Creamy Cheddar Ham and Potato Delight
Indulge in this comforting Creamy Cheddar Ham and Potato Delight, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. This Instant Pot recipe transforms simple ingredients into a rich and flavorful soup in under 30 minutes. With tender red potatoes, savory ham, and a velvety cheddar cheese base, every spoonful is an explosion of taste. It's a fantastic way to use leftover ham, making it resourceful and delicious. Whether served with crusty bread or on its own, this soup will become a family favorite, rivaling even the finest bistros!
8
Servings
300
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Red potatoes
4 cups (peeled and diced (keep with peel if preferred))
Celery
1/3 cup (diced)
Onion
1/3 cup (finely chopped)
Carrot
1 cup (chopped)
Cooked ham
2 cups (rough chopped (leftover ham works great))
Chicken broth
4 cups
Pepper
1 teaspoon
Butter
5 tablespoons (unsalted)
Flour
5 tablespoons
Milk
2 cups (preferably whole or 2%)
Sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups (shredded)
Garlic
2 tablespoons (minced)
Dried thyme
1 teaspoon
Instructions
1
In the Instant Pot, combine the diced potatoes, celery, onion, chopped ham, minced garlic, dried thyme, and chicken broth.
2
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set to pressure cook for 10 minutes.
3
Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release of steam.
4
While the pressure is releasing, melt the butter in a separate saucepan over medium-low heat.
5
Whisk in the flour, continuing to stir constantly until the mixture is thick and golden, about 2-3 minutes.
6
Gradually add the milk to the flour mixture, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Increase the heat to medium and stir until the sauce thickens, approximately 4-5 minutes.
7
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth.
8
After the steam has been released from the Instant Pot, stir the cheese mixture into the soup.
9
Select the sauté function on the Instant Pot and heat through for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. If desired, break up some of the potatoes to create a thicker texture.
10
Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
36g
Carbs
8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cheddar Ham and Potato Delight?
It is a comforting and rich Instant Pot soup featuring tender red potatoes, savory ham, and a velvety cheddar cheese base.
How long does it take to cook this recipe?
The recipe is designed to be completed in under 30 minutes using an Instant Pot.
Can I use leftover ham for this soup?
Yes, using leftover cooked ham is a fantastic and resourceful way to make this delicious soup.
What type of potatoes are best for this recipe?
Red potatoes are recommended, and they can be used either peeled or with the skin on depending on your preference.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No, you can keep the peel on the red potatoes if you prefer that texture and look.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What are the nutritional values per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories, 14g of fat, 36g of carbohydrates, and 8g of protein.
What kind of cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a bold and creamy flavor.
How long should I pressure cook the soup?
Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook for 10 minutes.
Should I use a natural or quick release for the steam?
A quick release of steam should be performed once the 10-minute cooking cycle is complete.
How do I thicken the soup base?
A roux is made separately by melting butter and whisking in flour, then adding milk to create a thick sauce before adding cheese.
What type of milk is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 2 cups of milk, preferably whole or 2% for the creamiest result.
What aromatics are used in this soup?
The soup uses diced celery, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic for depth of flavor.
What herbs provide the seasoning?
Dried thyme and pepper are the primary seasonings used in this recipe.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of minced garlic.
Can I adjust the texture of the potatoes after cooking?
Yes, you can break up some of the potatoes after cooking to create a thicker, heartier texture.
What is the final step in the Instant Pot?
After adding the cheese sauce, use the sauté function for about 3 minutes to heat everything through.
Is there carrot in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 cup of chopped carrots for extra flavor and color.
How much butter and flour are needed for the roux?
You will need 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 5 tablespoons of flour.
What is the liquid base for the pressure cooking stage?
The potatoes, vegetables, and ham are cooked in 4 cups of chicken broth.
Is this soup family-friendly?
Yes, its creamy, cheesy profile and familiar ingredients make it a favorite for both kids and adults.
What can I serve with this potato soup?
It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or can be enjoyed as a standalone meal.
How much ham should I use?
The recipe requires 2 cups of rough chopped cooked ham.
What size should I cut the potatoes?
The potatoes should be diced into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, though you may want to adjust any additional salt since the ham and broth already contain sodium.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe falls under the '< 30 Mins' category, making it ideal for quick meals.
Does this recipe include fiber information?
The provided data does not specify the fiber content for this recipe.
How much onion and celery are used?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of diced celery and 1/3 cup of finely chopped onion.
Is the cheese added directly to the Instant Pot?
No, the cheese is first melted into a white sauce on the stove and then stirred into the Instant Pot.
What is the consistency of the final soup?
The final soup has a velvety, creamy, and thick consistency thanks to the cheddar cheese sauce and potatoes.