Why You’ll Love this Hearty Ham Soup
When the winter chill settles in, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a steaming bowl of this hearty ham soup. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it never disappoints. The combination of diced ham, sweet corn, and tender potatoes creates a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.
What I love most? It’s ridiculously easy. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic all day. The aroma that fills your home is practically a comfort blanket in itself. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable—add more Tabasco if you’re feeling brave, or throw in whatever veggies need using up.
What Ingredients are in Hearty Ham Soup?
The heart of any good soup is the ingredients, and this Hearty Ham Soup doesn’t disappoint. The combination creates a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and just a touch of heat that makes this soup special. I’m particularly fond of how the soy sauce adds depth without overwhelming the other flavors.
It’s the kind of ingredient list that doesn’t require a special trip to a fancy grocery store—just simple, wholesome ingredients that transform into something magical after a day in the slow cooker.
- 1 pound diced ham
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups corn
- 3 tomatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
- Water or broth, to cover
When shopping for this recipe, quality matters with the ham—it’s the star of the show, after all. Look for a good, meaty ham with not too much fat.
As for the veggies, fresh is wonderful, but don’t stress if you need to use frozen corn or canned tomatoes in a pinch. The beauty of slow cooker recipes like this is their forgiveness.
And regarding the heat level, the teaspoon of Tabasco gives a nice background warmth without overwhelming anyone at the table. Want it spicier? You know what to do.
How to Make this Hearty Ham Soup
Making this Hearty Ham Soup couldn’t be simpler, which is exactly what we want on busy days when the thought of elaborate cooking feels overwhelming.
To start, gather all your ingredients: 1 pound of diced ham, 1 chopped onion, 2 cups of corn, 3 peeled and diced tomatoes, and 2 peeled and diced potatoes. The seasonings—1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce—are what transform these simple ingredients into something special.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its “set it and forget it” nature. Simply place all the ingredients in your slow cooker, then add enough water or broth to cover everything. I prefer using chicken broth for added flavor, but water works perfectly fine too.
Cover the slow cooker, set it to low, and let it work its magic all day long. The slow, gentle heat breaks down the ham, releasing its smoky flavor while the vegetables soften and the broth becomes infused with all those wonderful seasonings.
You’ll want to stir occasionally throughout the day if you’re home, and keep an eye on the liquid level—if it seems to be reducing too much, just add a bit more water to keep everything nicely covered.
Hearty Ham Soup Substitutions and Variations
One of the greatest things about this hearty ham soup recipe is its flexibility—you can easily swap ingredients based on what’s in your pantry or to suit your taste preferences.
Don’t have fresh tomatoes? Canned work perfectly fine. You can substitute chicken or turkey for ham, or go vegetarian by adding more veggies and using vegetable broth instead of water.
The heat level is customizable too. Not a fan of Tabasco? Try sriracha or skip the heat altogether.
For a creamier version, stir in some half-and-half before serving.
And those potatoes? Sweet potatoes make a delicious alternative with a lovely hint of sweetness.
What to Serve with Hearty Ham Soup
When you’ve got a steaming bowl of hearty ham soup ready to serve, pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate your meal from satisfying to spectacular.
I love offering freshly baked cornbread with a pat of melting butter—the slight sweetness perfectly balances the savory ham.
A simple green salad with vinaigrette adds brightness, cutting through the richness.
For something more substantial, grilled cheese sandwiches are divine for dipping. Crusty sourdough bread or buttermilk biscuits? Can’t go wrong with either.
Trust me, these pairings make that slow-cooked soup shine even more.
Final Thoughts
After simmering all day in your slow cooker, this hearty ham soup becomes more than just a meal—it transforms into comfort in a bowl. I find myself making this recipe whenever temperatures drop or when life gets a bit overwhelming. There’s something magical about how the ham, potatoes, and corn meld together.
What I love most? Its versatility. Sometimes I add a handful of spinach, other times a sprinkle of cheese on top. Your kitchen, your rules. This soup keeps beautifully for days, and honestly, it tastes even better as leftovers. Perfect for those busy weeknights when cooking feels impossible.
