Best Cheeses For Hearty Ham And Potato Soup

Ham and potato soup is a hearty meal, perfect for cold winter nights. While the soup is tasty on its own, cheese is often added to give it a creamy texture and a tangy flavour. The best type of cheese to use is sharp cheddar cheese, which adds a rich taste to the soup. However, other types of cheese can also be used, such as gouda or velveeta.

What type of potatoes are best for ham and potato soup?

When it comes to ham and potato soup, the type of potatoes you use can make a big difference in the final texture and taste of the dish. Here are some tips and suggestions for choosing the best potatoes for your soup:

Russet Potatoes:

Russet potatoes are a popular choice for ham and potato soup. They have a high starch content, which helps to thicken the soup and create a creamy texture. Russets also become soft and fluffy during cooking, absorbing all the flavours in the broth. This makes them ideal if you want a smooth and creamy soup.

Red-skinned Potatoes or Yukon Golds:

If you prefer firmer, chunkier potato pieces that hold their shape in the soup, you can opt for red-skinned potatoes or Yukon Golds. These varieties have a lower starch content and will result in a soup with a slightly thicker consistency. They are a good choice if you want to showcase the potatoes as a prominent ingredient in your soup.

Peeling and Dicing:

Whether you peel the potatoes or not is a matter of personal preference. Peeled potatoes will give your soup a smoother, more uniform appearance, while unpeeled potatoes will add texture and colour from the potato skins. Dicing the potatoes into uniform, medium-sized pieces ensures even cooking and helps the potatoes cook faster.

Amount of Potatoes:

The amount of potatoes you use can vary depending on your desired thickness and the number of servings. A good starting point is around 3 to 3 1/2 cups of diced potatoes for a standard batch of soup. You can always adjust the amount based on your personal preference and the specific recipe you are following.

Other Ingredients:

Remember that the potatoes will be sharing the spotlight with other ingredients in your ham and potato soup. Choose complementary ingredients like carrots, onions, celery, and of course, ham. Seasonings such as chicken bouillon, salt, and pepper will also enhance the flavour of your soup. Don't forget the butter and flour to create a delicious roux, and milk to add creaminess.

So, which potato is best for ham and potato soup? The answer depends on your personal preferences and the specific recipe you choose. Russets are ideal for a creamy, smooth soup, while red-skinned or Yukon Gold potatoes will give you firmer, chunkier pieces. Experiment with different varieties and find the perfect potato for your next comforting bowl of ham and potato soup.

What kind of cheese is best for ham and potato soup?

A warm bowl of ham and potato soup is a hearty meal, perfect for cold winter nights. Adding cheese to this soup makes it even more comforting and delicious. But what kind of cheese is best for ham and potato soup?

Cheddar cheese, especially the sharp variety, is a popular choice for ham and potato soup. Its strong flavour adds a nice tang to the soup and pairs well with the salty ham and starchy potatoes. When adding cheddar to the soup, it is best to add a little at a time and let it melt fully before adding more. This ensures a smooth and creamy texture.

Some recipes suggest using processed cheese, such as Velveeta, for ham, potato, and cheese soup. This type of cheese melts easily and gives the soup a thick and creamy consistency. However, some people may prefer the stronger flavour of cheddar or other cheeses.

For those who want to experiment, other types of cheese can also be used in ham and potato soup. One recipe suggests using strong, old Gouda, which would add a unique flavour to the dish. Another option is to use a combination of cheeses, such as cheddar and Gruyère, to create a more complex and nuanced flavour profile.

In addition to the type of cheese, the amount of cheese used can also be adjusted to personal preference. For a cheesier soup, simply add more cheese, a little at a time, until the desired flavour and texture are achieved.

When making ham and potato soup, it is important to consider the overall flavour profile and the desired consistency of the soup. By choosing the right type of cheese and adjusting the amount to taste, you can create a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for warming you up on chilly days.

What other vegetables can be added to ham and potato soup?

Ham and potato soup is a hearty and tasty meal, perfect for cold winter nights. The soup is versatile and can be adapted with different ingredients. Here are some ideas for vegetables that you can add to your ham and potato soup:

Carrots

Carrots are a popular addition to ham and potato soup, adding a touch of sweetness to the dish. They complement the other root vegetables and enhance the soup's overall flavour.

Onions

Onions are another commonly used vegetable in ham and potato soup. They provide a savoury flavour and help build depth in the soup. Be sure to cook the onions until they are softened, which usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes.

Celery

Celery is often used alongside onions and carrots as part of a flavourful trio known as soffritto or mirepoix. It adds a savoury note to the soup and works well with the other ingredients.

Peas

Frozen peas are a great option to add to ham and potato soup. They provide a bright green colour and a subtle sweetness. Adding them towards the end of the cooking process ensures they retain their texture and flavour.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms can be a tasty addition to ham and potato soup, offering an earthy flavour. They blend well with the other ingredients and can enhance the soup's overall heartiness.

Corn

Corn is another vegetable that can be added to ham and potato soup. It provides a touch of sweetness and a different texture. It is a versatile ingredient that complements the other flavours in the soup.

Feel free to experiment with other vegetables that you have on hand or that suit your taste preferences. Ham and potato soup is a versatile dish that can accommodate a variety of ingredients.

What is the best way to cook the ham and potatoes?

When it comes to cooking the ham and potatoes for your soup, there are a few methods you can use to ensure they are cooked to perfection. Here is a step-by-step guide on the best way to cook the ham and potatoes for your soup:

Preparing the Ingredients:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. For this recipe, you will need potatoes, carrots, onions, butter, flour, milk, cheddar cheese, and ham. You can also add celery and peas for extra flavour and texture.

Cooking the Potatoes and Vegetables:

In a large saucepan, combine the potatoes, water (or chicken broth/stock), carrots, and onion. You can also add celery at this stage for extra flavour. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and cook until the vegetables are tender. This usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes.

Making the Roux:

While the vegetables are cooking, it's time to make the roux, which will thicken your soup. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Gradually stir in the flour and cook, constantly stirring, until a smooth paste forms. This will take around 1-2 minutes.

Adding Milk:

Slowly add the milk to the roux, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Turn up the heat to medium and continue stirring until the mixture thickens. This should take around 4-5 minutes.

Combining the Ingredients:

Now it's time to bring all the ingredients together. Stir the cheese into the milk mixture until it melts, then add this to the undrained potatoes and vegetables. Make sure to stir well to combine all the flavours.

Adding the Ham and Extras:

Finally, add the diced, cooked ham to the soup and heat through. At this stage, you can also add frozen peas to the soup, giving it a nice pop of colour and extra texture.

Serving Suggestions:

This soup is best served hot. You can serve it with crusty bread, cornbread, or a fresh side salad. It's a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for cold winter nights.

Storage and Reheating:

The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you may need to thin it out with a little milk or cream if it becomes too thick.

Tips for Customisation:

This soup is very versatile and can be customised to your taste preferences. You can use pre-cooked cubed ham to save time, or use a leftover ham bone for extra flavour. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gouda, or add extra vegetables like garlic, corn, or mushrooms.

Now you have all the information you need to cook the ham and potatoes to perfection for your soup! Enjoy your delicious, hearty meal.

How long does ham and potato soup last?

Ham and potato soup is a hearty, comforting meal that is perfect for cold winter nights. But how long does it last?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, ham and potato soup can last for about three to five days. It is recommended to start checking for signs of spoilage after three or four days, as the soup will not keep indefinitely.

To extend the shelf life of your soup, it is important to maintain a consistent temperature and avoid moisture build-up in the container. Using a glass storage container instead of plastic can also help keep your soup fresh for longer.

If you're looking to freeze your ham and potato soup, it's worth noting that the texture of the potatoes may not be optimal once thawed. However, you can still freeze the soup and it will last for up to six months.

So, whether you're making a big batch for meal prep or simply enjoying leftovers, you can rest assured that your ham and potato soup will last for several days in the fridge!

Frequently asked questions