Ham And Swiss Soup
Creamy ham and broccoli soup with Swiss cheese and thyme offers comforting flavors, perfect for a quick, hearty meal suited for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour until smooth.
- Gradually add chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a boil.
- Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
- Add chopped broccoli and chopped onion; cook and stir until crisp-tender.
- Add cubed ham, whipping cream, and dried thyme; heat through.
- Stir in the cheese until melted and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding more whipping cream or a splash of milk. If you don't have broccoli, any green vegetable like spinach or peas can work as a substitute. For a bit of heat, a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce can be added. Ensure to whisk the flour thoroughly to avoid lumps when adding the chicken broth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Ham And Swiss Soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Tomato Chicken Casserole for a comforting dinner. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor and color. Consider a side of garlic bread for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent separation. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham And Swiss Soup contains roughly 645 calories, with 22g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value), calcium (47% of the Daily Value), and protein (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 992mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese in the soup?
Yes, you can substitute Swiss cheese with other cheeses like cheddar or Gruyère for a different flavor profile. Just ensure that the cheese melts well to maintain a creamy texture.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
While the soup can be frozen, the cream may separate when thawed. It's best to freeze just the broth and add fresh cream when reheating. Consume within 2 months for optimal flavor.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Omit the ham and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can enhance the flavor by adding mushrooms or a variety of vegetables to maintain a hearty texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).