweetened plant-based milk (I love oat milk for creaminess). The flavor changes slightly, but it’s still deliciously comforting. For guidance on selecting healthy dairy alternatives, you might find resources on Mayo Clinic helpful.
What if my soup is too thick?
No worries – just stir in more broth or milk a splash at a time until it’s perfect. Remember, it thickens as it cools, so I often keep extra broth handy!
Can I freeze this soup?
Technically yes, but the texture changes since potatoes and dairy don’t freeze well. I prefer making it fresh or storing in the fridge for a few days. The flavors get even better!
What’s the best ham to use?
Leftover baked ham is my top choice for flavor, but deli ham works too! For extra richness, throw in the ham bone while simmering (just remove it before serving). Understanding the nutritional differences in cuts of meat can help when choosing leftovers, as detailed by resources like the USDA.
57-Minute Christmas Healthy Dinner Creamy Ham & Potato Soup Bliss
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A creamy and hearty ham and potato soup perfect for a healthy Christmas dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced ham
- 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly add chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Add potatoes, ham, and thyme. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in milk and heat through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use leftover holiday ham for extra flavor.
- For a thicker soup, mash some potatoes before adding milk.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American