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.
Ingredients
Scale
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))
Instructions
- Transform ham into small, uniform cubes using a sharp knife, ensuring even cooking and texture.
- Peel potatoes, cutting them into consistent bite-sized chunks to promote even cooking and attractive presentation.
- Finely chop carrots, celery, and onion while mincing garlic to create a flavor-packed aromatic base.
- Prepare cheeses by grating cheddar and Gruyère, which will melt seamlessly into the chowder.
- Heat butter or olive oil in a large pot over medium temperature (around 350°F), creating a perfect sautéing environment.
- Introduce chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until vegetables become translucent and release their aromatic essence.
- Incorporate diced potatoes into the vegetable mixture, distributing them evenly throughout the pot.
- 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.
- Once potatoes reach desired tenderness, fold in ham cubes, distributing them thoroughly throughout the chowder.
- Gradually sprinkle shredded cheeses into the pot, stirring continuously to create a smooth, velvety texture. Optional: Enhance creaminess by incorporating milk or heavy cream.
- Allow chowder to simmer an additional 5-7 minutes, enabling flavors to harmonize and intensify.
- Conduct a taste test, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to personal preference.
- Extract bay leaves to prevent overpowering herbal notes in the final dish.
- 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