Decadent Ham and Cheese Soup with White Wine and Gruyere: The Ultimate Leftover Ham Recipe
Transforming your leftover ham from a festive holiday meal, like Easter or Thanksgiving, into a gourmet experience has never been easier or more delicious. This Ham and Cheese Soup with White Wine and Gruyere is not just a recipe; it’s a celebration of rich flavors and comforting textures. Decadent and incredibly satisfying, this soup is guaranteed to become a new family favorite, keeping your loved ones coming back for more, every single time. It’s the perfect way to breathe new life into an ingredient often relegated to simple sandwiches, elevating it to a truly memorable dish.
This post was originally published on March 23, 2018, and has since been updated to provide even more valuable information and tips for creating this exquisite soup.
The Secret to an Unforgettable Creamy Ham and Cheese Soup
My journey into the world of cheese soups began many years ago during a visit to Poland. I vividly remember the first spoonful of a rich, velvety cheese soup – its incredible taste and smooth consistency left me utterly amazed. From that moment, I was determined to recreate that magical experience in my own kitchen. After numerous attempts and a bit of culinary detective work, I uncovered what I believe is the true secret to achieving that wonderfully smooth, decadent texture: the addition of a special ingredient – spreadable cheese, in harmony with classic Gruyere.
Throughout Europe, a variety of incredibly soft, melt-in-your-mouth spreadable cheeses are widely available. These cheeses possess a unique quality that allows them to dissolve seamlessly into soups, creating an unparalleled creaminess. In the U.S., one of the most common and accessible options is Laughing Cow cheese. While I’ve successfully used two small triangles of Laughing Cow in this recipe alongside Gruyere, it does require a bit more patience to fully melt and incorporate. If you’re fortunate enough to have a Polish specialty store or a European market nearby, I highly recommend seeking out authentic European spreadable cheese. Its superior melting properties will elevate the soup to an even higher level of creaminess (check the recipe notes for more details on this).
However, it’s important to note that while spreadable cheese enhances the soup, it is an optional addition. The star of this show, and truly sufficient on its own, is high-quality Gruyere cheese. This hard yellow Swiss cheese, known for its sweet, nutty, and slightly salty flavor, melts beautifully and provides a robust, complex cheesiness that is simply divine. Your Ham and Cheese Soup will still be incredibly cheesy and delicious with just Gruyere, so don’t hesitate to proceed if spreadable cheese isn’t within reach.
Mastering Leftover Ham: The Perfect Post-Holiday Solution
After big holiday feasts like Easter, Christmas, or even a Sunday roast, do you often find yourself with a significant amount of leftover ham? I certainly do! And in my household, variety is key. My husband, like many, isn’t keen on eating the same meal repeatedly. This constant need for culinary innovation has driven me to explore exciting and creative ways to repurpose leftover ham, ensuring every meal feels fresh and new.
This Ham and Cheese Soup with White Wine and Gruyere is an absolute standout for tackling those holiday leftovers. It’s more than just a quick fix; it’s a luxurious transformation. Instead of letting that delicious ham go to waste or serving it in mundane ways, this soup turns it into a gourmet experience. The savory notes of the ham infuse beautifully with the creamy, cheesy broth, creating a symphony of flavors that will make you look forward to leftovers!
If you’re searching for more inspiration to utilize your delicious leftover ham, here are some other fantastic and highly recommended recipes:
- This Ham and Cheese Soup with White Wine and Gruyere: The star of our show, offering warmth and decadence.
- Stuffed Eggs with Ham and Cheese: A delightful appetizer or light lunch, perfect for a brunch spread.
- Classic Croque Monsieur Sandwich: Elevate your sandwich game with this French classic, featuring ham, Gruyere, and béchamel.
- Ham and Cheese Crepes: A versatile and elegant option, great for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner.
- Rice Salad with Corn, Ham, Cucumber, and Chives: A refreshing and vibrant salad that I personally make every Easter, offering a lighter alternative.
- Crepes with Egg, Ham, and Cheese: Another delicious crepe variation, perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Repurposing leftover ham isn’t just about reducing waste; it’s about extending the joy of a special meal and discovering new culinary delights. This soup, in particular, showcases how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary.
Key Ingredients for Your Gourmet Ham and Cheese Soup
Cheese soups are incredibly popular across Europe, with each country offering its unique twist. For instance, German cheese soups often incorporate beer, adding a distinct malty depth. For this particular rendition, I drew inspiration from classic French cuisine, opting for the sophisticated touch of white wine – a decision that proved to be truly excellent. The wine’s subtle tanginess provides a beautiful counterpoint to the rich, heavy cream and cheese, balancing the flavors and preventing the soup from feeling overly indulgent. It also helps to deglaze the pan, adding another layer of depth from the caramelized bits of onion and ham.
I designed this soup to be on the thinner side, making it ideal for serving with crusty bread for dipping. However, if you prefer a thicker, heartier consistency, it’s easily achievable with a small amount of flour (refer to the recipe notes for detailed instructions on how to thicken your soup). Another fantastic way to enjoy this soup is by serving it with homemade croutons – for a simple guide, you can check out my recipe for Greek Panzanella Salad, where I demonstrate how to make perfectly crisp croutons.
So, without further ado, here are the essential ingredients you’ll need to create this magnificent Ham and Cheese Soup:
- Onions: A foundational aromatic that provides a sweet base when properly sautéed.
- Ham: Your delicious leftover ham, diced into small cubes, bringing a savory, smoky element.
- White Wine: A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, adds essential acidity and depth of flavor.
- Broth: Chicken broth is recommended for a balanced flavor, but vegetable or even a homemade ham stock can also be used.
- Heavy Cream: The key to the soup’s luxurious, velvety texture and richness.
- Gruyere Cheese: The primary cheese, offering nutty, sweet, and complex flavors that melt beautifully.
- Spreadable Triangle Cheese (optional): For an extra layer of creaminess and a super smooth finish, particularly if you can source European varieties.
- Fresh Nutmeg: A small grate of fresh nutmeg adds a warm, subtly spicy aroma that complements the cheese wonderfully.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste, enhancing all the other flavors.
- Green Onions: For garnish, providing a fresh, mild oniony bite and a pop of color.
Using quality ingredients makes a noticeable difference. Opt for a good quality dry white wine that you’d enjoy drinking, and always choose fresh, good-quality Gruyere cheese, ideally grated yourself for the best melt and flavor. Each component plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor that make this soup truly exceptional.
I confidently declare this to be the finest cheese soup I have ever tasted. The first time I served it, my husband’s eyes lit up with a look of pure delight, and he simply uttered, “Ooh… that’s good.” It’s a moment that truly captures the magic of this dish. I challenge you to try it yourself – taste the rich, creamy goodness, the savory ham, the subtle wine notes, and the luxurious Gruyere. I’m eager to hear your thoughts!
This Ham and Cheese Soup is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of comfort food that warms you from the inside out, perfect for a chilly evening, a cozy lunch, or a special family dinner. The depth of flavor, combined with the ease of preparation, makes it a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Don’t let those holiday ham leftovers go to waste when they can be transformed into something truly spectacular.
More Delicious European Soup Recipes to Explore:
If you’re a fan of hearty and flavorful European soups, here are some other incredible recipes from my collection that you might enjoy:
- Instant Pot Bean Soup with Pesto and Spinach: A quick and nutritious option packed with flavor.
- Creamy Spinach Soup with Parmesan Croutons: A vibrant green soup, light yet satisfying, with a cheesy crunch.
- Chunky Potato Leek Soup: A classic, comforting soup perfect for a chilly day, hearty and full of rustic charm.
- Hungarian Mushroom Soup with Dill: A unique and earthy soup, rich with mushrooms and fragrant dill.
- Polish Dill Pickle Soup: A surprisingly delightful and tangy soup, offering a taste of traditional Polish comfort.
- Slow Cooker Cabbage Soup: An easy and healthy way to enjoy a classic, with minimal effort.
Each of these recipes brings a piece of European culinary tradition to your table, offering a range of flavors and textures to suit any preference. They are all tried and tested, guaranteeing a delicious outcome.
Ham and Cheese Soup with White Wine and Gruyere
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Ingredients
- 1 Onion yellow, medium size, chopped
- 1.5 cup Ham cooked, cut into small cubes
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 0.5 cup White wine dry
- 2 cups Chicken broth
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1.5 cup Gruyere Cheese shredded
- 2 triangles Spreadable cheese (optional)
- 0.5 teaspoon Nutmeg fresh, grated
- Salt & Black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp Green Onions to garnish
Instructions
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In a Dutch oven or other heavy pot, melt the butter and add onions. Cook for 2 minutes until translucent.
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Add ham and cook for another 2 minutes.
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Add white wine and let reduce in half for a minute or two.
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Add chicken stock, cover the pot and cook for 15 minutes.
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Add one cup of cream and cook for a few more minutes.
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If using spreadable cheese, melt them in a cup of hot water and add to the soup.
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Turn off the heat and add gruyere, nutmeg, and black pepper.
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Check for seasoning and add salt if needed.
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Serve with fresh scallion or chives, bread on a side or toasted croutons.
Notes
**If you want your soup thicker, mix 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour with water and add to the broth. Let cook for a minute.
***If you want to serve your soup with croutons, check my recipe for Greek Panzanella Salad when I show you how to make croutons.
Nutrition
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