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Creamy Cheesy Ham Chowder Recipe

Creamy Cheesy Ham Chowder Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 23 reviews

This Creamy Cheesy Ham Chowder combines tender potatoes, savory diced ham, and a blend of cheddar and Gruyère cheeses in a rich, comforting broth. Perfect for chilly days, this hearty chowder is packed with flavor and creamy texture, making it a satisfying meal for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Produce

  • 1 medium Onion, diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 medium Carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 stalks Celery, chopped
  • 3 medium Potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and diced

Meat & Dairy

  • 2 cups Diced Ham (preferably cooked or leftover)
  • 1 ½ cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup Gruyère Cheese, shredded (optional)
  • 1 cup Milk (whole milk or heavy cream for extra creaminess)
  • 2 tablespoons Butter or Olive Oil (for sautéing)

Pantry & Spices

  • 4 cups Chicken Broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 2 Bay Leaves
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste
  • Fresh Parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: 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 the cheddar cheese and Gruyère cheese if using.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
  3. Cook the Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Add the Ham and Cheese: Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the diced ham. Gradually add the shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheese, stirring constantly to melt smoothly. For a creamier texture, add milk or heavy cream at this stage.
  5. Simmer and Season: Allow the chowder to simmer for another 5-7 minutes to meld flavors. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot for a delicious, satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Use leftover cooked ham to save time and add a smoky flavor.
  • For a thicker chowder, mash some of the potatoes before adding the ham.
  • Gruyère cheese is optional but adds a richer creaminess and depth of flavor.
  • Substitute heavy cream for milk to make the chowder richer and more decadent.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently on the stove to prevent curdling of the dairy.

Nutrition

Keywords: Ham chowder, cheesy soup, creamy chowder, potato soup, easy dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://freshrecipehub.com/creamy-cheesy-ham-chowder-recipe/