Irresistible Creamy Cheesy Ham Chowder Recipe You Must Try

There’s something truly magical about a warm, steaming bowl of chowder on a chilly evening, don’t you think? I remember the first time I tried ham chowder; it was at my grandmother’s kitchen during one of those crisp autumn afternoons, the kind where the leaves are swirling like a great big confetti party outside. The aroma of slow-cooked ham and creamy goodness wafted through the air, wrapping us all in a cozy embrace. Since then, I’ve made it my mission to find the perfect Creamy Cheesy Ham Chowder Recipe that would not only warm the belly but also the soul. And, oh boy, I think I may have finally nailed it! This dish is such a perfect blend of flavors that it makes you feel like you’re wrapped up in your favorite blanket. Let’s dive into this comforting recipe together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 👨‍🍳 Super easy to whip up on a weeknight!
• 💰 Budget-friendly, using simple and accessible ingredients.
• 🥣 Savory, creamy flavors will warm you from the inside out.
• ✨ Deliciously versatile—great for using up leftovers!

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced (fresh onion boosts that flavor!)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (use fresh for that zesty punch)
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought works!)
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced (leftovers are perfect!)
• 1 cup heavy cream (for that luxurious creaminess)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (the star of the show!)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional, but so pretty!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking, shall we? Follow this straightforward guide, and soon you’ll be savoring a bowl of creamy goodness!

1. Heat the olive oil: In a large pot over medium heat, warm up the olive oil. You want it nice and hot, but not smoking!
2. Add the aromatics: Toss in the diced onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent—about 5 minutes. Oh, that smell is heavenly! Then, add in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute more. Just until that garlic begins to sing!
3. Add the veggies: Stir in the diced potatoes, carrots, and celery. Mix everything together and let it cook for 5-7 minutes. Keep stirring a bit so nothing sticks.
4. Pour in the broth: Add the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. It’s starting to smell incredible, right?
5. In goes the ham: Stir in the diced ham and let it simmer for another 5 minutes. This is when things start getting really comforting!
6. Blend in the cream: Pour in the heavy cream and mix until combined. Bring it back to a gentle simmer.
7. Add the cheese: Now for the magical moment—slowly stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and the chowder is creamy. You might want to sneak a taste or two here!
8. Season and serve: Add salt and pepper to taste, and top with fresh parsley if using. Enjoy this warm love in a bowl!

Pro Tips & Variations

Now that you’ve mastered the basics, let’s talk about some fun twists to keep your chowder game strong! Here are a few ideas:

• 🌶️ Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick!
• 🧄 Garlic lovers rejoice: Include extra garlic or even roasted garlic for that deep flavor.
• 💨 Smokiness: Add some smoked paprika for an unexpected smoky note that pairs beautifully with ham.
• 🌱 Herb it up: Toss in some fresh thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist!
• 🍄 Mushroom medley: Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor.

Feel free to play around with even more veggies based on what you have on hand—zucchini or corn are fantastic additions!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving this Creamy Cheesy Ham Chowder, I like to keep it cozy. Picture this: a big bowl of chowder, some crusty bread on the side for dipping, and maybe a light salad to balance things out. In my house, we also love a good hot cup of tea or coffee as the perfect companion to this meal. And don’t forget the extra cheese on top—life is too short not to indulge!

Storage Tips

If by some miracle you have leftovers (which is rare in my house), here’s how to store them:

• Refrigerate: Allow the chowder to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Freeze: To freeze, let it cool as well, and then pour it into freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top as it may expand. It’ll last for up to 3 months!
• Reheat: For reheating, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen, then gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk or broth to reincarnate that creamy texture!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! While ham gives it that cozy flavor, you can easily swap in cooked bacon, turkey, or even sautéed sausage. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly, as different meats may add varying salts to the dish.

Is this chowder gluten-free?

Yes, this chowder is naturally gluten-free as long as you stick to gluten-free broth and make sure any added ingredients—like cheese or seasonings—are also gluten-free. Always check labels!

How can I make this lighter?

For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or even a non-dairy milk of your choice. Just be mindful that the texture and richness will change a bit.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Brown the onions and garlic first, then toss everything else in your slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the cream and cheese in the last 30 minutes for that luscious finish!

What can I serve with chowder?

Crusty bread, garlic bread, a fresh garden salad, or even some cornbread are fantastic choices! You really can’t go wrong with anything that complements that creamy goodness.

Conclusion

I hope you love this Creamy Cheesy Ham Chowder Recipe as much as I do! It’s one of those dishes that brings warmth, comfort, and joy—not only to your belly but also to your heart. Whether it’s a rainy day or a chilly night, this chowder is your ticket to cozy bliss. I’m excited for you to give it a try, so please let me know how yours turns out! Drop a comment or tag me in your photos. Happy cooking, my friend!

Irresistible Creamy Cheesy Ham Chowder Recipe You Must Try

---

• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savor this creamy ham chowder Easy cheesy recipe packed with flavor perfect for cozy nights Discover the ultimate comfort food today 153 chars

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup carrots, diced

1 cup celery, diced

2 cups cooked ham, diced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Salt and pepper, to taste

Chopped parsley for garnish

---

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes, then add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute.

Stir in the diced potatoes, carrots, and celery, cooking for 5-7 minutes.

Add chicken broth and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.

Stir in diced ham and simmer for another 5 minutes.

Pour in heavy cream and mix until combined, bringing back to a gentle simmer.

Slowly stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

Add salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 350 calories
• Sugar: 4 g
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g

Keywords: chowder, ham chowder, creamy soup, comfort food, easy recipe