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    Home » Recipes

    Delicious Instant Pot Ham and Potato Soup Recipe

    Published: Dec 15, 2021 · Modified: Jul 9, 2022 by Jeri Walker · This post may contain affiliate links · 21 Comments

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    Long pin for instant pot ham and potato soup, showing ingredients and preparation and finally the soiup in a white bowl with a white spoon

    Wondering what to make your family for dinner tonight? Why not make this easy and hearty Instant Pot Ham and Potato Soup that the whole family will love? With just a few ingredients and a pressure cooker, you can have a hot meal ready in just minutes. It has a thick and creamy texture and is guaranteed to be delicious! This soup is ready in less than 30 minutes, including the time to pressure up!

    Instant pot ham and potato soup in a white bowl with a white spoon, with a gray dishcloth beside it. this …

    Sometimes, all you need is a hot bowl of hearty soup to feel rejuvenated in the cold weather. This Instant Pot Ham and Potato Soup Recipe is a great way to warm up on a chilly day. This soup is one of my personal favorites because it's so comforting yet so simple, and did I mention it is a delicious recipe?

    You just can't beat it on a chilly day. It's thick, creamy, and loaded with tender potatoes. There is no fussing over making this dish, just cut up the veggies and place them in your Instant Pot!

    This is the perfect recipe for using leftover Double Smoked Ham or Heated Ham with Pineapple Glaze. The flavor of this soup is so fantastic, and it's even better warmed up the next day!

    Check out my creamy and healthy Buttercup Squash Soup or my Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Pasta Soup for more comforting soup recipes.

    Jump to:
    • A new take on the classic ham and potato soup
    • Why you need to make instant pot ham potato soup
    • What type of potatoes are best in soup?
    • Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
    • Instructions for easy ham and potato soup
    • Variations
    • Optional toppings
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Top tips
    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
    • More Instant Pot Recipes
    • 📋 Recipe
    • Food safety
    • More Recipes
    • 💬 Comments

    A new take on the classic ham and potato soup

    This Instant Pot Ham and Potato Soup Recipe is a classic recipe taken to the next level. It has all the traditional ham and potato soup flavors, but it's made easier with pressure cooking. This recipe will be your new go-to for soup this winter!

    You will have no issues with this recipe, even if you are using the instant pot for the very first time.

    Why you need to make instant pot ham potato soup

    TASTES DELICIOUS: This pressure cooker ham and potato soup is so full of delicious flavor. The flavors of ham and potatoes go together so well; this will become your family's new favorite soup.

    VERSATILE: This soup can be made with sausage instead of ham. Smoked sausage is especially good. Use whatever vegetables you have on hand to pack this soup with more healthy veggies.

    QUICK AND SIMPLE: This Instant Pot soup recipe is great because it can be ready in a fraction of the time it would take to make it on the stove or in the slow cooker. This recipe only takes 10 minutes to cook. As a result, you'll be able to spend more time with your family and less time in the kitchen.

    COMFORTING: This soup is the perfect dish for wintertime when you need something warm and hearty. It is full of tender potatoes and delicious ham.

    ONE POT: It is also the perfect meal to make when you are in a hurry because it is made in one pot, perfect for easy cleanup.

    HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE TO CANNED SOUP: This ham and potato soup is homemade, allowing you to control the ingredients. It is so much healthier than opening up a jar of canned soup.

    PERFECT FOR SUMMER: Even though this soup is the ultimate comfort food, it is also FANTASTIC in the summer. I use leftover corn on the cob and leftover smokies in this soup, and it doesn't heat up your house!

    What type of potatoes are best in soup?

    Potatoes are the perfect food for any time of year, especially during winter. They're delicious, filling, and versatile. Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food for me.

    When choosing potatoes for soup, it depends on your personal preference.

    Russet potatoes are harder to peel, but they contain less natural sugar than other varieties.

    Yukon Gold potatoes tend to be starchy, making them great for soups.

    Red-skinned potatoes have a slightly sweeter taste and hold their shape well after boiling. These are my personal favorite, and we grew a garden full of them. 🙂

    Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

    This tasty soup is perfect for chilly days and busy schedules. A favorite of ours, the ingredients are simple and easy to find at the grocery store.

    Ingredients for instant pot ham and potato soup measured out in individual small bowls and placed on a white table
    • Cooked ham, diced. I used leftover Double Smoked Ham. Smoked Sausages are also a great substitute. In the summer, I cook extra smokies so I can use them the next day in this soup!
    • Carrots, cut into 1-inch chunks. I used our own home-grown garden carrots, feel free to use the type of carrots you have on hand.
    • Onion. I used a yellow onion, but you could also use a red onion.
    • Olive oil. Olive oil is required to prevent the onions, carrots, and ham from sticking to the bottom of the pressure cooker while sauteing. You could also substitute avocado oil as well.
    • Chicken stock. Chicken stock (or chicken broth) adds great flavor to the soup. You could also use vegetable broth.
    • Potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks. I used red potatoes, but feel free to use yellow potatoes, or even sweet potatoes!
    • Corn. I used a can of corn niblets. Smoked corn is fantastic in this soup! When I make corn on the cob I make extra to use in this soup the next day. Just cut the kernels off the cob. So delicious!
    • Seasoning salt. I used seasoning salt for the best flavor, but you could use regular table salt instead.
    • Garlic powder. Garlic adds great flavor. You can also use two garlic cloves, and saute them with the onion.
    • Black pepper. Black pepper adds depth and some spice to the soup. Feel free to use course ground black pepper as well for a more vibrant flavor.
    • Half and half. I prefer using half and half, which is 10% milk fat. You can also use heavy cream (35%), or a can of evaporated milk. I do not recommend regular milk on its own though, it might curdle. However, you can mix whipping cream with regular milk in equal proportions and everything should be okay then!
    • Corn starch. This is used to make the soup a little thicker. If you don't want your soup as thick, then you can either omit it or use a potato masher to carefully mash the potatoes until you get the desired consistency.

    See the recipe card for quantities.

    Instructions for easy ham and potato soup

    Ham and potatoes are perfect together, and with the Instant Pot, this recipe is both easy and delicious.

    Prep your ingredients: Wash and peel the carrots and potatoes. Dice them into small cubes or slices. Next, dice up the ham and onion.

    Saute: Turn on the saute function of the Instant Pot and add the olive oil. Saute onions, carrots, and ham for 3-4 minutes, until the onion gets soft and translucent. If necessary, add another tablespoon of olive oil or a little water to keep the pan from burning.

    Diced carrots, ham, and onion in the instant pot, sauteing for a few minutes

    Add the rest of the ingredients: Next, add 6 cups of chicken stock, potatoes, seasoning salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Put the lid on the instant pot and secure the lid.

    Potatoes and chicken stock added to ham, carrots, and onions in the instant pot

    Cook: Set the pressure cooker to high pressure and set the timer for 6 minutes.

    When the cook time is up, let the pressure naturally release for 3 minutes, then vent the rest of the pressure manually. Open the lid carefully.

    Cooked potatoes and carrots of the soup after the first cook time

    Add corn to the instant pot. Stir well to mix.

    The corn added to the soup in the instant pot and is stirred with a large wooden spoon

    Mix the half and half and cornstarch with a whisk until smooth.

    Mixing the corn starch and the cream with a whisk in a glass measuring cup

    Add the corn starch mixture to the instant pot and stir well.

    Stirring the soup with a wooden spoon after the corn starch mixture is added.

    Replace the lid on the Instant Pot and keep it covered for 3 minutes. This keeps the heat in so the corn gets hot, and the liquid thickens.

    Remove the lid, stir, and enjoy!

    Top with sour cream, diced green onion, and grated cheddar cheese if desired.

    Instant pot ham and potato soup with corn and carrots served in a white bowl on a white table

    Variations

    • For something spicy, try adding a teaspoon of chili powder or red pepper flakes
    • Add more fresh veggies, or try adding spinach or celery for a healthier soup.
    • Make a cheesy soup by adding some shredded cheese
    • Add some cooked bacon for an extra special treat
    • Add a sprig of fresh rosemary, fresh thyme, or bay leaves for extra flavoring

    Optional toppings

    Top this thick soup with a few different toppings for a hearty meal! Some fun ones to try are:

    • Shredded cheese
    • Bacon
    • Extra ham
    • Sour cream
    • Chopped green onions
    • Jalapenos, chopped

    Equipment

    I used an 8-quart Instant Pot that I have had for a few years now, and I LOVE it! I also have an 8-quart Instant Pot in stainless steel, which I love!

    Storage

    Let the ham and potato soup cool completely. Place cooled soup in an airtight container.

    FRIDGE: Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until hot throughout.

    FREEZER: This soup does not freeze well. Potatoes get mushy when frozen, and the dairy in the soup will separate on thawing, resulting in a grainy and curdled texture.

    Top tips

    • Saute the carrots, onion, and ham first. This provides a much more flavorful soup. Be careful not to burn them though, stir constantly!
    • Use leftover double smoked ham. The flavor of the smoke goes into the soup and infuses the entire soup with smoky flavor. You have to try it! It will knock your socks off... or your tastebuds...you know what I mean. 🙂 But seriously, it is so, so good!
    • Use leftover smoked corn on the cob. For the same reason as mentioned above, the smoky flavor of the corn goes into the soup, and wowza! Yum, yum, yum! I make this soup in the summer with freshly picked corn on the cob that was smoked on the pellet grill first. Try it! You will love it!
    • If you like your stew thicker, mash the potatoes a bit to thicken up the soup.

    A bowl of pressure cooker ham and potato soup with a white spoon dishing up some soup

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    What is the best way to thicken instant pot ham and potato soup?

    Instant Pot Ham and Potato Soup is a quick and easy recipe that tastes great with a few simple ingredients. To thicken this soup, the recipe contains corn starch which you add with half and half. This thickens the soup. You can also use a potato masher and mash some potatoes up, thickening the soup.

    How long does it take to cook instant pot ham and potato soup?

    It should take about 10 minutes to cook, not including the time to pressure up.

    Is this dish gluten-free?

    Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. This ham and potato soup is made with potatoes, onion, and carrots. The soup will be gluten-free if these vegetables are not contaminated with gluten-containing grains.

    Can I cook the soup in a slow cooker or on the stovetop?

    Yes, you can cook ham and pot soup in a slow cooker. However, if you are cooking on the stovetop, you will want to use a large stockpot.

    Some potato soup on a white soup, with large chunks of carrots

    More Instant Pot Recipes

    • Instant Pot Pork Ribs - From Frozen
    • Easy Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna Recipe
    • Venison Roast in the Instant Pot
    • Instant Pot Venison Stew
    • Instant Pot Chicken Breasts - From Frozen
    • Spaghetti Squash in the Instant Pot
    • Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs
    • Instant Pot Rice

    Simple, delicious, and hearty, this Instant Pot Ham and Potato Soup is perfect for a cold winter day. Serve it with dinner rolls, cornbread, or biscuits on the side for a delicious meal.

    I hope you enjoyed this recipe to make Instant Pot Ham and Potato Soup. If you try it out and like it, I would appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave a star rating below. Also, please leave a comment below saying how much you enjoyed it and what other types of recipes/ingredients would be interesting for me to write about in the future.

    Thank you so much for reading my article, and don't forget to share it with your friends on social media!

    You can also Follow Me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.

    📋 Recipe

    Instant pot ham and potato soup in a white bowl with a white spoon, with a gray dishcloth beside it.

    Instant Pot Ham and Potato Soup

    Wondering what to make your family for dinner tonight? Why not make this easy and hearty Instant Pot Ham and Potato Soup that the whole family will love! With just a few ingredients and a pressure cooker, you can have a hot meal ready in just minutes. It has a thick and creamy texture and is guaranteed to be delicious! This soup is ready in less than 30 minutes, including the time to pressure up!
    4.99 from 60 votes
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
    Course: Main Course, Soup
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 9 minutes
    Total Time: 24 minutes
    Servings: 6 people
    Calories: 338kcal
    Author: Jeri Walker
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot

    Ingredients

    • 2-3 medium carrots diced
    • 1 onion diced
    • 2 tablespoon olive oil
    • 2 cups cooked ham diced
    • 6 cups chicken stock
    • 4-5 medium potatoes diced
    • 1½ teaspoon seasoning salt
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 cup corn
    • 1 cup half and half
    • 2 tablespoon cornstarch

    Instructions

    • Turn on the saute function on the Instant Pot. Saute carrots, onions, and ham in olive oil for 3-4 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and soft. Hit cancel on the Instant Pot to turn off the Saute mode.
    • Next, add 6 cups of chicken stock, potatoes, seasoning salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to the Instant Pot. Stir well, and push the potatoes down with the back of a spoon. Put the lid on, seal, and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.
    • When the cooking time is up, do a natural release for 3 minutes, then vent the rest of the steam manually.
    • Mix the half and half with the cornstarch and add to the Instant Pot. Add corn as well. Stir well to mix. Replace the lid and keep it covered for 3 minutes.
    • Remove the lid, stir the soup, and enjoy!
    • Top with sour cream and grated cheddar cheese if desired.
    • Enjoy!

    Video

    Notes

    Nutritional information is approximate and is meant as a guideline only.
    Storage:
    Let the ham and potato soup cool completely. Place cooled soup in an airtight container.
    Fridge: Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on stovetop or microwave until hot throughout.  
    Freezer: This soup does not freeze well. Potatoes get mushy when frozen, and the dairy in the soup will separate on thawing, resulting in a grainy and curdled texture. 
    Top tips
    • Saute the carrots, onion, and ham first. This provides a much more flavorful soup. Be careful not to burn them though, stir constantly!
    • Use leftover double smoked ham. The flavor of the smoke goes into the soup and infuses the entire soup with smoky flavor. You have to try it! It will knock your socks off... or your tastebuds...you know what I mean. 🙂 But seriously, it is so, so good!
    • Use leftover smoked corn on the cob. For the same reason as mentioned above, the smoky flavor of the corn goes into the soup, and wowza! Yum, yum, yum! I make this soup in the summer with freshly picked corn on the cob that was smoked on the pellet grill first. Try it! You will love it!
    • If you like your stew thicker, mash the potatoes a bit to thicken up the soup.
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 338kcal | Carbohydrates: 35.2g | Protein: 22.2g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 49.5mg | Sodium: 991.2mg | Potassium: 1102.5mg | Fiber: 4.4g | Sugar: 7.5g | Vitamin A: 173.5IU | Vitamin C: 16.8mg | Calcium: 36.5mg | Iron: 1.9mg
    L❤️VE this recipe? PIN it for later! 😊Mention @windingcreek_ranch or tag #windingcreek_ranch on IG!

    Food safety

    • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
    • Never leave cooking food unattended
    • Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Cass

      December 29, 2021 at 12:14 pm

      5 stars
      This was so delicious. Thanks for posting.

      Reply
      • Jeri

        December 29, 2021 at 12:18 pm

        I'm so glad you liked it, Cass! Thanks for taking the time to rate and comment! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Emily Flint

      December 17, 2021 at 8:07 am

      5 stars
      I love that I can make this in my Instant Pot!

      Reply
      • Jeri

        December 28, 2021 at 9:29 pm

        Yes, it is so quick and easy!

        Reply
    3. Jerika

      December 17, 2021 at 1:09 am

      5 stars
      Yum! Thanks for sharing your recipe, this will be added to my list of comfort foods.:) Happy Holidays!:)

      Reply
      • Jeri

        December 28, 2021 at 9:30 pm

        Happy Holidays!

        Reply
    4. Oscar

      December 16, 2021 at 4:47 pm

      5 stars
      Such a warm and comforting soup. Loved making it in the instant pot. Quick and simple. Great recipe.

      Reply
      • Jeri

        December 28, 2021 at 9:30 pm

        Thanks, Oscar! I'm glad you liked it!

        Reply
    5. Joanna

      December 16, 2021 at 3:24 pm

      5 stars
      I love hearty soups this time of the year. I line literally every single ingredient in this recipe so it is surely a keeper! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Jeri

        December 28, 2021 at 9:31 pm

        This is the perfect winter soup. Enjoy!

        Reply
    6. nancy

      December 16, 2021 at 11:02 am

      5 stars
      Such a cozy soup - it's perfectly made everytime!

      Reply
    7. Addie

      December 15, 2021 at 8:40 pm

      5 stars
      Total comfort food! So warm and cozy.

      Reply
    8. Megan Ellam

      December 15, 2021 at 6:33 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely the bomb!! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    9. Kayla DiMaggio

      December 15, 2021 at 6:31 pm

      5 stars
      This ham and potato soup is delicious! I love all the flavors!

      Reply
      • Jeri

        December 28, 2021 at 9:31 pm

        Thanks, Kayla!

        Reply
    10. Jere Cassidy

      December 15, 2021 at 5:59 pm

      5 stars
      Glad to find your recipe for the IP. I just bought my daughter this for a gift and want to include recipes for her. You always share something delicious so I am including the soup recipe.

      Reply
      • Jeri

        December 28, 2021 at 9:32 pm

        Thank you, Jere! This is an easy soup that I'm sure your daughter will love!

        Reply
    11. Giangi Townsend

      December 15, 2021 at 5:10 pm

      5 stars
      Fantastic dinner, quick, easy and so delicious.
      Thank you for sharing.

      Reply
      • Jeri

        December 15, 2021 at 5:18 pm

        Thank you so much!

        Reply
    12. Jeannie

      December 15, 2021 at 4:47 pm

      5 stars
      This is a quick dinner meal for us! Love the soup so much

      Reply
      • Jeri

        December 15, 2021 at 5:18 pm

        I'm so glad you liked it!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Jeri!

    I'm a passionate home cook who loves creating easy and delicious recipes for busy families! My goal is to help you make tasty meals quickly so you can spend more time on what matters most-- family!

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