The Coziest Ham and Corn Chowder Recipe For Chilly Days

Creamy, hearty soups always hit the spot when comfort is calling, and this ham and corn chowder recipe delivers pure deliciousness.

Packed with tender chunks of savory ham and sweet corn kernels, the dish transforms simple ingredients into a rich, satisfying meal.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this classic chowder that warms you from the inside out.

Potatoes add substantial texture while creating a velvety base that hugs every spoonful.

The blend of smoky ham and fresh corn creates a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Each spoonful promises a comforting embrace of homestyle cooking that feels like a warm hug.

You’ll want to ladle this chowder into bowls and watch as everyone around the table sighs with pure contentment.

Ham Corn Chowder Ingredients and Add Ins

• Bacon: Provides rich, smoky flavor and crispy texture to the chowder.
• Ham: Adds savory meat component and enhances overall protein content.

• Onion, Celery: Create a flavorful aromatic base for the chowder.
• Corn: Brings sweet kernels and additional texture to the soup.
• Potatoes: Provide hearty substance and help thicken the chowder.

• Chicken Broth: Forms the primary liquid base of the chowder.
• Cream: Adds richness and smooth consistency to the soup.
• Flour: Helps to thicken and create a creamy texture.

• Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the chowder.

Tools for Making Creamy Chowder at Home

• Large Pot: Essential for cooking bacon, sautéing vegetables, and simmering the entire chowder.
• Paper Towel: Needed to drain crispy bacon and remove excess fat.
• Cutting Board: Used for chopping bacon, onions, celery, and ham.
• Sharp Knife: Required for precise ingredient preparation.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and scraping ingredients while cooking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Help accurately measure broth, cream, flour, and seasonings.
• Lid: Used to partially cover pot during simmering process.

Steps for Thick, Creamy Ham Corn Chowder

Step 1: Crisp Up Bacon

Slice bacon into bite-sized pieces and sizzle them in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Cook until the bacon turns golden and crunchy, which takes about 10 minutes.

Transfer the crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, keeping all that delicious bacon fat in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Toss chopped onions and celery into the bacon fat.

Let them dance and soften, releasing their amazing flavors for approximately 5 minutes.

Step 3: Create Flavor Foundation

Sprinkle flour and minced garlic into the pot.

Stir continuously for one minute to cook out the raw flour taste.

Pour in broth and use your spatula to scrape up all those tasty brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.

Step 4: Build the Chowder

• Heavy cream
• Sweet corn kernels
• Diced ham
• Cubed potatoes
• Herbs and spices
• Most of the crispy bacon (save some for topping)

Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Slow Simmer to Perfection

Bring the chowder to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.

Cover the pot slightly and let it bubble away for 15-20 minutes.

The potatoes should become tender and the flavors will meld beautifully.

Step 6: Final Touch

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Sprinkle the reserved crispy bacon on top for an extra crunch.

Serve hot and enjoy the comfort in every spoonful!

Top Tips for Chowder Lovers

• Crisp bacon completely before removing to ensure maximum flavor infusion into the chowder base.
• Use bacon drippings as a natural flavor enhancer when sautéing vegetables for rich, deep taste.
• Dice potatoes uniformly to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the chowder.
• Stirring flour constantly prevents lumps and creates smooth, creamy consistency in the soup.
• Sprinkle reserved crispy bacon bits just before serving to maintain their crunchiness and add textural contrast.

Ham Chowder Mix Ins and Variations

• Vegetarian Corn Chowder: Replace ham with plant-based protein like smoked tofu or seitan. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Southwest Chowder: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and sprinkle chili powder. Include diced bell peppers for extra heat and color.
• Lighter Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut milk instead of cream. Substitute ham with shredded chicken or additional vegetables like zucchini for protein.

How to Serve Ham Corn Chowder for Family

• Cozy Comfort Plating: Serve hot in deep ceramic bowls with extra crispy bacon crumbles sprinkled on top for crunch.
• Hearty Side Companions: Pair with crusty sourdough bread or buttery cornbread to soak up delicious chowder goodness.
• Fresh Flavor Boosters: Garnish with chopped chives, green onions, or fresh parsley for bright color and additional zesty taste.
• Warm Weather Alternative: Cool slightly and serve in smaller portions as an appetizer during summer gatherings with chilled white wine.

Storage for Chowder and Reheating Guidance

• Store leftover chowder in airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour chowder into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing with potatoes as they might change texture.
• Transfer portion to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when temperature reaches 165°F.
• Pour chowder into saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add splash of broth or cream if soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and reaching 165°F.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ham in this chowder?

Yes, you can use various ham types like diced ham steak, leftover holiday ham, or even smoked ham. Just ensure the ham is cut into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.

• Is this chowder gluten-free?

No, the recipe contains flour which adds thickness. To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

• How can I make this chowder more protein-rich?

Add cooked shredded chicken or increase the ham quantity. You could also stir in some canned white beans or diced cooked shrimp for extra protein.

Ham and Corn Chowder Creamy Comfort in a Bowl

• Whip up this hearty chowder in under an hour, perfect for satisfying hunger with minimal kitchen time.
• Combine bacon, ham, and corn for a rich, savory dish that delivers maximum taste with minimal ingredients.
• Enjoy a one-pot wonder that appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime stress-free and delicious.
• Transform simple ingredients into a filling meal that stretches your grocery budget without compromising on flavor.

Ham and Corn Chowder Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ham and corn chowder brings hearty comfort from Southern kitchens to your dining table. Creamy potatoes, smoky ham, and sweet corn blend into a satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings you’ll savor completely.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound smoked ham, chopped
• 2 cups frozen corn
• 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 4 strips bacon, cut into pieces
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Seasonings and Thickeners:

• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Render bacon in a large pot over medium-high heat until golden and crisp, approximately 10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, preserving the rendered fat.
2. Sauté diced onions and celery in the bacon drippings for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
3. Sprinkle flour and minced garlic into the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously for 1 minute to create a roux. Pour in broth, scraping up caramelized bits from the pot bottom.
4. Incorporate heavy cream, sweet corn kernels, diced ham, cubed potatoes, thyme, and bay leaf. Mix in most of the crispy bacon, reserving some for garnish.
5. Elevate heat to achieve a gentle boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cover partially and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing potatoes to become tender and flavors to meld.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Ladle into serving bowls and crown with remaining crispy bacon fragments.

Notes

• Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispy texture that adds depth to the chowder.
• Reserve bacon fat for sautéing vegetables, creating a rich and authentic base for the soup.
• Dice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the chowder.
• Cut ham into small, bite-sized pieces to distribute protein evenly and enhance each spoonful.
• Use fresh corn kernels for a sweeter, more vibrant taste compared to frozen or canned alternatives.
• Keep chowder slightly chunky by not over-blending ingredients, maintaining a rustic and hearty consistency.
• Swap cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version without compromising creamy texture.
• Add chopped fresh herbs like thyme or parsley at the end for a bright, fresh finishing touch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 920mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 60mg