Creamy Ham and Corn Chowder Delight
Savor the comforting flavors of this delectable Creamy Ham and Corn Chowder Delight, perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you're in the mood for something warm and satisfying. This hearty dish combines sweet corn, tender potatoes, and savory ham in a creamy base, enhanced with an array of spices for an unforgettable experience. Ideal for busy days, this recipe makes great use of pantry staples and is easily customizable according to your taste preferences. Whether served as a main course or a side, it promises to become a family favorite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Condensed cream of celery soup
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can (none)
Creamed corn
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (none)
Whole kernel corn
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (drained)
Medium onion
1 (diced)
Diced potatoes
2-3 cups (diced)
Diced ham
1 cup (diced)
Half-and-half
1/4-1/2 cup (none)
Dried thyme
1 teaspoon (none)
Black pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
Celery salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Smoked sweet paprika
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (none)
Cubed Velveeta cheese
1 cup (none)
Hot pepper sauce
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by spraying the inside of a 3 to 4-quart slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup.
2
Add the following ingredients to the slow cooker: condensed cream of celery soup, creamed corn, drained whole kernel corn, diced onion, diced potatoes, diced ham, half-and-half, dried thyme, black pepper, celery salt, salt, smoked sweet paprika, and cayenne pepper.
3
Stir the mixture gently until well combined. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
4
Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
5
After checking the doneness of the potatoes, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and cubed Velveeta cheese. Adjust the spiciness by adding hot pepper sauce according to your preference.
6
Continue to stir until all the cheese has melted and the chowder is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
7
Once everything is well blended and heated through, serve your creamy chowder warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Ham and Corn Chowder Delight?
It is a hearty, comforting soup made with sweet corn, tender potatoes, and savory ham in a rich, cheesy base seasoned with various spices.
What size slow cooker is recommended for this recipe?
A 3 to 4-quart slow cooker is the ideal size for this specific quantity of ingredients.
How should I prepare the slow cooker before adding ingredients?
Spray the inside of the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to ensure the chowder doesn't stick and to make cleanup easier.
What type of corn is used in this chowder?
The recipe calls for a combination of one can of creamed corn and one can of whole kernel corn.
Do I need to drain the canned corn?
The whole kernel corn should be drained, but do not drain the creamed corn.
What kind of soup serves as the base for this recipe?
One 10.75-ounce can of condensed cream of celery soup is used as the base.
How should the potatoes be prepared?
The potatoes should be diced into small pieces, measuring about 2 to 3 cups in total.
What type of ham is best for this chowder?
The recipe requires 1 cup of diced ham; leftover cooked ham or store-bought diced ham works perfectly.
How long does the chowder need to cook?
Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 3 to 4 hours.
How do I know when the chowder is finished cooking?
The chowder is ready for the final steps once the diced potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
When should I add the cheese?
The cheese should be added at the very end of the cooking process after the potatoes have become tender.
What types of cheese are used in this chowder?
This recipe uses 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of cubed Velveeta cheese for maximum creaminess.
Can I make the chowder spicy?
Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by adding hot pepper sauce to taste at the end of the cooking process.
What spices are included in the recipe?
The seasoning blend includes dried thyme, black pepper, celery salt, regular salt, smoked sweet paprika, and cayenne pepper.
Is half-and-half necessary for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 to 1/2 cup of half-and-half to add to the creamy texture of the base.
Can I substitute the cream of celery soup?
While cream of celery is recommended, you could likely substitute it with cream of potato or cream of chicken soup.
Do I need to stir the chowder while it cooks?
You should stir it once at the beginning to combine ingredients and then again at the end when adding the cheese.
How do I ensure the cheese melts properly?
Continue to stir the mixture after adding the cheese until it has completely melted and the chowder is smooth.
Is this a good recipe for busy days?
Yes, it uses many pantry staples and a slow cooker, making it very convenient for busy schedules.
What should I do if the chowder is too thick?
If it is too thick, you can stir in a little extra half-and-half or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I add other vegetables to this chowder?
Yes, this recipe is customizable; ingredients like diced carrots or bell peppers would be excellent additions.
What is the role of smoked sweet paprika in this recipe?
It adds a subtle smokiness and a beautiful depth of color to the chowder.
Is this recipe considered a main course?
It is hearty enough to be served as a main course, but it also works well as a side dish.
How many onions are needed?
One medium onion, diced, is used in this recipe.
What if I don't have celery salt?
You can substitute it with a bit of extra regular salt and perhaps some finely minced fresh celery.
Can I use fresh potatoes?
Yes, fresh potatoes are recommended. Peel and dice them into 2 to 3 cups worth of pieces.
Is this chowder gluten-free?
Standard condensed soups and Velveeta often contain gluten, so you would need to find gluten-free alternatives for those specific items.
Should the ham be pre-cooked?
Yes, the ham should be cooked and diced before adding it to the slow cooker.
How should I serve this dish?
Serve it warm in bowls, perhaps topped with fresh chives or crusty bread on the side.
Does this chowder store well?
Yes, leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container and reheated for a quick meal the next day.