Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Soup 🥔🍖

A creamy, cheesy, and hearty soup that brings the comforting flavors of scalloped potatoes to your bowl! Perfect for chilly evenings and easy to make.

Ingredients:

4 cups sliced potatoes 🥔
1 onion, chopped 🧅
2 cups diced ham 🍖
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
4 cups chicken broth 🍲
1 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess) 🥛
2 tablespoons butter 🧈
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening) 🌾
Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional) 🌿

Instructions:

1️⃣ Sauté the Onion and Ham:

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced ham, cooking for about 5 minutes until the onion is softened and the ham is slightly browned.

2️⃣ Create the Base:

Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking to combine and avoid lumps.

3️⃣ Cook the Potatoes:

Add the sliced potatoes to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

4️⃣ Add the Cheese:

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until melted and fully incorporated. If desired, pour in the heavy cream for a richer texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5️⃣ Serve and Enjoy:

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or biscuits for dipping.

Cooking Tips:

For extra flavor, use smoked ham or add a pinch of smoked paprika.
Substitute sweet potatoes for a twist on the classic recipe.
Make it gluten-free by skipping the flour and blending some of the cooked potatoes into the broth for natural thickening.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 4-6

Cozy, satisfying, and filled with nostalgia, this soup is bound to be a family favorite! 🥣✨

Health Benefits of Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Soup

This comforting soup is more than just delicious—it provides a range of nutrients beneficial for women, pregnant women, men, and children when enjoyed in moderation.

For Women

Bone Health: The cheddar cheese and potatoes contain calcium, which helps maintain strong bones and teeth, especially vital for women at risk of osteoporosis.
Energy Boost: The complex carbohydrates in potatoes provide sustained energy, making it great for active days.
Skin Health: Vitamin C from potatoes supports collagen production, contributing to glowing skin.

For Pregnant Women

Fetal Development: Ham provides protein and iron, which are crucial for supporting the baby’s growth and preventing anemia.
Brain Health: The choline in ham and cheddar cheese helps in brain and spinal cord development in the fetus.
Comfort Food: This warm, mild soup can be soothing for nausea during pregnancy.

Caution: Pregnant women should ensure the ham is fully cooked and avoid high-sodium consumption, so balance the salt levels.

For Men

Muscle Building: The high-quality protein from ham and cheese supports muscle repair and growth, especially beneficial for active men or those exercising regularly.
Heart Health: Potatoes provide potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure—a key factor in reducing heart disease risks.
Brain Function: B vitamins from the onion and potatoes improve energy metabolism and brain function.

For Children

Growth and Development: Protein and calcium from the cheese and ham contribute to strong bones, teeth, and muscle development.
Immune Support: Onions and potatoes contain antioxidants like Vitamin C, which bolster the immune system.
Comfort Food Appeal: The creamy texture and cheesy flavor make it appealing for picky eaters while delivering essential nutrients.

Nutritional Considerations

While this soup has numerous benefits, it can be high in sodium and saturated fats due to the ham, cheese, and butter. Balance it by:

Using low-sodium broth and ham.
Adding extra vegetables like carrots or spinach for more fiber and vitamins.
Opting for reduced-fat cheese and milk instead of heavy cream to lower calories.

This hearty soup is a versatile, nutrient-packed meal that can be adjusted to meet the dietary needs of everyone in the family! 🥣💛