Description
Creamy Ham, Potato & Corn Chowder – a rich, hearty, and incredibly comforting chowder loaded with smoky ham, tender potatoes, sweet corn, and crispy bacon. Made in one pot with a creamy broth, this soup is perfect for chilly days and will warm you from the inside out!
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen sweet corn kernels
- 1 pound smoked ham, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 4 strips beef, cut into small segments
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 large Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
- Pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a large soup pot over medium-high heat until crisp (about 10 minutes), then remove and set aside.
- Keep bacon fat in the pot. Add onion and celery and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft.
- Add flour and garlic, stirring constantly for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot.
- Add cream, corn, ham, potatoes, Italian seasoning, cayenne, and most of the bacon.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover partially and cook 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, topped with reserved crispy bacon.
Notes
- Use leftover holiday ham for the best flavor and texture.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy chowder.
- Use turkey bacon or omit bacon for a lower-fat option.
- Add diced carrots or red bell pepper for extra color and nutrition.
- For a thicker chowder, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or green onions.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 5 days – may thicken upon cooling, add broth when reheating.
- This chowder freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup, Main Dish
- Method: Simmer, Sauté
- Cuisine: American