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    Home » Recipes » Crock Pot » Slow Cooker Ham and Cheese Soup

    Slow Cooker Ham and Cheese Soup

    Published: Feb 7, 2019 · Modified: Apr 17, 2023 by Tonia Larson

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    ↓ JUMP TO RECIPE ↓ JUMP TO VIDEO

    A hearty bowl of Slow Cooker Ham and Cheese Soup is the perfect way to warm up! Put it in the crockpot in the morning on a busy weekday for an easy dinner.

    scoop of slow cooker ham and cheese soup

    There is something about the cold weather that makes me crave a bowl of warm, hearty soup! It’s probably because I’m looking for a way to warm up.

    This ham and cheese soup is a family favorite and is one of the most delicious ways to use leftover ham. I make is a simple meal and serve it with dinner rolls and a salad.

    Disclaimer: This post contains links to products for making this recipe. If you use those links, I may earn a commission. Learn more here.

    Where is the Slow Cooker Ham and Cheese Soup recipe? In this post, I will share step-by-step instructions with photos for how to make this soup, as well as answering FAQs about the recipe and sharing a short video showing the recipe in motion. But you can go directly to the recipe by scrolling down to the bottom of the post.

    How To Make Slow Cooker Ham and Cheese Soup

    peeled potatoes for slow cooker ham and cheese soup

    Step One: Potatoes

    Start by peeling and cutting the potatoes. To get four cups of cubed potatoes, I used four large russet potatoes.

    One of my favorite shortcuts is to buy cubed potatoes from the refrigerator section of the grocery store but they were completely sold out when I went grocery shopping.

    diced ham for slow cooker ham and cheese soup

    Step Two: Ham

    Next, cut up the ham. Unfortunately, I didn’t have any leftover ham to make ham and cheese soup this time so I bought a piece of cooked, sliced ham from the grocery store. It ended up working really well in this recipe.

    If you are using leftover ham, your pieces won’t really be cubed but it doesn’t matter. You just need them to be bite sized.

    ham and potatoes in crockpot for slow cooker ham and cheese soup

    Step Three: Cook

    Put the ham and potatoes in the slow cooker (don’t forget the crockpot liner for easy cleanup) an cook on high for 3-4 hours low for 6-8 hours, or until the potatoes are fork tender.

    cubed Velveeta for slow cooker ham and cheese soup

    Step Four: Cheese

    For the cheese in this recipe, I like to use Velveeta because it melts the best and is the easiest method.

    It doesn’t work very well to add cheddar cheese directly into the crockpot like you can with the Velveeta. It wants to clump together instead of melting.

    How To Use Cheddar Cheese Instead of Velveeta:

    If you want to use cheddar cheese here is how you can do it. Reduce the water in the slow cooker to four cups. When the potatoes are cooked, shred 4 cups of cheddar cheese. (I suggest shredding the cheese yourself because it will melt better).

    Heat 2 cups of milk in a saucepan until it just starts to bubble. Slowly add the cheese about 1/4 cup at a time, whisking until smooth. Once all of the shredded cheddar cheese has been added, stir the cheese sauce into the ham and cheese soup in the slow cooker.

    cubed cheese in slow cooker ham and cheese soup

    Step Five: Combine

    Put the cheese in the crockpot and stir until melted.

    instant potato flakes to thicken slow cooker ham and cheese soup

    Step Six: Instant Potatoes

    My mom taught me a great hack for thickening soup: instant mashed potatoes! If you want your ham and cheese soup to be thicker, stir in a little bit of instant mashed potato flakes at a time stirring until fully incorporated.

    Just don’t add too much of the instant potatoes or your soup will become more like a casserole!

    slow cooker ham and cheese soup

    Pour the soup into bowls, grab a couple of dinner rolls and enjoy!

    Slow Cooker Ham and Cheese Soup FAQs

    1. Do you have a low carb or keto ham and cheese soup recipe? You can make this recipe keto be using cut up cauliflower instead of cubed potatoes.

    2. Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, but always check your labels to be sure.

    3. Would it work to add more veggies to this soup? Definitely! Try adding corn, broccoli, and cauliflower.

    4. Can you freeze leftover ham and cheese soup? Yes. Once the soup has cooled put it into an airtight container and store in the freezer.

    5. How can I make ham and cheese soup on the stovetop? Instead of putting the potatoes, ham, and water in a slow cooker, put them in a large stockpot. Boil until the potatoes are tender. Turn down the heat and stir in the Velveeta.

    Want More Slow Cooker Soup Recipes? Try These Next:

    This Slow Cooker Taco Soup recipe is so easy to make and so flavorful. Just brown the meat, put everything in the crockpot to cook, and then just stir! Serve with corn chips. Serve for a family dinner or at potlucks and parties.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup is a fun twist on the classic! Serve it with puff pastry breadsticks instead of pie crust!

    This Creamy Italian Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup from The Recipe Rebel with garlic, spinach, roasted red pepper and a touch of cream and Parmesan it is hearty and flavorful!

    Slow Cooker Corn Chowder recipe with potatoes and ham is the perfect comfort food for dinner! It will be a family favorite.

    scoop of slow cooker ham and cheese soup

    Slow Cooker Ham and Cheese Soup

    A hearty bowl of Slow Cooker Ham and Cheese Soup is the perfect way to warm up! Put it in the crockpot in the morning on a busy weekday for an easy dinner.
    4.48 from 84 votes
    ↑ Click stars to rate!
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    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 4 hours hours
    Total Time: 4 hours hours 15 minutes minutes
    Servings: 10 cups
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    Ingredients

    • 4 cup cubed ham
    • 4 cups cubed potatoes
    • 6 cups water
    • 16 oz Velveeta cubed
    • 1/4-3/4 cup instant potato flakes optional

    Instructions

    • Put the ham, potatoes, and water in a slow cooker and stir to combine.
    • Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours until the potatoes are tender.
    • Remove the lid and add the Velveeta. Stir until all of the cheese has melted.
    • To thicken the soup, stir in a little bit of instant potato flakes at a time, mixing until combined. If you add too much, your soup will turn into a casserole so go slow!

    Video

    Notes

    *See blog post for instructions on how to use shredded cheddar cheese instead of Velveeta.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 11/4 cup | Calories: 359kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 88mg | Sodium: 1512mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g
    Course: Dinner
    Cuisine: American
    Author: Tonia Larson

    slow cooker ham and cheese soup recipe pin

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      Crock Pot Spaghetti
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      Crock Pot Pork Chops
    • bbq chicken in a slow cooker.
      Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
    • a bowl full of crock pot chili.
      Crock Pot Chili

    About Tonia Larson

    Hi! I’m Tonia, the owner and recipe creator at The Gunny Sack, where I’ve shared easy recipes for busy people for 12+ years! My family-friendly meals, easy side dishes, and delicious desserts include mouthwatering photos, dynamic videos, and step-by-step instructions to help you cook at home.

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    Comments

    1. Lisa says

      December 6, 2022 at 4:19 am

      5 stars
      I’ve made this soup multiple times in the past year and not only is it easy, but it is delicious! If you like ham, potatoes, and cheese (who doesnt?) then you will love this soup!

      Reply
    2. Frances says

      August 25, 2022 at 12:34 pm

      When do I add the cheese?

      Reply
      • Tonia says

        August 25, 2022 at 12:35 pm

        The cheese is added in step three after the soup has cooked.

        Remove the lid and add the Velveeta. Stir until all of the cheese has melted.

        Reply
    3. Laura Miller says

      October 26, 2021 at 4:51 pm

      What is considered a serving? 1 cup? 1.5 cups? Im counting calories and would love to get the correct serving.

      Reply
      • Tonia says

        October 28, 2021 at 3:23 pm

        Hi Laura! Yes, the recipe makes 10 cups or 8 servings which is 1 1/4 cup for each serving.

        Reply
    4. Chris says

      December 10, 2020 at 1:50 am

      5 stars
      The soup was excellent and so easy to make!!! I had one cup and an soooo full!!!

      Reply
    5. Jamie Mcaninch says

      February 12, 2020 at 8:51 am

      Excellent soup !!! I used 2 cups vegetable broth and 4 cups water added a small onion diced and 2 stalks celery cut up and added it to the potatoes and ham. Added black pepper also. It’s a keeper as my hubby would say.

      Reply
    6. Jennifer Milfs says

      December 27, 2019 at 2:12 pm

      If I wanted to add a bag of frozen veggies to this, when would I add them?

      Reply
      • Tonia says

        December 27, 2019 at 3:53 pm

        Hello Jennifer,

        I would thaw the frozen vegetables and then add them at the same time as the potatoes.

        Enjoy!
        -Tonia

        Reply
    7. Alex says

      September 8, 2019 at 10:55 am

      5 stars
      I love this recipe. I like to add some diced onions and chopped celery to mine. I also use red potatoes and leave the peel on. I’ve also subbed some of the water our for vegetable stock before and used some ham stock in it. It is a very versatile recipe. I like that I can keep it as it is or add stuff I need to use out of my fridge.

      Reply
      • Tonia says

        September 10, 2019 at 8:26 am

        Thank you Alex! I’m happy to hear that. I love adding broccoli and cauliflower to my soup. Since my family doesn’t like the added veggies, I often cook them in the microwave and add them to my bowl only.

        Reply
    8. Alex says

      September 8, 2019 at 10:55 am

      5 stars
      I love this recipe. I like to add some diced onions and chopped celery to mine. I also use red potatoes and leave the peel on. I’ve also subbed some of the water our for vegetable stock before and used some ham stock in it. It is a very versatile recipe. I like that I can keep it as it is or add stuff I need to use out of my fridge.

      Reply
    9. Tracy says

      May 27, 2019 at 6:36 pm

      5 stars
      I think I accidentally deleted my comment. This turned out awesome! Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
    10. Tracy says

      May 27, 2019 at 9:28 am

      I am going to make this today. It looks awesome and I just happen to have some leftover ham to use up! It’s a rainy, cold, Memorial Day. I don’t have any instant potatoes, though, so if it needs thickening, I might try some cream cheese. Are the slow cooker times mixed up? 6-8 hours on high seems like a long time for potatoes?

      Reply
      • Tonia says

        May 27, 2019 at 9:54 am

        Hi Tracy,
        They sure are! Thanks for pointing that out. I’ll update the post.
        Happy Memorial Day!
        -Tonia

        Reply
        • Tracy says

          May 27, 2019 at 6:34 pm

          Oh my gosh this is good! I ended up making a batch and a half because I had more potatoes, and a few carrots I wanted to use up. I ended up adding too much liquid but I added some shredded cheese to my bowl, and a little salt and pepper, and it is awesome! Thanks for the great recipe!

          Reply
        • Tracy says

          May 27, 2019 at 6:36 pm

          5 stars
          I think I accidentally deleted my comment. This turned out awesome! Thanks for the recipe!

          Reply
    11. Ichi Tokyo says

      February 12, 2019 at 1:19 am

      5 stars
      This looks so good.

      Reply
    12. Ichi Tokyo says

      February 12, 2019 at 1:19 am

      5 stars
      This looks so good.

      Reply
    13. Rhonda says

      February 7, 2019 at 8:14 am

      5 stars
      This looks so good. I loved your slow cooker corn chowder recipe.

      Reply
    14. Rhonda says

      February 7, 2019 at 8:14 am

      5 stars
      This looks so good. I loved your slow cooker corn chowder recipe.

      Reply
    15. Dawn says

      September 13, 2011 at 1:22 am

      This looks so yummy and you take amazing pics!

      Reply
    16. Julie says

      September 7, 2011 at 8:24 pm

      Lord Almighty!!! This soup looks like it’s TO DIE for!! I’m a soup freak, no matter the season 🙂 I WILL be trying this! SO glad you shared this!

      Reply
    17. Marina says

      September 7, 2011 at 3:46 pm

      This looks perfect!! I never tried soup with cheese and I am sure I will love it!

      Reply
    18. sherri lynn says

      September 7, 2011 at 3:32 pm

      I have been in the mood for soups too! I think it’s a combination of all of this rain/dreary weather and knowing that it’s September!

      Reply
    19. Anne says

      September 7, 2011 at 1:43 pm

      I could’ve done with this a couple of weeks ago Tonia. It’s already warming up nicely. Anne xx

      Reply
    20. Lindsay @ Delighted Momma says

      September 7, 2011 at 5:38 am

      I am in the mood for soup too! This looks pretty simple too!

      Reply

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    Tonia Larson and Brian LarsonHi, We are Brian and Tonia Larson! We hope you enjoy our family-friendly meals, easy side dishes, and tasty desserts!
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