"Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup

By RoketJSquerl

Ingredients

• 3 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 cups smoked ham, trimmed and cubed
• 2 pounds potatoes (about 6 medium), peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 cup chopped (preferably sweet) onion
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon Creole or Cajun seasoning, or to taste, optiona
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1-1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, plus extra for garnish, optional

Preparation

Step 1

Instructions

Cook bacon in a soup pot until fat is rendered and bacon is cooked. Add ham to drippings and cook, stirring often, until lightly browned. Add potatoes, onion, celery, flour, salt, pepper and Cajun seasoning; toss.

Add enough water to cover the potatoes and bring to a boil; reduce to a simmer, and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally for 15 minutes. Add butter and milk and continue cooking another 10 to 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Taste, adjust seasonings, and continue cooking on simmer, uncovered, until the soup reach desired consistency and thickness. Stir in cheese, just until melted. Garnish each serving with additional shredded cheese if desired and serve immediately.