The Creamiest Cheesy Ham Chowder Recipe You’ll Ever Taste

Nothing beats a steaming bowl of deliciously creamy cheesy ham chowder on a chilly afternoon.

Comfort arrives in waves when you ladle this hearty soup into deep ceramic mugs.

Chunky potatoes and smoky ham pieces mingle with velvety broth that hugs every spoon.

Melted cheese creates golden swirls throughout this soul-warming mixture, promising pure satisfaction.

Each spoonful carries rich, warming flavors that feel like a culinary embrace.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become extraordinary with this simple yet magnificent recipe.

Dive into this chowder and watch everyone around the table smile with delight.

Ham Chowder Variations to Try

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat-based ingredients with gluten-free alternatives like cornstarch for thickening and use gluten-free chicken broth.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap ham with plant-based protein like smoked tofu cubes or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free option.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining a similar creamy texture and flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives, and replace milk or cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a creamy consistency without dairy.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese in this chowder?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar and Gruyère with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, Swiss, or pepper jack for varied flavor profiles.

• Is this chowder gluten-free?

No, traditional recipes include flour for thickening. To make it gluten-free, use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular wheat flour.

• How can I make this chowder more protein-rich?

Add cooked chicken, shredded turkey, or additional ham to increase protein content. You can also include white beans or lentils for extra protein and texture.

• Can I prepare this chowder ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the chowder in advance and reheat it gently on the stovetop. Just be careful not to boil, as this can cause the cheese to separate and potatoes to break down.

Why Ham Chowder Hits the Spot

• A hearty, soul-warming dish that wraps you in delicious, cheesy goodness perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a mood-lifting meal.
• Super easy recipe with straightforward steps that even beginner cooks can master, requiring minimal kitchen skills and basic ingredients.
• Flexible recipe allowing personal twists like swapping cheeses, adding extra vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to match your taste preferences.
• Crowd-pleasing meal that appeals to both kids and adults, packed with protein, vegetables, and rich cheesy flavors everyone will love.

Cheesy Ham Chowder Ingredients

• Ham: Provides savory meat flavor and protein.
• Cheddar Cheese, Gruyère Cheese: Adds rich, creamy cheese taste.

• Potatoes, Carrots, Celery, Onion, Garlic: Provides depth of flavor and vegetable texture.

• Chicken Broth: Creates the base for the chowder.
• Bay Leaves: Adds subtle herbal background flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhances overall seasoning.
• Butter or Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and add richness.
• Milk or Heavy Cream (Optional): Increases creaminess of the chowder.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds color and fresh herb finish.

Ham Chowder Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Protein and Vegetables

Grab your ham and slice it into tiny, bite-sized cubes.

Wash and peel potatoes, cutting them into small chunks.

Finely chop carrots, celery, and onions.

Crush garlic cloves into tiny pieces.

Set these ingredients aside.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

Warm a large pot with butter or olive oil over medium heat.

Toss in onions, carrots, celery, and garlic.

Stir and cook these vegetables until they become soft and release their delightful aroma, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Build Chowder Foundation

Drop diced potatoes into the pot with sautéed vegetables.

Pour chicken broth and add bay leaves.

Let the mixture bubble gently, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Cook until potatoes become tender, around 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Incorporate Protein

Mix diced ham into the pot, stirring to distribute evenly throughout the developing chowder.

Step 5: Create Creamy Texture

• Cheddar
• Gruyère

Stir continuously to help cheese melt smoothly.

For extra richness, splash in some milk or heavy cream.

Step 6: Develop Flavor Depth

Let chowder simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to blend beautifully.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 7: Final Touches

Remove bay leaves.

Ladle chowder into serving bowls.

Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and brightness.

Creamy Ham Chowder Tips

• Select a flavorful, lean ham like Black Forest or smoked ham for richer taste and better texture in the chowder.
• Stir the potatoes frequently during cooking and use a non-stick pot to avoid burning or sticking at the bottom.
• Add cheese gradually and stir continuously to ensure smooth, even melting without clumping or separating.
• If the chowder becomes too thick, thin it with extra chicken broth or milk; if too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce and thicken naturally.
• Consider adding a splash of white wine or a pinch of dried thyme when sautéing vegetables to enhance the overall taste profile of the chowder.

Save and Heat Up Ham Chowder

• Store leftover chowder in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The cold temperature helps preserve the soup's quality and prevents bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled chowder into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and store for up to 2-3 months. Potatoes might slightly change texture after freezing.
• Transfer frozen or refrigerated chowder to a pot. Heat over medium-low temperature, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creamy consistency if the soup appears too thick.
• Pour chowder into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when the chowder reaches steaming hot temperature, typically 2-3 minutes total.

Pairings for Cheesy Ham Chowder

• Pair with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Slice a rustic sourdough loaf and toast it lightly, creating the perfect crunchy companion to scoop up the rich, creamy chowder.
• Complement with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the chowder's richness and refresh your palate with its bright, acidic notes.
• Match with Tangy Apple Slaw: Prepare a light, crisp apple slaw with shredded cabbage, green apples, and a zesty vinaigrette to balance the chowder's creamy texture and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Serve with Herbal Green Salad: Toss mixed greens with fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and a light lemon vinaigrette to add a bright, fresh element that lightens the hearty chowder.

Deliciously Creamy Cheesy Ham Chowder Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Midwestern Cheesy Ham Chowder delivers comfort in a bowl, blending smoky ham, velvety potatoes, and rich dairy into a soul-warming meal. Creamy spoonful after creamy spoonful will transport you to a cozy kitchen filled with warmth and satisfying flavor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups diced ham
• 3 medium potatoes (peeled and diced (Yukon Gold or Russet))
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup Gruyère cheese (shredded (optional))

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 medium carrots (peeled and chopped)
• 2 stalks celery (chopped)

Seasonings and Extras:

• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish (optional))

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Instructions

1. Transform ham into small, uniform cubes using a sharp knife, ensuring even cooking and texture.
2. Peel potatoes, cutting them into consistent bite-sized chunks to promote even cooking and attractive presentation.
3. Finely chop carrots, celery, and onion while mincing garlic to create a flavor-packed aromatic base.
4. Prepare cheeses by grating cheddar and Gruyère, which will melt seamlessly into the chowder.
5. Heat butter or olive oil in a large pot over medium temperature (around 350°F), creating a perfect sautéing environment.
6. Introduce chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until vegetables become translucent and release their aromatic essence.
7. Incorporate diced potatoes into the vegetable mixture, distributing them evenly throughout the pot.
8. Pour chicken broth over the vegetables, adding bay leaves for depth of flavor. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 15-20 minutes, stirring intermittently to prevent potato sticking and ensure even cooking.
9. Once potatoes reach desired tenderness, fold in ham cubes, distributing them thoroughly throughout the chowder.
10. Gradually sprinkle shredded cheeses into the pot, stirring continuously to create a smooth, velvety texture. Optional: Enhance creaminess by incorporating milk or heavy cream.
11. Allow chowder to simmer an additional 5-7 minutes, enabling flavors to harmonize and intensify.
12. Conduct a taste test, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to personal preference.
13. Extract bay leaves to prevent overpowering herbal notes in the final dish.
14. Serve in warm bowls, optionally garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, elegant finish.

Notes

• Swap ham with turkey bacon or plant-based protein for a lighter, leaner version that caters to different dietary preferences.
• Boost vegetable content by adding extra veggies like zucchini or spinach to increase nutritional value and create more texture.
• Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickening agent to make the chowder suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Create a dairy-free alternative by substituting cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives for a vegan-friendly option.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 405
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 980 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg