Cozy Easy Ham and Corn Chowder Recipe for Heartwarming Meals

Creamy ham and corn chowder blends hearty comfort with simple ingredients that sing of home-cooked goodness.

Our kitchen adventure promises warm, satisfying moments around the table.

Chunky potatoes and sweet corn kernels create a delightful texture in every spoonful.

Fresh herbs add a subtle brightness that makes this dish feel special.

Minimal prep work means you can whip up this chowder faster than ordering takeout.

Bacon bits sprinkled on top provide an irresistible crunch that elevates the entire experience.

Jump into this delicious bowl of comfort and let your taste buds celebrate!

Easy Ham and Corn Chowder Features

Crack Open Comfort: A Hearty Chowder Adventure

• Tackle Tough Hunger: This ham and corn chowder conquers serious appetite challenges with its rich, filling ingredients that pack substantial nutrition in every spoonful.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Minimal preparation steps and straightforward cooking techniques make this recipe perfect for home cooks seeking delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: Combines classic flavor combinations that appeal to multiple taste preferences, ensuring everyone from kids to adults will enjoy this satisfying meal.
• Adaptable Dining Delight: Easily customizable by adjusting spice levels or swapping protein options, making it ideal for family dinners, casual gatherings, or cozy weekend meals.

Ingredients for Easy Ham and Corn Chowder

• Bacon: A flavorful and crispy ingredient that provides a smoky foundation for the chowder.
• Smoked Ham: Adds a rich, savory meat component to the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a light and flavorful liquid base for the chowder.

• Onion, Celery: Provide a classic aromatic base that enhances the overall depth of flavor.
• Potatoes: Contribute a hearty and creamy texture to the chowder.
• Frozen Corn: Brings a sweet and tender element to the soup.
• Garlic: Offers a pungent and aromatic flavor boost.

• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and a smooth, luxurious texture to the chowder.
• Flour: Helps to thicken the soup and create a creamy consistency.
• Italian Seasoning, Cayenne Pepper: Provide a balanced blend of herbs and a subtle hint of heat.
• Salt, Pepper: Allow for final flavor adjustment and seasoning.

How to Prepare Easy Ham and Corn Chowder

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon

Grab your bacon and slice it into small pieces. Toss the bacon into a large pot over medium-high heat.

Cook until the bacon turns wonderfully crispy and golden, about 10 minutes. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, keeping all that delicious bacon grease in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Onions
• Celery

Let these mingle and soften for about 5 minutes, releasing their amazing flavors.

Step 3: Create a Flavor Base

Sprinkle flour into the pot and stir continuously for one minute.

This creates a magical base for your chowder. Add minced garlic and give it a quick stir to wake up those incredible aromatics.

Step 4: Build the Liquid Foundation

Pour in chicken broth and stir thoroughly. Make sure to scrape up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

This is where the deep flavor lives!

Step 5: Add Creamy Goodness

• Heavy cream
• Frozen corn
• Smoked ham
• Diced potatoes
• Italian seasoning
• Cayenne pepper

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

Most of the crispy bacon goes in now, saving a bit for topping.

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection

Let the chowder bubble away for 15-20 minutes.

Stir occasionally and watch the soup thicken into a dreamy, creamy delight. The potatoes should become tender and soft.

Step 7: Final Touches

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle the reserved crispy bacon on top for an extra crunch.

Serve hot and enjoy your homemade comfort in a bowl!

Tips for a Delicious Ham and Corn Chowder

• Slice bacon uniformly to ensure even cooking and crispy texture throughout the chowder.
• Select thick-cut potatoes that hold their shape during simmering, preventing them from turning mushy in the soup.
• Control heat carefully when adding flour to prevent burning and create a smooth, lump-free base for the chowder.
• Taste and adjust seasoning gradually, remembering you can always add more salt and pepper but cannot remove excess.
• Consider using smoked ham for deeper flavor complexity, which enhances the overall richness of the chowder.

Variations of Ham and Corn Chowder

• Vegetarian Corn Chowder: Replace ham and bacon with plant-based protein like smoked tofu or tempeh, maintaining similar smoky flavors and texture for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to ensure those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy the recipe safely.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and omit bacon, replacing it with crispy roasted mushrooms for added depth and umami flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Version: Add diced green chilies, swap Italian seasoning for cumin and chili powder, incorporate black beans for extra protein and create a zesty southwestern-inspired chowder.

Pairings for Ham and Corn Chowder

• Sprinkle the reserved crispy bacon bits on top for an irresistible textural contrast that adds smoky depth and salty crunch to each spoonful.
• Select a crisp Chardonnay or light Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy soup's richness and balance its hearty flavors with a refreshing acidity.
• Serve warm, crusty sourdough or a hearty country bread alongside the chowder to soak up the creamy broth and provide a delightful textural counterpoint.
• Finish the chowder with chopped fresh chives or parsley to brighten the dish, adding a pop of color and a light, fresh note that cuts through the soup's richness.

Storing Ham and Corn Chowder Safely

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool the chowder completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer chowder to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch headspace. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dairy-based soups with potatoes, as texture might change upon thawing.
• Thaw frozen chowder in the refrigerator overnight. Pour into a pot, stir occasionally, and warm over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore original consistency if needed.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of ham?

Yes, you can substitute ham with cooked chicken, turkey, or even skip the meat for a vegetarian version.

• Is this chowder spicy?

The recipe includes a small amount of cayenne pepper, which adds a mild heat. You can adjust or omit it based on your spice preference.

• What type of potatoes work best for this chowder?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal as they hold their shape well and provide a creamy texture to the chowder.

• Can I make this chowder ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chowder in advance and reheat it gently on the stove, stirring occasionally to maintain its smooth consistency.

Easy Ham And Corn Chowder Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty ham and corn chowder delivers comfort in a bowl for hungry families seeking warmth and satisfaction. Rich ingredients blend seamlessly, promising you a delightful meal that warms from within.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb smoked ham (finely chopped)
• 2 cups frozen corn kernels
• 2 large russet potatoes (peeled and diced)
• 4 cups chicken broth or stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 strips bacon (finely cut)
• 1/2 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 2 celery sticks (finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 dash Italian seasoning
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Render bacon in a large pot over medium-high heat until crisp and golden, approximately 10 minutes. Transfer crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, preserving the rendered fat.
2. Sauté diced onion and celery in the bacon drippings for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
3. Sprinkle flour into the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously for one minute to create a roux and prevent lumping.
4. Add minced garlic and quickly pour in chicken broth, whisking thoroughly to integrate and dissolve any browned bits from the pot’s bottom.
5. Incorporate heavy cream, frozen corn, smoked ham, diced potatoes, Italian seasoning, and cayenne pepper. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
6. Allow the chowder to simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes become tender and the soup naturally thickens.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Crumble reserved bacon on top as a final garnish before serving hot.

Notes

• Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and ensure it’s cooked until perfectly crisp to provide a delightful textural contrast in the chowder.
• Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for a creamy texture that holds shape without becoming mushy during simmering.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter, lactose-free version that maintains rich consistency.
• Adjust cayenne pepper carefully; start with a small amount and gradually increase to control heat level without overwhelming the chowder’s delicate flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 300 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg