The aroma of Ham and Corn Chowder wafts through the air, a delightful blend of smoky ham, sweet corn, and creamy goodness that instantly warms the soul. Hearty beef chili for comfort Each spoonful is like a cozy hug on a chilly day, inviting you to savor the comforting flavors and rich textures. Classic meatloaf for a cozy dinner.
This chowder isn’t just food; it’s a memory-maker. Picture this: a rainy afternoon spent with friends, laughter echoing off the walls as we enjoyed steaming bowls of this delicious creation. It’s perfect for family gatherings or quiet nights in, where every bite brings joy and satisfaction.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This hearty Ham and Corn Chowder comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends
- The balanced flavors create a comforting bowl that’s visually appealing with its vibrant colors
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on your pantry’s offerings without sacrificing taste
- Best served warm with crusty bread, it is sure to impress everyone at your table
My friends couldn’t stop raving about this chowder after I made it for our game night—definitely a crowd-pleaser!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Smoked Ham: Choose a good-quality smoked ham for depth of flavor; leftover ham works great too.
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Fresh Corn: Sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen) provide natural sweetness and texture; you can even use canned corn if needed.
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Potatoes: Use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for creaminess; peel and dice them into small cubes for even cooking.
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Onions: Chopped onions add aromatic sweetness; sauté until they become translucent to release their flavor.
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Garlic: Fresh minced garlic enhances the chowder’s flavor profile; don’t skip this step!
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Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess; substitute half-and-half for a lighter version without losing much flavor.
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Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth gives the chowder its base flavor; feel free to use vegetable broth as an alternative.
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Dried Thyme: A pinch of thyme elevates the flavor profile; fresh thyme is even better if you have it on hand.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Work: Gather Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients on the counter. Chop your onions, mince your garlic, and cube the potatoes so everything is ready to go.
Sauté Aromatics: Get Cooking!: In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Sauté chopped onions until they turn translucent and fragrant—about 5 minutes—then stir in minced garlic for another minute.
Add Potatoes & Broth: Build Flavor Base: Toss in diced potatoes along with chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer until potatoes are tender—about 15 minutes.
Incorporate Ham & Corn: Mix Things Up!: Stir in diced smoked ham and sweet corn kernels. Allow everything to simmer together for another 5 minutes, letting those flavors meld beautifully.
Finish with Cream & Seasoning: Make It Rich!: Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle in dried thyme. Stir well and let it cook for another 5 minutes while aromas fill your kitchen.
Serve & Enjoy: The Best Part!: Ladle generous portions into bowls, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired. Cheesy bread pudding with ham Serve hot alongside crusty bread or crackers for dipping—enjoy every creamy spoonful!
You Must Know
- Ham and Corn Chowder is not just hearty; it’s a hug in a bowl
- The sweet corn complements the smoky ham perfectly, creating a dish that’s both comforting and flavorful
- The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking, “What’s cooking?”
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic before adding potatoes and broth for robust flavor. This creates a foundation of taste that enhances the overall chowder.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the ham for turkey or bacon, and try different herbs like thyme or rosemary. Adding some diced jalapeños can also spice things up!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stove over low heat to maintain creaminess without curdling.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To get the best flavor from your ham, use bone-in pieces since they add depth to the chowder
- For a thicker texture, mash some potatoes before serving
- Always taste while cooking to adjust seasoning as needed!
Making my first batch of Ham and Corn Chowder was like a culinary rite of passage; my friends couldn’t stop raving about it during game night! Sausage and egg casserole.
FAQ
What type of ham works best for Ham and Corn Chowder?
For more inspiration, check out this crock pot recipes recipe.
Use smoked or honey-baked ham for added flavor depth in your chowder.
Can I make Ham and Corn Chowder ahead of time?
Yes, this chowder tastes even better the next day after flavors meld together!
How can I thicken my Ham and Corn Chowder?
To thicken, simply mash some cooked potatoes into the soup for a creamy texture. For more inspiration, check out this stuffed pepper soup recipe recipe.
Ham and Corn Chowder
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Ham and Corn Chowder is the ultimate comfort food, combining smoky ham and sweet corn in a rich, creamy base. This hearty soup warms you from the inside out, making it perfect for chilly evenings or cozy gatherings. With its vibrant colors and satisfying flavors, each bowl creates lasting memories with friends and family. Quick to prepare yet deeply flavorful, this chowder is sure to impress everyone at your table.
Ingredients
- 2 cups smoked ham, diced
- 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced (approx. 2 cups)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients: chop onions, mince garlic, and dice potatoes.
- In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Sauté onions until translucent (about 5 minutes), then add garlic for an additional minute.
- Add diced potatoes and chicken broth; bring to a gentle boil. Cover and simmer until potatoes are tender (approximately 15 minutes).
- Stir in diced smoked ham and corn; simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Add heavy cream and thyme; cook for an additional 5 minutes while stirring.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
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