Savory Cheddar Ham and Bacon Chowder
Warm up with a delightful bowl of Savory Cheddar Ham and Bacon Chowder, a comforting dish that effortlessly combines rich flavors and hearty ingredients. Perfect for chilly days, this chowder makes use of leftover ham while incorporating crispy bacon, tender potatoes, sweet corn, and creamy cheese into every spoonful. Easy to prepare and immensely satisfying, it's a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or cozy get-togethers. With a touch of diced carrots for added nutritional punch, this chowder is sure to become a beloved staple in your home!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bacon
10 slices (Cook until crispy, then crumble.)
Onion
1 large (Chopped.)
Flour
3 tablespoons (Plain.)
Milk
3 cups (Plain.)
Chicken broth
1 1/2 cups (Plain.)
Potatoes
2 1/2 cups (Cubed.)
Whole kernel corn
1 (15-ounce) can (Drained.)
Cheddar cheese
3 cups (Shredded.)
Cooked ham
2 cups (Cubed.)
Pepper
To taste (Plain.)
Carrots
1 cup (Diced.)
Instructions
1
In a large Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Once done, remove the bacon and set it on paper towels to drain.
2
In the same pot, using the bacon drippings, sauté the chopped onion until it becomes tender and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3
Sprinkle in the flour and stir it in to combine with the onions, cooking for about 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
4
Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
5
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2 minutes, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens slightly.
6
Add the cubed potatoes, corn, and pepper. Stir well to combine, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
7
Once the potatoes are cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and cubed ham, cooking until the cheese is melted and the chowder is heated through.
8
Finally, crumble the reserved bacon and stir it into the chowder, allowing the flavors to meld for a couple more minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Cheddar Ham and Bacon Chowder?
It is a comforting, creamy dish that combines rich flavors like crispy bacon, leftover ham, tender potatoes, sweet corn, and shredded cheddar cheese.
How many slices of bacon are required?
The recipe calls for 10 slices of bacon to be cooked until crispy.
What should I do with the bacon drippings?
Keep the bacon drippings in the Dutch oven to sauté the chopped onions for added flavor.
How long should I sauté the onion?
Sauté the large chopped onion for about 5 minutes or until it becomes tender and translucent.
Why is flour added to the sautéed onions?
Flour is added to create a roux, which helps thicken the chowder; it should be cooked for about 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
What liquids are used for the chowder base?
The base uses 3 cups of milk and 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth.
Should the milk and broth mixture be boiled?
Yes, bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat while whisking continuously to ensure it is smooth.
How much cheddar cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
How many potatoes should I prepare?
You will need 2 1/2 cups of cubed potatoes.
How long do the potatoes need to simmer?
The potatoes should simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until they are tender.
Do I need to drain the corn?
Yes, use one 15-ounce can of whole kernel corn and ensure it is drained before adding it to the pot.
When do I add the cooked ham?
Add the 2 cups of cubed cooked ham once the potatoes are tender, along with the shredded cheese.
When is the crispy bacon added back into the soup?
Crumble the reserved bacon and stir it into the chowder at the very end, allowing the flavors to meld for a few minutes before serving.
Are carrots included in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 cup of diced carrots for an extra nutritional punch.
What type of pot is best for this recipe?
A large Dutch oven is recommended for preparing this chowder.
Can I use leftover ham?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed to be a great way to use up leftover ham.
How much chicken broth is used?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth.
How much flour is necessary for thickening?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of plain flour.
Is the chowder simmered covered or uncovered?
The chowder should be simmered uncovered while the potatoes are cooking.
What seasoning is used?
The recipe uses pepper to taste, added along with the potatoes and corn.
How many cups of milk are in the ingredients?
There are 3 cups of milk in this recipe.
What size onion should I use?
One large onion, chopped, is used for the base.
Is this a hearty meal?
Yes, it is described as a hearty meal and a crowd-pleaser for family dinners.
How long does it take for the cheese to melt?
The cheese should be stirred in and cooked just until it is melted and the chowder is heated through.
Should I whisk the liquid?
Yes, whisk continuously while pouring in the milk and broth to keep the mixture smooth.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The carrots should be diced into small pieces.
Can I add extra pepper?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding pepper to your specific taste preferences.
What makes the soup creamy?
The combination of milk, a flour-based roux, and 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese creates the creamy texture.
Is this recipe suitable for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as a delightful dish perfect for chilly days.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to cook the bacon in a large Dutch oven until it is crispy.