Name: Creamy Cheesy Ham Chowder
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons Butter or Olive Oil for sautéing; 1 medium Onion diced; 2 cloves Garlic minced; 2 medium Carrots peeled and chopped; 2 stalks Celery chopped; 3 medium Potatoes peeled and diced (Yukon Gold or Russet); 4 cups Chicken Broth or vegetable broth; 2 cups Diced Ham preferably cooked or leftover ham; 1 ½ cups Cheddar Cheese shredded; ½ cup Gruyère Cheese shredded (optional for added creaminess); 1 cup Milk for extra creaminess, use whole milk or heavy cream; 2 Bay Leaves; Salt and Pepper to taste; Fresh Parsley for garnish (optional)

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Introduction to Creamy Cheesy Ham Chowder Recipe

I know how crazy life can get as a busy mom. Dinner tends to be one of the last things on your never-ending to-do list between trying to keep up with work and taking care of your family. That’s why I love having my Creamy Cheesy Ham Chowder Recipe in my cooking cache. It feels like the dinner version of a warm embrace served in a bowl in 45 minutes. A creamy chowder filled with smoky ham, hearty potatoes, and melted cheese is a total comfort food that everyone in your household will enjoy. Whether you have time to enjoy a leisurely meal at home on a cold day or need something to warm you up and fill you up quickly, this recipe has you covered.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cheesy Ham Chowder Recipe

This Creamy Cheesy Ham Chowder Recipe is a dream come true for busy evenings. It’s not only quick to prepare, but it’s also packed with flavor that warms the soul. In just 45 minutes, you can create a meal that’s both hearty and satisfying. Plus, the combination of melty cheese and tender ham makes it a family favorite. Everyone will be asking for seconds!

Ingredients for Creamy Cheesy Ham Chowder Recipe

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating a delicious Creamy Cheesy Ham Chowder Recipe. Each component brings its own flavor and texture, making this dish a delightful experience for your taste buds. Here’s what you’ll need:

Butter or Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing vegetables, adding richness and depth to your chowder.
Onion: Diced onions provide a sweet base to the soup, balancing the savoriness of the ham.
Garlic: Minced garlic infuses aromatic flavor, making the chowder smell heavenly as it cooks.
Carrots: Chopped carrots add color, sweetness, and a healthy crunch to the mix.
Celery: Chopped celery gives a refreshing crunch and earthy taste to enhance the overall flavor.
Potatoes: Diced Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes create a creamy texture while soaking up all the delicious flavors.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: The liquid base of your chowder, this adds depth. Use homemade if you have it!
Diced Ham: Whether you have leftover ham or freshly cooked, this is the star ingredient, bringing heartiness to the dish.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheese makes everything creamy and delicious, a must-have for fans of comfort food.
Gruyère Cheese (optional): For an added layer of creaminess, this cheese offers a nutty flavor that elevates the chowder.
Milk or Heavy Cream: These ingredients ensure your chowder achieves that coveted creamy texture, adjust to your preference.
Bay Leaves: These enhance the overall taste profile, adding a subtle herbal aroma.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, adjust to taste for that perfect flavor boost.
Fresh Parsley (optional): A dash of this vibrant herb as a garnish adds freshness and color to the finished dish.

For exact quantities, check the bottom of the article, where you can find them handy for printing. With all these ingredients on hand, you’re well on your way to making a chowder that everyone will love!

How to Make Creamy Cheesy Ham Chowder Recipe

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making that delightful Creamy Cheesy Ham Chowder Recipe. Each step builds on the last, leading to a hearty bowl of comfort. Ready? Let’s get cooking!

Prepare the Ingredients

First things first, take a deep breath and prepare everything.

Dice your ham, peel and dice the potatoes, and chop up those vibrant carrots, celery, and onion. Don’t forget to mince the garlic—this step is vital for flavor.

Having all your ingredients prepped ensures a smooth cooking process. Trust me, it makes a world of difference when you’re in the groove of cooking!

Sauté the Vegetables

Next up, it’s time to bring those veggies to life.

Heat up your butter or olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.

As they sauté for about 5-7 minutes, you’ll start to notice an amazing aroma wafting through the kitchen.

The key is to let those onions turn translucent and the garlic to become fragrant. That’s when the magic begins!

Cook the Potatoes

Once your veggies are aromatic and tender, it’s potato time!

Add your diced potatoes to the pot, and pour in the chicken broth. Toss in those bay leaves to elevate the flavor even more.

Now, bring this glorious concoction to a gentle simmer. You’ll want to let it cook for about 15-20 minutes until those potatoes are fork-tender. The anticipation will be almost unbearable, but I promise it’s worth it!

Add the Ham and Cheese

Now comes the best part—it’s cheese time!

When the potatoes are tender, stir in the diced ham. Then, gradually add the shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheese into the mix.

Give it a good stir until everything is melted and creamy. Oh, that melty goodness just makes your chowder irresistible!

Feel free to add milk or heavy cream at this stage for extra creaminess. It’s like the cherry on top.

Simmer and Season

Now, let’s allow the chowder to further develop its flavors.

Let it simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes. This step allows everything to meld together beautifully.

Before serving, take a moment to taste your chowder. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. But don’t forget to remove those pesky bay leaves—they’re just there to lend their flavor!

Serve and Garnish

Finally, it’s time to dish out this bowl of warmth.

Ladle the chowder into bowls, and if you’re feeling fancy, garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

You can even serve it with crusty bread on the side for the perfect comfort meal. Your family will think they’re dining at a fancy restaurant!

Tips for Success

Prep all your ingredients before cooking to make the process smoother.
For extra flavor, try adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the vegetables.
Adjust the thickness of the chowder by varying the amount of broth; less broth makes it heartier.
If you like a bit of spice, toss in some cayenne pepper for a kick!
Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving for the best results.

Equipment Needed

Large Pot: A Dutch oven works great, but any heavy-bottomed pot will do.
Cutting Board: Essential for prepping your veggies and ham.
Sharp Knife: For dicing and chopping ingredients efficiently.
Measuring Cups: Handy for measuring broth and milk accurately.
Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring and mixing your chowder.

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ham with diced mushrooms or chickpeas for a hearty, meatless version.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy twist that’ll wake up your taste buds.
Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary while simmering for a burst of flavor.
Low-Carb Version: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lighter, keto-friendly chowder.
More Veggies: Toss in frozen peas or chopped spinach right before serving for added nutrition and color.

Serving Suggestions

Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, rustic bread for dipping, perfect for soaking up every last drop.
Simple Salad: Pair with a light side salad for a refreshing contrast to the creamy chowder.
Sparkling Water: Enjoy with a tall glass of sparkling water or lemonade for a refreshing drink.
Cheese Crust: Consider sprinkling some extra cheese on top before serving for a delightful melted finish.

FAQs about Creamy Cheesy Ham Chowder Recipe

As you embark on your cooking journey with the Creamy Cheesy Ham Chowder Recipe, you might have a few questions. Here are some common ones I’ve encountered from fellow home cooks!

Can I use leftover ham for this chowder?

Absolutely! In fact, leftover ham works wonders in this recipe. It adds robust flavor and saves you time—just make sure it’s diced and ready to go!

Can I make this chowder ahead of time?

Yes! This chowder actually tastes even better the next day. You can make it ahead, store it in the fridge, and reheat before serving. Just keep in mind to add a splash of milk if it thickens up.

What kind of cheese works best?

While I love cheddar for its sharpness, Gruyère adds an extra layer of creaminess and flavor. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand!

Is this chowder gluten-free?

Yes! This Creamy Cheesy Ham Chowder Recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t contain any flour or wheat-based ingredients. Just check your broth to ensure it’s gluten-free as well.

Can I freeze the chowder for later?

Sure thing! This chowder freezes well. Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about a steaming bowl of Creamy Cheesy Ham Chowder Recipe. It brings the family together, and every spoonful wraps you in comforting flavors. I cherish the moments spent enjoying this dish, whether it’s after a long day or on a cozy weekend. The best part? It’s a simple, soothing recipe that welcomes creativity and leftovers alike. So go ahead—whip up a batch, and watch your loved ones smile with joy. Trust me, this chowder has a way of turning a simple meal into a cherished family memory!