Creamy Cheesy Ham Chowder Recipe
This Cheesy Ham Chowder is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days, combining the richness of cheese, savory ham, and tender potatoes into one delicious bowl.With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a hearty soup that will please the whole family.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Butter or Olive Oil for sautéing
- 1 medium Onion diced
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 medium Carrots peeled and chopped
- 2 stalks Celery chopped
- 3 medium Potatoes peeled and diced (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 4 cups Chicken Broth or vegetable broth
- 2 cups Diced Ham preferably cooked or leftover ham
- 1 ½ cups Cheddar Cheese shredded
- ½ cup Gruyère Cheese shredded (optional for added creaminess)
- 1 cup Milk for extra creaminess, use whole milk or heavy cream
- 2 Bay Leaves
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Fresh Parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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).
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.
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, until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the potatoes from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Add the Ham and Cheese
- Once the potatoes are tender, add the diced ham to the pot and stir.
- Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese and Gruyère cheese, stirring constantly to melt the cheese smoothly into the chowder. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add a bit of milk or heavy cream at this point.
Simmer and Season
- Allow the chowder to simmer for another 5-7 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the chowder into bowls, and optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness.
Notes
Tips for Selecting the Best Ingredients:
- For the best ham flavor, opt for a smoked or honey glazed ham.
- Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother melt.
- Choose high-quality broth or make your own to control the flavor.