There’s something about Ham & Broccoli Cheese Soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. This creamy, cheesy goodness brings together savory ham and fresh broccoli in a way that makes dinner not just a meal, but a comfort.
This recipe solves weeknight dinner stress by delivering a creamy, hearty soup that’s quick to prepare, uses pantry staples, and yields extra for leftovers.
I used to struggle with what to do with leftover ham after the holidays. It felt wasteful to just toss it, but I also didn’t want to serve the same old thing again. This soup has been my go-to solution! It gives that leftover ham new life and packs a hearty punch that even the pickiest eaters seem to love.
What’s great about this recipe is how quick it is, 15 minutes to prep and only 35 minutes to cook. That means in less than an hour, you can have a rich, comforting meal with simple ingredients already in your kitchen. Plus, the kids can enjoy vegetables without any fuss, making it an easy win for busy weeknights.
If you love quick and simple recipes, If you want to try something different, check out my chicken orzo salad that’s also great for using up leftovers!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Creamy Texture : This soup has a rich, creamy texture that makes it feel so comforting and satisfying. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
- Savory Flavor : The combination of ham and broccoli adds a savory flavor that kids and adults alike will enjoy. It’s hearty without being too heavy.
- Quick Preparation : You can whip this up in under an hour, making it a go-to for busy weeknights. Simple ingredients mean you can get dinner on the table fast.
- Storage Friendly : Leftovers keep well in the fridge for a few days, making it easy to enjoy this comforting soup multiple times throughout the week.
Creamy Broccoli Ham and Cheese Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cool Time:
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Diet: Comfort Food
Description
A comforting blend of flavors in a hearty broccoli ham and cheese soup, perfect for using leftover ham.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 8 ounces fully cooked ham, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 sweet onion, diced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 11/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 russet potato, peeled and cubed
- 16 ounces broccoli florets, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 11/2 teaspoon salt, to taste
- 1/21/2 teaspoon pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Base: Start by heating 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large stockpot until it shimmers. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they are soft and fragrant but not browned. This will establish a flavorful foundation for the soup.
- Add Broth & Potatoes: Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and add the chopped russet potato. Allow it to come to a gentle simmer, ensuring the broth bubbles softly. This step will infuse your soup with comforting flavors; keep an eye on it to prevent boiling over.
- Mix In Broccoli: Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the finely chopped broccoli. Cook for just a few minutes until the broccoli turns a vibrant green but retains some crunch. Avoid overcooking to prevent mushiness.
- Stir in Ham: Add the diced ham to the pot, warming it through. Enjoy the aromatic scent of the ham mingling with the other ingredients; it enhances the protein content of your soup. Do not let it sit too long to avoid drying out.
- Incorporate the Cheese: Gradually add the shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese over low heat, stirring continuously until it melts smoothly into the soup. This creates a creamy texture; be cautious not to add the cheese all at once to prevent clumping.
- Season & Serve: Finally, taste the soup and adjust with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired. Allow the soup to sit for a few moments to let the flavors meld together. Serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Expert Tips: Use leftover ham for a cost-effective meal. For a lighter option, replace ham with turkey, or add spices like cayenne for a kick. Adjust the type of cheese for different flavors.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, approximately 10 minutes.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with warm crusty bread for dipping or top with extra cheese and croutons. Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Recipe Variations: Frozen broccoli can be used in place of fresh; add during the last few minutes of cooking. For added creaminess, consider incorporating extra heavy cream or mashed potatoes.
- Ingredient Notes: Select fresh organic broccoli for the best texture. Feel free to substitute with other vegetables like carrots or cauliflower in similar measurements.
Nutrition
- Calories: null
- Sugar: null
- Sodium: null
- Fat: null
- Saturated Fat: null
- Unsaturated Fat: null
- Trans Fat: null
- Carbohydrates: null
- Fiber: null
- Protein: null
- Cholesterol: null
Recipe Tips
- If your soup turns out too thin, a cornstarch slurry mixed with a bit of water can help thicken it nicely.
- When adding broccoli, wait until the last 10 minutes of cooking to keep it vibrant and crisp.
- If the cheese tends to clump, adding it slowly over low heat allows for a smoother melt without lumps.
- For a lower sodium option, using homemade or no-salt-added chicken broth can make a healthy difference.
- If you want extra creaminess, a little more heavy cream or mashed potatoes can enhance the texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Pair ham and broccoli cheese soup with warm crusty bread for dipping. A fresh green salad complements the soup well.
This soup also works well as a base for casseroles or as a filling for baked potatoes. You can use it to prepare a comforting pasta dish or hearty grain bowl.
Top the soup with extra cheese for richness. Add croutons for a crunchy finish and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Recipe variations
- You can use cooked turkey in place of ham for a lighter, equally tasty version of this dish.
- Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for a spicy kick that will warm up the flavor profile of your soup.
- Either incorporate additional vegetables like diced carrots or swap in cauliflower to mix up the texture and nutrition.
- If you want to make a larger batch, increase the ingredients proportionally, double the recipe using 8 tablespoons of butter and 3 cups of chicken broth.
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How to Store?
To keep your ham & broccoli cheese soup fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Store soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Place soup in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating: Warm soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Shrimp Orzo Salad
- Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Salad with Feta and Lemon
- Lemon Herb Chicken Avocado Orzo Salad
- Pesto Chicken Avocado Orzo Salad
If you enjoyed this Ham & Broccoli Cheese Soup or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
