Amish Snow Day Soup

Sara

Writer & Blogger

Soups
April 13, 2025

Amish Snow Day Soup: A Heartwarming Comfort Bowl for Chilly Evenings �❄️🔥

1. Introduction

When winter’s chill sets in and snow blankets the ground, there’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a steaming bowl of Amish Snow Day Soup. This cherished recipe, passed down through generations of Amish families, transforms humble ingredients into a rich, creamy masterpiece that warms both body and soul. Perfect for those cozy snowed-in days or whenever you crave hearty comfort food, this soup features tender potatoes, savory ham, and a velvety broth that will make you feel like you’re wrapped in a warm quilt.

If you love comforting soups as much as we do, you might also enjoy our Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup or our quick Tuscan Chicken Soup for more delicious options.

Originating from the Amish communities known for their wholesome, farm-to-table cooking traditions, this Amish Snow Day Soup recipe is both economical and deeply satisfying. The combination of milk, butter, and flour creates a luscious base that’s reminiscent of the Amish countryside’s dairy-rich heritage, while potatoes and ham add substance and robust flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family after a day of sledding or just want comforting leftovers for the week, this soup is sure to become a winter staple in your home.

For more comforting meal ideas, check out our collection of dinner recipes or browse our selection of hearty soups for every season.

2. Ingredients

To make this authentic Amish Snow Day Soup that serves 6-8 people, you’ll need these simple, wholesome ingredients:

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter – the foundation of Amish cooking’s rich flavor
1 medium onion, diced – choose yellow onions for their perfect balance of sweetness and bite
2 celery stalks, diced – adds subtle herbal notes and texture
½ cup all-purpose flour – creates the thickening roux for that signature creamy texture
4 cups whole milk – don’t skimp here; the richness matters
4 cups chicken broth – homemade is best, but quality store-bought works too
4 cups peeled and diced potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes) – Russets or Yukon Golds work beautifully
2 cups diced cooked ham – leftover holiday ham works perfectly here
1 teaspoon salt – adjust to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground is ideal
½ teaspoon dried thyme – or 1 teaspoon fresh if you have it
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish – adds color and freshness

If you’re looking for more recipes featuring these ingredients, explore our chicken recipes or breakfast ideas that use similar components.

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot (a 5-quart size works well), melt the butter over medium heat. The heavy pot ensures even heat distribution, preventing scorching. Add the diced onion and celery, cooking until they become translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent browning. This simple step creates the aromatic flavor foundation that makes your Amish Snow Day Soup so special.

Onions and celery sautéing in butter for Amish Snow Day Soup.

Step 2: Create the Roux

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the sautéed vegetables and stir continuously for about 2 minutes. This crucial step cooks out the raw flour taste and creates what’s called a “roux” – the thickening agent that will give your Amish Snow Day Soup its perfect consistency. The mixture should become fragrant and take on a slightly golden hue. Be careful not to let it brown too much, as we want a light roux for this recipe.

Flour being stirred into vegetables to make a roux for Amish Snow Day Soup.

For those who love baking as much as cooking, check out our baking recipes where roux techniques are often used in savory pies and sauces.

Step 3: Add Liquids Gradually

Now comes the key to a lump-free soup: slowly whisk in the milk, about 1 cup at a time, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. This patience pays off with a perfectly smooth base. Then add the chicken broth in the same careful manner. The gradual process allows the roux to properly absorb the liquids, creating that signature velvety texture that makes Amish Snow Day Soup so comforting.

Milk being added to the roux for the creamy base of Amish Snow Day Soup.

Step 4: Simmer with Potatoes and Ham

Add the diced potatoes, ham, salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring the Amish Snow Day Soup to a gentle simmer (small bubbles just breaking the surface) and cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 20-25 minutes. The soup will thicken as it cooks – this is normal. If it becomes too thick, you can thin it with a bit more milk or broth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed – you might want an extra pinch of salt or pepper depending on your ham’s saltiness.

Potatoes and ham added to the simmering Amish Snow Day Soup.

For more hearty meal ideas featuring potatoes and ham, browse our beef recipes which often include similar comforting ingredients.

4. Cooking Tips

For the absolute best Amish Snow Day Soup experience, keep these professional tips in mind:

Potato selection: Use starchy potatoes like Russets for the creamiest texture as they break down slightly during cooking. Waxy potatoes like red bliss will hold their shape better if you prefer distinct potato pieces.
Cutting technique: Cut potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes for even cooking. Larger pieces take longer to cook through, while smaller ones might disintegrate.
Consistency control: If the soup thickens too much upon standing, thin with additional milk or broth when reheating. The soup will continue to thicken as it cools.
Extra richness: For special occasions, substitute 1 cup of the milk with heavy cream for an ultra-luxurious version.
Flavor development: Let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld beautifully. This resting period makes a noticeable difference.
Ham options: While diced cooked ham is traditional, you can use leftover holiday ham, ham steak, or even quality deli ham in a pinch.

For more cooking tips and techniques, explore our salad recipes which often include helpful preparation advice.

5. Serving Suggestions

This Amish Snow Day Soup is substantial enough to be a complete meal on its own, but pairs beautifully with these accompaniments to create a memorable winter meal:

Bread: Crusty artisan bread or homemade buttermilk rolls are perfect for sopping up every last drop. Consider our baking recipes for perfect bread pairings.
Salad: A simple green salad with bright vinaigrette cuts through the soup’s richness beautifully.
Pickles: Pickled vegetables like dilly beans or bread-and-butter pickles add a tangy contrast.
Dessert: Warm apple crisp or simple sugar cookies make a homey dessert pairing.

Presentation matters too! Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a light dusting of paprika for color contrast. For special occasions or heartier appetites, top with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon bits, or even a dollop of sour cream.

6. Storage and Reheating

One of the great things about Amish Snow Day Soup is how well it keeps, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers:

Refrigeration: Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often improve after a day as they meld.
Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. The soup will thicken when cold, so you may need to add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to regain the perfect consistency.
Single servings: For easy lunches, portion into microwave-safe containers. Reheat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until piping hot.

For more make-ahead meal ideas, check out our dessert recipes that also store well.

7. Variations

While the traditional Amish Snow Day Soup is perfect as-is, here are some delicious variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs:

Vegetarian Version: Omit the ham and use vegetable broth. Add extra potatoes or include mushrooms for umami depth.
Cheesy Twist: Stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese at the end of cooking for extra richness.
Spicy Kick: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños with the onions for those who like heat.
Chicken Variation: Substitute the ham with cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great) for a different protein option.
Corn Chowder Style: Add 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels with the potatoes for a sweeter, summery twist.
Gluten-Free: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry.
Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and milk alternatives, though the texture will be slightly different.

As shared by the Amish community on Facebook, some families add corn for a heartier version, proving how adaptable this recipe can be.

8. Nutritional Information

One serving (about 1½ cups) of Amish Snow Day Soup contains approximately:

Calories: 380 – providing substantial energy for cold days
Protein: 18g – from the ham and milk, helping keep you full
Carbohydrates: 35g – primarily from the potatoes and milk
Fat: 20g – contributing to the rich, satisfying mouthfeel
Fiber: 3g – from the vegetables and potatoes
Calcium: 20% DV – excellent for bone health
Vitamin C: 30% DV – surprising for a cream soup, thanks to the potatoes
Iron: 15% DV – from the ham and flour

This nutritional profile makes Amish Snow Day Soup a balanced meal option that provides protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats in one comforting bowl.

9. Conclusion

This Amish Snow Day Soup recipe represents the very best of hearty, home-style cooking – simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary through time-honored techniques. Its creamy texture, comforting flavors, and satisfying heartiness make it the perfect antidote to winter’s chill. Whether you’re serving it after a day of snow play, as the centerpiece of a family gathering, or simply as a nourishing weeknight meal, this soup delivers warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and forgiving nature – it’s hard to mess up, easily adaptable, and always delicious. As the Amish would say, it’s “wonderful good” – high praise indeed from a culture known for its exceptional home cooking. Try this authentic Amish recipe today and discover why it’s been cherished for generations. One taste, and you’ll understand why this soup has earned its place as a winter classic.

For more comforting recipes to warm your winter, explore our full collection of soup recipes or browse our dinner ideas for complete meal inspiration.