Sally Thompson
When the weather turns icy and the snow begins to blanket the ground, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of Amish Snow Day Soup. Rich and creamy, this rustic soup is a beloved staple in many countryside kitchens — a tribute to simplicity and flavor rooted in tradition. Featuring hearty chunks of potato, sweet corn, bits of bacon or ham, and a smooth, buttery broth, it’s the kind of meal that warms you to the core after shoveling snow or settling in for a quiet winter day.
Inspired by the Amish way of cooking — minimal, resourceful, and nourishing — this soup comes together easily with pantry staples and a few humble ingredients. It’s the perfect choice for those snowed-in days when you crave comfort food that doesn’t require a trip to the store. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for cozy leftovers, this is the kind of soup that brings everyone back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Amish Snow Day Soup
- Incredibly hearty and filling with simple ingredients.
- Cozy and comforting during cold weather.
- Quick to prepare with pantry basics.
- Flexible: use bacon, ham, or go vegetarian.
- Budget-friendly and family-approved.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To get the best results with Amish Snow Day Soup, you’ll want a few essential kitchen tools:
- Large Dutch Oven or Soup Pot: This is where all the magic happens. Its even heating helps develop deeper flavors.
- Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring as it won’t scratch your pot.
- Chef’s Knife: For chopping potatoes, onions, and meats with ease.
- Cutting Board: A stable surface to prep all your veggies and proteins.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: Precision helps maintain the perfect creamy consistency.
- Ladle: For smooth serving into bowls — no mess!
Each of these tools contributes to a smoother cooking process, saving time and ensuring consistency in taste and texture.
Preparation Tips
Start by prepping all your ingredients before heating the pot. Dice the potatoes evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate. If using bacon or ham, render the meat first to build flavor in the base of the soup. Don’t rush the simmering stage — letting the ingredients meld slowly is what gives this soup its deep, savory profile. Finally, taste and season toward the end; the potatoes and broth can mellow out flavors, so you may need to adjust salt or pepper before serving.
Ingredients for this Amish Snow Day Soup
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 1/2 cups frozen or canned corn, drained
- 1 cup diced cooked ham or 4 strips of thick-cut bacon, chopped (optional)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Step 1: Cook the Bacon or Ham (If Using)
In a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat, add the chopped bacon or diced ham. Cook until browned and crispy (for bacon) or until lightly seared (for ham), about 5-7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave about 1 tablespoon of the rendered fat in the pot for extra flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Base with a Roux
Sprinkle in the flour and whisk it into the butter and onion mixture. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes to remove any raw flour taste. This step thickens the soup and adds richness.
Step 4: Add Broth and Potatoes
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the diced potatoes and bring the soup to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 5: Stir in Corn and Meat
Once the potatoes are tender, add the corn and the previously cooked bacon or ham. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 6: Add Milk and Cream
Lower the heat and gently pour in the milk and cream. Stir thoroughly and heat the soup just until it’s hot — avoid boiling after adding dairy to prevent curdling.
Step 7: Season and Finish
Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Simmer gently for another 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Ladle into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and a bit of freshly ground black pepper. Serve hot with crusty bread or warm rolls on the side for a complete snow day meal.
Notes
Amish Snow Day Soup is all about comfort and simplicity. If you prefer a thicker soup, mash a few potatoes against the side of the pot before adding the milk and cream. You can also blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender for an extra creamy texture. For a vegetarian version, just omit the meat and use vegetable broth — the flavor is still rich and satisfying thanks to the potatoes, corn, and aromatics.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
- Boiling after adding dairy: This can cause the milk or cream to curdle. Always keep the heat low once dairy is added.
- Overcooking the potatoes: They should be tender, not mushy. Keep an eye on them as they simmer.
- Skipping the roux step: The flour and butter base thickens the soup. If you skip this, the final texture may be too watery.
- Underseasoning: Potatoes and milk can dull flavors, so always taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Adding all ingredients at once: Staging ingredients — meat, aromatics, potatoes, dairy — is crucial to developing proper flavor and texture.
Storage Instructions
Let the soup cool completely before storing. Transfer it into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. This soup also freezes well — store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to bring back the creamy consistency.
Estimated Nutrition (per serving – approx. 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 340
- Total Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 730mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 12g
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
Just leave out the ham or bacon and use vegetable broth. You can also add extra vegetables like carrots or celery for more depth.
Can I use canned potatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, but add them later in the cooking process since they are already cooked and will break down quickly.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute with half-and-half or simply use more milk for a lighter version.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Not by default due to the flour used for thickening. Use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry instead.
Can I add cheese to the soup?
Absolutely! A handful of shredded cheddar or a sprinkle of Parmesan adds richness.
How do I reheat it without curdling the milk?
Use gentle, low heat on the stovetop. Avoid boiling and stir occasionally to maintain a creamy texture.
What herbs go well with this soup?
Parsley is classic, but you can also use thyme, chives, or a pinch of dried dill.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! This soup scales beautifully. Just use a larger pot and adjust seasoning to taste.
Conclusion
Amish Snow Day Soup is more than just a recipe — it’s a warm, nostalgic hug in a bowl. With its creamy broth, tender potatoes, and cozy corn-meat combo, it’s the ultimate winter comfort food. Easy to prepare, flexible to adapt, and beloved by all ages, this soup deserves a permanent spot in your cold-weather rotation. Perfect for snow days, busy weeknights, or when you simply need a little extra warmth, it’s a hearty dish that delivers every time.
Amish Snow Day Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Amish, American
Description
Craving something warm, hearty, and soul-soothing for your next snow day? Amish Snow Day Soup is a creamy potato and corn chowder loaded with rustic flavor and down-to-earth ingredients. It’s the ultimate cold-weather comfort food — perfect as a quick dinner, satisfying lunch, or cozy family meal. Whether you’re exploring new dinner ideas or searching for a healthy snack with wholesome ingredients, this easy recipe checks all the boxes. With simple prep and classic flavors, it’s a great addition to your list of winter food ideas.
Ingredients
Scale4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups frozen or canned corn, drained
1 cup diced cooked ham or 4 strips of thick-cut bacon, chopped
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. In a large Dutch oven, cook bacon or ham over medium heat until crispy or lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Melt butter in the same pot. Add onion and cook until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
3. Sprinkle in flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
4. Slowly stir in the chicken broth and add diced potatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
5. Add corn and cooked bacon or ham to the pot. Mix well.
6. Pour in milk and heavy cream. Stir and heat gently without boiling.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Let simmer for 5 more minutes.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and black pepper.
Notes
For a thicker texture, mash a few potatoes in the pot or use an immersion blender.
Use vegetable broth and omit the meat for a flavorful vegetarian version.
Always heat gently after adding milk or cream to avoid curdling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: snow day soup, potato corn soup, easy dinner, quick comfort food, cold weather meals
