Heartwarming Ham & Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort calls with this rich ham and potato corn chowder that promises warmth in every spoonful.

Cool evenings demand a bowl of creamy goodness packed with tender chunks of ham and sweet corn.

Potatoes add hearty substance to this classic soup, creating a satisfying meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Chunks of smoky ham blend perfectly with soft potato pieces, creating a delightful texture in each bite.

Corn kernels provide a subtle sweetness that balances the savory ham and creamy base.

The recipe comes together quickly, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or lazy weekend meals.

Grab a ladle and prepare to savor every comforting spoonful of this soul-warming chowder.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 354 kcal

Servings: 7

What You’ll Need For Ham And Potato Corn Chowder

• Olive Oil: Provides rich, smooth cooking foundation with subtle fruity undertones.
• Onion: Builds deep flavor profile and creates aromatic base for chowder.
• Garlic: Adds zesty punch and enhances overall savory complexity.

• Ham: Introduces smoky, salty dimension with rich meaty texture.
• Chicken Broth: Creates liquid foundation with subtle savory depth.
• Potatoes: Delivers creamy, comforting starchiness and substantial body.
• Corn: Brings sweet, fresh summer brightness and delightful textural contrast.

• Heavy Cream: Transforms chowder into luxurious, velvety consistency.
• Flour: Helps stabilize and gently thicken sauce without lumps.
• Thyme: Introduces delicate herbal undertones with earthy warmth.
• Black Pepper: Provides gentle spicy background note.
• Bay Leaf: Infuses subtle complex aromatics.
• Salt: Balances and elevates overall flavor profile.

Kitchen Tools For Ham And Potato Corn Chowder

• Large Pot/Dutch Oven: Essential for sautéing aromatics and simmering the entire chowder, providing ample space for ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking while cooking.
• Small Bowl: Needed for whisking cream and flour into a smooth mixture.
• Whisk: Critical for blending flour and cream without lumps.
• Cutting Board: Used for chopping onions, garlic, ham, and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise ingredient preparation.
• Ladle: Helps serve the chowder evenly into individual bowls.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

Easy Steps To Make Ham And Potato Corn Chowder

• Kickstart the Base

Warm up a big pot and dance some olive oil around. Toss in chopped onions and let them soften into golden beauties. Sprinkle minced garlic for an aromatic punch and let it sizzle briefly.

• Potato Party

Pour in rich chicken broth and tumble in diced potatoes. Add a whisper of thyme, a dash of black pepper, and a secret bay leaf friend. Bring everything to a playful boil, then let it gently simmer until potatoes turn tender and dreamy.

• Ham and Corn Celebration

Invite ham cubes and sweet corn kernels into the pot. Let them mingle and warm up together for a few delightful minutes.

• Creamy Magic

In a small bowl, create a silky blend of flour and heavy cream. Slowly swirl this luxurious mixture into the chowder, stirring with love. Watch the magic happen as it transforms into a thick, comforting embrace.

• Final Flourish

Pluck out the bay leaf like a hidden treasure. Give it a taste and sprinkle salt if needed. Ladle into waiting bowls and shower with optional toppings that make hearts smile.

Tips For Creamy Ham And Potato Corn Chowder

• Perfect Pot Control: Use a heavy-bottomed pot to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning at the bottom of your chowder.
• Potato Perfection: Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for a creamy texture that holds shape during cooking and provides a smooth, rich consistency.
• Ham Swaps: Replace ham with cooked bacon, chorizo, or smoked turkey for different flavor profiles while maintaining the hearty protein element of the dish.
• Dietary Modifications: Create a gluten-free version by substituting cornstarch for flour when thickening, and use a dairy-free milk alternative like unsweetened coconut cream for those with lactose intolerance.
• Veggie Boost: Enhance nutrition by adding diced carrots or bell peppers during the initial sautéing stage, which introduces extra vegetables and depth to the chowder's flavor profile.

How To Serve Ham And Potato Corn Chowder

• Rustic Bread Companion: Slice a hearty sourdough or crusty French bread to dip into the creamy chowder, soaking up all those delicious flavors and adding a satisfying crunch.
• Fresh Herb Sprinkle: Chop some fresh chives, parsley, or green onions to scatter on top, bringing a bright, zesty finish that cuts through the rich, creamy base and adds a pop of color.
• Crispy Bacon Topping: Crumble some crispy bacon bits over each serving, introducing an extra layer of smoky goodness that complements the ham and enhances the overall texture of the chowder.
• Side Salad Match: Pair the chowder with a light, tangy green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette to balance the richness and provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty soup.

Storage Tips For Ham And Potato Corn Chowder

• Refrigerator Storage Magic: Transfer leftover chowder to airtight containers, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Portion the chowder into freezer-safe containers, leaving slight room for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months, ensuring a quick meal is always ready when you need comfort food.
• Reheating Wisdom: Gently warm refrigerated chowder in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore creamy consistency if the soup seems thick after chilling.
• Meal Prep Genius: Make a double batch and divide into individual servings. These grab-and-go containers work perfectly for quick lunches or busy weeknight dinners, saving time and reducing daily cooking stress.

Hearty Ham And Potato Corn Chowder Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty ham and potato corn chowder brings comfort from classic American kitchens, blending smoky ham with creamy potatoes and sweet corn kernels. Warm spoons of this soul-satisfying soup invite diners to savor rich, homemade flavors that connect directly to culinary traditions.

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Ingredients

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• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 2 cups frozen corn (or fresh corn kernels)
• 2 cups peeled and diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet work best)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt, to taste
• Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• Chopped parsley (optional)
• Crumbled bacon (optional)

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Instructions

1. Flavor Foundation: Sauté diced onions in olive oil over medium heat until translucent, then quickly toast minced garlic to release its aromatic essence.
2. Liquid Preparation: Pour chicken broth into the pot, add cubed potatoes, thyme, black pepper, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, allowing potatoes to soften and absorb flavors for 10-12 minutes.
3. Ingredient Integration: Stir in corn kernels and diced ham, letting the mixture gently simmer and meld flavors for 4-5 minutes until heated through.
4. Creamy Transformation: Whisk flour into heavy cream until smooth, then slowly incorporate the mixture into the chowder, stirring constantly to create a velvety texture without lumps.
5. Finishing Touches: Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning to taste. Serve piping hot in warm bowls, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs or crispy bacon bits for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

• Select Fresh Ingredients: Choose high-quality potatoes that are waxy and firm, like Yukon Gold, which hold their shape better during cooking and provide a creamy texture to the chowder.
• Prevent Potato Discoloration: Dice potatoes just before adding to the pot and keep them in cold water to prevent browning and maintain their fresh appearance throughout the cooking process.
• Control Cream Consistency: Whisk flour and cream thoroughly to avoid lumps, ensuring a smooth, silky texture that enhances the chowder’s overall richness without creating a grainy finish.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, and use lean ham or turkey bacon to reduce overall fat content while maintaining robust flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 354
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 83 mg