Creamy Cheesy Ham Chowder Recipe

If you’re craving a soul-warming, rich, and comforting meal, you’re going to adore this Creamy Cheesy Ham Chowder Recipe. It’s a luscious blend of tender potatoes, savory ham, and gooey cheese, all swimming in a creamy, flavorful broth. This chowder is the perfect bowl of happiness for chilly evenings or whenever you want something hearty yet simple to make. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to comfort food staple that you’ll want to share with everyone you love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Creamy Cheesy Ham Chowder Recipe lies in its simplicity and balance. Each ingredient plays an essential role, whether it’s building flavor, adding texture, or contributing a pop of color to your final dish.

• 2 tablespoons Butter or Olive Oil: This is your base for sautéing, giving depth and a silky start to the chowder.
• 1 medium Onion (diced): Offers a sweet and aromatic foundation once cooked down.
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced): Brings a warm, fragrant punch that enhances every bite.
• 2 medium Carrots (peeled and chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness along with a nice crunch and vibrant color.
• 2 stalks Celery (chopped): Gives freshness and a slight earthiness that balances the richness.
• 3 medium Potatoes (peeled and diced – Yukon Gold or Russet): These are your hearty, creamy chunks that soak up all the yummy flavors.
• 4 cups Chicken Broth (or vegetable broth): The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
• 2 cups Diced Ham (preferably cooked or leftover ham): This adds a smoky, savory punch and a meaty texture that makes it satisfying.
• 1 ½ cups Cheddar Cheese (shredded): The star cheese that melts into a rich, gooey delight.
• ½ cup Gruyère Cheese (shredded – optional): For an extra layer of creamy, nutty flavor if you want to get fancy.
• 1 cup Milk (whole milk or heavy cream preferred): Adds that silky, luscious creaminess that makes the chowder dreamy.
• 2 Bay Leaves: These bring subtle herbal notes to deepen the broth’s flavor.
• Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to highlight and balance all the ingredients.
• Fresh Parsley (for garnish, optional): A fresh, vibrant touch that lifts the final presentation.

How to Make Creamy Cheesy Ham Chowder Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by getting everything ready—dice the ham into small cubes, peel and dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces, chop the carrots, celery, and onion, and mince the garlic. Grate your cheddar and Gruyère cheese to have them ready for melting later. Prepping ahead makes the cooking flow smooth and joyful.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large, sturdy pot, heat your butter or olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, and sauté them gently for about 5 to 7 minutes until they soften and fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. This step builds a flavorful base, unlocking their natural sweetness and depth.

Step 3: Cook the Potatoes

Next, add the diced potatoes right into your pot of softened veggies. Pour in the chicken broth and drop in the bay leaves. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes until your potatoes are tender. Be sure to stir occasionally—this keeps everything from sticking and burning at the bottom while allowing the potatoes to soak in all that delicious broth.

Step 4: Add the Ham and Cheese

With your potatoes perfectly soft, it’s time to introduce the star protein. Stir the diced ham into the pot, letting its smoky flavor blend beautifully. Then gradually add your shredded cheddar and optional Gruyère cheese, stirring continuously to melt the cheeses smoothly into the chowder. For an extra creamy scoop, pour in the milk or heavy cream here—this step guarantees a luxuriously velvety texture.

Step 5: Simmer and Season

Allow your chowder to simmer gently for another 5 to 7 minutes. This extra time lets all the flavors get cozy together and develop depth. Taste the chowder and adjust with salt and pepper as you like. Don’t forget to fish out the bay leaves before serving—they’ve done their job lending subtle herbal notes.

How to Serve Creamy Cheesy Ham Chowder Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a bright, herbal contrast against the rich chowder, elevating both the look and flavor. For a little extra indulgence, consider adding an extra handful of shredded cheddar or a swirl of cream just before serving to make each spoonful irresistible.

Side Dishes

This chowder is so hearty it can stand alone, but pairing it with crusty bread or buttery garlic rolls makes the meal especially satisfying. A simple crisp green salad can also provide a fresh, crunchy balance to the creamy warmth of the chowder.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Creamy Cheesy Ham Chowder Recipe in rustic bread bowls for an Instagram-worthy presentation that’s both practical and charming. Another fun idea is to drizzle with a touch of smoked paprika or drizzle some extra virgin olive oil for a gourmet finish that surprises and delights your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your chowder, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, maintaining most of its creamy goodness and flavor. Just be sure to cool it before refrigerating to keep it fresh and safe.

Freezing

Creamy soups can be tricky to freeze because the texture may change, but if you want to save some for later, store it in a freezer-safe container leaving some room for expansion. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly grainier after freezing but still delicious.

Reheating

Reheat your chowder gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to reunite all those comforting flavors and creamy textures. If it thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving for best texture, but if you do, stir often and heat in short intervals.

FAQs

Can I use leftover ham for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover ham is actually perfect for this chowder. It brings great flavor and texture without any extra prep. Just dice it up and toss it in at the right step, and you’re good to go.

What type of cheese works best in this chowder?

Sharp cheddar is the classic choice for that perfect gooey melt and tang. Gruyère is optional but adds a lovely nutty creaminess that takes the chowder to the next level, so don’t hesitate if you want to elevate the dish.

Can I make this chowder vegetarian?

You can create a vegetarian version by swapping the ham for hearty mushrooms or smoked tofu and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The key is to add umami-rich ingredients so it stays flavorful and satisfying.

Is this chowder freezer-friendly?

While freezing is possible, the creamy texture may change slightly when thawed. The potatoes might become a bit grainy, but reheating it carefully will still leave you with a comforting bowl of chowder.

How thick should the chowder be?

This chowder should be thick enough to coat your spoon but still spoonable and creamy. If it feels too thick, simply stir in some extra milk or broth until you reach your perfect consistency.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Creamy Cheesy Ham Chowder Recipe enough—it’s a true hug in a bowl. Whether you’re feeding family or just treating yourself, it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and deeply comforting. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection!

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