Let me take you on a journey to the epitome of comfort food with a recipe that is just as cozy as a blanket wrapped around you on a cool night. Easy Ham Chowder is a rich, creamy bowl of chowder, full of juicy pieces of tender ham, creamy potatoes, and vegetables all swimming in a delicious and savory broth. Not just any chowder, mind you – an Easy Ham Chowder Recipe just begging to be made on busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or any other impromptu bit of decadence with friends or family.
What makes this recipe stand out? The ease of making it. This chowder not only takes only a handful of ingredients, but it’s also so easy you won’t need to be a world-renowned chef. You’ll only need about ten minutes of prep time and you’ll have a chowder that tastes like you had it simmering all day. The flavors are comforting and deep, with ham’s rich, smoky flavor shining through the creaminess of the broth and the earthiness of the vegetables.
But let’s talk about versatility. This Ham Chowder recipe is a blank canvas for you. Want to add heat? Jalapenos are great diced and added. Feeling sweet? Add a handful of corn kernels. The recipe is customizable, depending on your mood or what’s in the pantry. This makes it a wonderful recipe for when you want something flexible and creative!
Plus, let’s talk about nostalgia. There’s something about a bowl of chowder that reminds you of Monday night dinners with family, holidays of leftovers, and small cozy café during a winter getaway. You can get that bit of essence of comfort food and nurturing all in a bowl.
So, whether you are a seasoned home chef, or just starting your home cooking journey, this Easy Ham Chowder Recipe will make sure to make your life easier, more delicious, and infinitely more cozy! Let’s get something cooking!
Why This Easy Ham Chowder Recipe is so Great
This Easy Ham Chowder Recipe is the best comfort food hack. Quick, creamy, and as flavor-packed as anything with a main ingredient of ham should be, the smoky ham, flavorful potatoes, and delish broth work together to provide that comfort food experience we all crave, without breaking a sweat.
What makes this recipe stand out from the pack is its simplicity. It doesn’t call for fancy ingredients or market-to-table preparation. This stew is a weeknight miracle! It’s a one-pot-succes which are great for those busy weeknights or binge watching lazy weekends at home. In addition to being an easy and delicious meal, it’s a wonderful way to use leftover ham from the holidays too, making it economical in fact.
The flavors are incredibly satisfying. The smokiness and richness of the ham combined with the potatoes and vegetables give a hearty comforting base, and the creamy broth complements all of it perfectly.
Most importantly, this chowder is a versatile recipe! It knows no shame when it comes to your kitchen creativity. You could add corn, skip the potatoes in favor of a few more veggies, or substitute with jalapeños if you want to spice it us. Anything goes!
A Family Favorite: The Story Behind This Recipe
Ever since, this Easy Ham Chowder Recipe has been one of our go-to family dinners! It all began on a snowy weekend a few years back. My husband – not typically thought of as a “soup guy” but rather the “grill master” in our house – asked for something warm and comforting to eat. I brain-stormed in our fridge, found some leftover holiday ham, and decided to make a chowder.
Well, let me tell you! It was magic. The smoky ham, creamy broth, and tender vegetables were phenomenal together, and we simply loved it. Even my picky children asked for seconds and thirds! This chowder has been a regular in our rotations ever since – especially in the colder months.
What makes this recipe so special to me, however, is not technically the taste, but rather the memories. We have enjoyed family dinners, friends dropping in, and family gatherings over this chowder. It’s as much about the experience as it is about the flavors.
Why This Easy Ham Chowder Recipe
This Easy Ham Chowder Recipe is a total winner for a number of reasons. First up, it’s super easy to make. With a couple of basic ingredients and a little prep work, you are eating something that tastes like it has been simmering away for hours.
Secondly, it’s flexible. You can use leftover ham from a holiday meal or you can go to the store and buy it. You can throw in whatever veggies you like or just go with the ones I used and it will work. You can switch up the protein if you want or even use broth instead of stock if you don’t have any! You can even adjust the seasonings according to your taste buds. The options are practically endless!
Thirdly, it’s incredibly satisfying. The flavor of the smoky ham combined with the creamy broth and hearty vegetables creates something that is simultaneously comforting and indulgent. It’s that kind of dish that gives you warmth from the inside out!
Fourthly, it is perfectly okay to serve to a crowd. Cooking for one person seems like the biggest waste of time, but no one minds spooning this chowder into their dish! Any way you look at it, you can’t go wrong with this recipe! It’s just as easy to TASTE as it is to MAKE and it will add a great dining experience to whatever you were going to do that night!
Ways To Make Easy Ham Chowder
- Use leftover ham : This dish is a good option for leftover holiday ham. You will get a smoky flavor in the chowder.
- Don’t skip the roux : The roux – the butter and flour mixture – will help thicken the chowder instead of just allowing the cream and broth to thicken.
- Add whatever vegetables you want : Corn, peas, and any other vegetables can be added – the recipe is versatile!
Substitutions and Variations
- Vegetarian Option : Substitute the ham for smoked tofu or mushrooms.
- Spicy Option : Add jalapeno or a splash of cayenne pepper.
- Lighter Option : Use half and half or milk in place of the heavy cream.
Make A Healthier Version
If you’re looking for a lighter version of this chowder, here are options for an Easy Ham Chowder with a twist :
- Use low-fat milk or almond milk instead of heavy cream.
- Replace the butter with olive oil.
- Use spinach or kale for extra vegetables and nutrition.
Conclusion For Easy Ham Chowder
That is it! An Easy Ham Chowder Recipe that is a quick, tasty recipe that your family will enjoy. We would love to know how your dish turned out, and be sure to check out some of our other recipes too!
Easy Ham Chowder
Description
Indulge in a comforting bowl of Ham Chowder, a hearty and creamy soup packed with savory ham, tender potatoes, sweet corn, and aromatic herbs. This satisfying dish is perfect for cozy evenings or gatherings with loved ones.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour and stir to coat the vegetables, creating a roux.
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Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the diced potatoes, ham, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
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Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the chowder simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 2047.26kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 128.91g199%
- Saturated Fat 73.43g368%
- Cholesterol 508.22mg170%
- Sodium 5879.9mg245%
- Potassium 4579.01mg131%
- Total Carbohydrate 158.27g53%
- Dietary Fiber 21.95g88%
- Sugars 25.72g
- Protein 72.09g145%
- Vitamin A 27385.81 IU
- Vitamin C 201.21 mg
- Calcium 395.82 mg
- Iron 9.91 mg
- Vitamin D 3.81 mcg
- Vitamin E 4.96 mg
- Vitamin K 135.75 mcg
- Thiamin 2.18 mg
- Riboflavin 1.87 mg
- Niacin 19.3 mg
- Vitamin B6 2.99 mg
- Folate 229.28 mcg
- Vitamin B12 3.76 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 5.4 mg
- Phosphorus 1323.67 mg
- Magnesium 263.35 mg
- Zinc 8.86 mg
- Selenium 63.72 mcg
- Copper 1.26 mg
- Manganese 1.96 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
