Creamy Cheddar Broccoli Ham Chowder
This delightful creamy cheddar broccoli ham chowder is a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or cozy family gatherings. Inspired by the classic combination of flavors, this soup melds fresh broccoli, savory ham, and rich Velveeta cheese into a comforting dish that will transport you to a place of contentment. Each spoonful bursts with flavor, thanks to a perfectly blended broth enriched with creamy milk and a touch of Tabasco for a gentle kick. This recipe has been lovingly crafted over the years, making it a true staple in my kitchen. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it's also hearty enough to serve as a complete meal. Enjoy this chowder on its own or paired with crusty bread for a fulfilling dining experience. You’ll find this soup quickly becomes a favorite, reminiscent of cherished family recipes to be shared for generations.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken broth
2 cups (liquid)
celery
1 cup (chopped)
carrot
1 cup (chopped)
onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
fresh broccoli
1 lb (chopped into florets)
butter
1/2 cup (melted)
flour
1/2 cup (for thickening)
salt
2 teaspoons (to taste)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
milk
4 cups (for creaminess)
Tabasco sauce
to taste (for added heat)
Velveeta cheese
1 lb (cut into cubes)
cubed ham
2 cups (for protein)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, combine the chicken broth, chopped celery, carrots, and onion. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for approximately 5 minutes.
2
Add the chopped broccoli and cook until it is tender yet crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Do not drain the vegetables; keep the broth intact for maximum flavor.
3
In a separate large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour, salt, and pepper, cooking for about 1 minute to form a roux.
4
Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Add Tabasco sauce to taste, adjusting the heat to your preference. Stir in the Velveeta cheese and cook, stirring often, until it is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
6
Fold the ham into the cheese mixture, allowing it to warm through.
7
Finally, combine the cheese mixture with the undrained vegetable mixture in the large saucepan. Stir everything together until well blended and heated throughout. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in this chowder?
The main protein used in this recipe is 2 cups of cubed ham.
What type of cheese is recommended for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes for easy melting.
How much chicken broth is needed?
You will need 2 cups of chicken broth.
How do you thicken the soup?
The soup is thickened by creating a roux with 1/2 cup of butter and 1/2 cup of flour, followed by 4 cups of milk.
What vegetables are included in the base?
The vegetable base includes 1 cup of celery, 1 cup of carrots, and 1/2 cup of onion.
How long should the initial vegetable mixture simmer?
The mixture of broth, celery, carrots, and onion should simmer for approximately 5 minutes.
How long does it take to cook the broccoli?
The broccoli should be cooked for about 3-4 minutes until it is tender yet crisp.
Should I drain the liquid after cooking the vegetables?
No, you should keep the broth intact and not drain the vegetables to maintain maximum flavor.
How much milk is used for the creamy base?
The recipe requires 4 cups of milk to achieve its creamy consistency.
Is this chowder spicy?
The chowder has a gentle kick from Tabasco sauce, which can be added to taste.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to combine chicken broth, celery, carrots, and onion in a large saucepan and bring to a boil.
How much butter is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of melted butter.
What seasonings are added to the roux?
The roux is seasoned with 2 teaspoons of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
How long do I whisk the milk into the roux?
Whisk the milk continuously for about 5-7 minutes until the mixture becomes thick and creamy.
When is the ham added to the recipe?
The ham is folded into the cheese mixture after the Velveeta has fully melted.
What serving suggestions are recommended?
Enjoy the chowder on its own or paired with crusty bread for a fulfilling meal.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a cozy family staple that is quick to prepare and hearty enough for a complete meal.
How much broccoli is needed?
The recipe uses 1 lb of fresh broccoli chopped into florets.
How much onion is used?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of chopped onion.
Should the broccoli be fresh or frozen?
The ingredients specifically list 1 lb of fresh broccoli.
What kind of flour is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of flour for thickening purposes.
How should the Velveeta be prepared?
The Velveeta cheese should be cut into cubes before being added to the sauce.
Is the ham pre-cooked?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of cubed ham, which is typically pre-cooked and then warmed through in the soup.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of salt.
How much black pepper is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
What is the final step in preparing the chowder?
The final step is to combine the cheese and ham mixture with the vegetable mixture and stir until well blended and heated through.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, the Tabasco sauce is added to taste, allowing you to adjust the heat to your preference.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 13 total ingredients in this recipe.
How many cups of carrots are needed?
You will need 1 cup of chopped carrots.
How many cups of celery are needed?
You will need 1 cup of chopped celery.