If you’re craving something warm and cozy, Ham & Corn Chowder might just be the answer. This chowder is rich and hearty, with the smoky flavor of ham blending perfectly with sweet corn. It’s the kind of dish that hugs you from the inside!
Solves dull leftovers by turning ham and corn into a comforting, creamy chowder with simple steps, quick prep, and satisfying portions.
Sometimes, I find myself with leftover ham that just sits in the fridge, and I can’t figure out what to do with it. This recipe is great because it turns those leftovers into something delicious and satisfying, making sure none of that tasty ham goes to waste. It helps me feed my family a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
What I love about this chowder is how quick and easy it is to whip up! With just 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking, you can have dinner on the table in about 45 minutes. Plus, you can easily swap in seasonal veggies if you want to switch things up a bit.
If you need another delicious recipe to enjoy, go ahead and check out my Shrimp Orzo Salad. It’s a fantastic dish to try when you’re in the mood for something fresh and light!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor : The smoky flavor from the ham really shines through, creating a savory base that’s both hearty and comforting. You won’t be able to resist a second bowl.
- Quick and Easy : With just a few simple ingredients and 15 minutes of prep, you can whip up this chowder in no time, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.
- Texture Contrast : The creamy broth combined with chunks of tender potatoes and bites of sweet corn creates a fantastic texture that makes every spoonful enjoyable.
- Great for Leftovers : This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover ham, mixing in seasonal veggies for a customizable meal that doesn’t go to waste.
Creamy Ham and Corn Chowder
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cool Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 bowls 1x
- Category: soup
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty gluten-free ham and corn chowder cooked on the stovetop, perfect for cozy meals.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (300g) of diced ham, cooked
- 1 cup (150g) of corn kernels, fresh or frozen
- 1 medium (150g) onion, diced
- 2 medium (300g) potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 cups (720ml) of chicken broth
- 1 cup (240ml) of heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons (28g) of butter, unsalted
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 11/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, optional
- Fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary), optional
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Start by cooking the diced ham in a large pot over medium heat. Cook until it is crispy and golden brown, filling your kitchen with a delightful smoky aroma. This step adds a delicious depth to your chowder, so take your time, keeping an eye on the ham to avoid burning.
- Saute the Aromatics: Toss in the diced onion into the pot with the ham drippings. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This builds a flavorful base for your chowder.
- Add the Veggies: Stir in the potatoes and corn, mixing everything well. As the corn warms through, it will brighten in color. Ensure the potatoes do not stick to the bottom of the pot by stirring regularly.
- Pour in the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, then allow everything to come to a gentle boil. Watch for bubbles forming. This provides the liquid base for your chowder. Avoid high heat to prevent a messy boil-over.
- Simmer Away: Let the mixture simmer until the potatoes feel tender when pierced with a fork, approximately 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to meld the flavors.
- Add the Ham & Cream: Stir in the diced ham and heavy cream. Allow the chowder to heat through gently for about 5 minutes so the ham warms up nicely, making the chowder creamy.
- Season & Serve: Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Taste as you go to ensure proper seasoning. Serve warm and enjoy the cozy vibes!
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Expert Tips: If the chowder is too thick, add an extra cup of chicken broth or water to achieve a desired consistency. For a more robust flavor, consider adding a1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika or additional salt and pepper. If the potatoes are not tender enough after cooking, try cutting them smaller and simmering for an extra 5 to 10 minutes. For a sweeter chowder, using fresh corn is recommended. Sprinkle fresh herbs during cooking for enhanced flavor.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat the chowder on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with crusty bread for dipping or pair with a fresh garden salad. Top with chopped chives or green onions for added flavor.
- Recipe Variations: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter option. For a vegetarian chowder, swap the chicken broth with vegetable broth. Add diced bell peppers for crunch or sweet potatoes instead of regular for a twist.
- Ingredient Notes: Select fresh, firm potatoes with no spots for best results. Use quality diced ham to enrich the chowder’s flavor. For a creamier texture, half-and-half can replace heavy cream, but note it will be less rich.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Find it online: https://bakeitwell.com/ham-corn-chowder
Recipe Tips
- If you find the chowder too thick, adding an extra cup of chicken broth or water can help achieve a desired consistency.
- When the flavor seems bland, a teaspoon of smoked paprika or some additional salt and pepper can really boost the taste.
- If the potatoes aren’t tender enough after cooking, try cutting them smaller and simmering for an extra 5 to 10 minutes.
- For a sweeter chowder, using fresh corn this time of year makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
- If you want to add complexity, a sprinkle of thyme or rosemary during cooking can enrich the overall taste.
Serving Suggestions
Pair ham and corn chowder with crusty bread for dipping or alongside a fresh garden salad. Top each serving with chopped chives or green onions for added freshness.
This chowder can also serve as a base for family-friendly casseroles or be used in savory pot pies. Consider incorporating it into a hearty pasta dish or enjoying it in a bread bowl.
Serve the chowder with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra flavor. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds creaminess and richness without excess carbs.
Recipe variations
- You can swap the diced ham for shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter take on this chowder.
- Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme or 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary for a fragrant herbal flavor.
- Either use diced bell peppers for extra crunch or include jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- For a larger batch, increase the ham to 3 cups and the corn to 1.5 cups, using 4 cups of chicken broth.
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How to Store?
To keep your ham & corn chowder fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Store chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without compromising quality.
Freezing: Place chowder in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat chilled or thawed chowder in a pot over medium heat until warm, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Shrimp Orzo Salad
- Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Salad with Feta and Lemon
- Salmon Asparagus Orzo Salad
- Roasted Vegetable Orzo Salad
If you enjoyed this Ham & Corn Chowder or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
