Description
Hearty ham and potato corn chowder brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen to your table. Creamy goodness packed with smoky ham and sweet corn promises a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 3 cups chicken broth
Vegetables and Corn:
- 2 cups frozen corn (or fresh corn kernels)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cups peeled and diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet work best)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Dairy:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt, to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped parsley
- Crumbled bacon
Instructions
- Prepare the flavor base by gently sautéing diced onions in olive oil over medium heat until they turn translucent and soft, releasing their sweet aroma. Introduce minced garlic and quickly toast for a brief moment to enhance its pungent notes.
- Create the liquid foundation by pouring chicken broth into the pot, then carefully add cubed potatoes along with fragrant thyme, freshly ground black pepper, and a single bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a robust boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, allowing the potatoes to tenderize and absorb the surrounding flavors for 10-12 minutes.
- Enrich the chowder by incorporating sweet corn kernels and diced ham, stirring to distribute the ingredients evenly. Allow the mixture to gently bubble and warm through, melding the flavors for approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Transform the liquid into a luxurious, velvety consistency by whisking flour into heavy cream until completely smooth. Gradually introduce this creamy mixture into the chowder, stirring continuously to prevent lumps and ensure even thickening.
- Refine the final dish by removing the bay leaf and carefully adjusting the seasoning. Taste and add salt if needed to balance the flavors. Serve hot, ladled into warm bowls, and optionally garnish with fresh herbs or crispy bacon bits for added texture and visual appeal.
Notes
- Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for a creamier, smoother texture that holds up better during simmering.
- Swap ham with rotisserie chicken or smoked turkey for a different protein variation that keeps the dish exciting.
- Use frozen corn during off-season to maintain consistent flavor and sweetness without sacrificing quality.
- Reduce heavy cream calories by substituting half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version that still delivers rich comfort.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg