Ham Chowder Soup Corn Recipe

If you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and full of flavor, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of Ham Chowder Soup with Corn. This dish is the perfect combination of creamy, savory, and slightly sweet, thanks to the corn, and hearty, smoky goodness, courtesy of the ham. It’s the kind of meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings, but also works well as a satisfying lunch or dinner any time of the year. If you’re looking for a recipe that will warm you up from the inside out, this ham chowder soup is exactly what you need.

The smooth texture of the chowder, combined with the rich flavors, makes each spoonful a comforting experience. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and packed with ingredients you probably already have on hand. You’ll find that this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to meals when you want something filling and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen.

So, let’s dive into this recipe. Here’s everything you need to make this delicious and cozy dish!

Ham chowder soup with corn is essentially a creamy soup that blends tender chunks of ham, sweet corn kernels, and a velvety base of potatoes and broth. The flavor profile is a delightful mix of savory, smoky, and sweet, with a creamy texture that is rich yet not overly heavy. It’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients Needed

To create this wonderfully comforting ham chowder soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients

Ham (2 cups, cooked and diced): Preferably leftover ham, but if you don’t have any, you can buy ham steaks or ham cubes from your local butcher.
Corn kernels (1 ½ cups, fresh or frozen): The sweetness of the corn is a key part of what makes this soup so special.
Potatoes (3 medium-sized, diced): These give the soup body and texture, soaking up the flavors from the broth.
Onion (1 medium, diced): Onions bring an aromatic base to the soup, adding depth to the overall flavor.
Carrot (1 large, peeled and diced): For sweetness and a little crunch.
Celery (2 stalks, diced): Adds a fresh, mild flavor and a bit of crunch to the soup.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A punch of flavor that adds a savory base to the broth.
Chicken broth (4 cups): The primary liquid that will carry all the flavors. You can also use vegetable broth for a lighter alternative.
Heavy cream (1 cup): To make the soup wonderfully creamy. For a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half or milk.
Butter (2 tablespoons): Used to sauté the veggies and add richness to the soup.
Flour (2 tablespoons): A thickening agent to give the chowder a smooth, rich consistency.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential to balance out the sweetness and saltiness of the soup.
Thyme (1 teaspoon, dried): A subtle herb that brings an earthy aroma to the chowder.
Bay leaf (1): Adds a gentle, aromatic touch to the broth.

Cooking Instructions

This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, making it accessible even for beginner cooks. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting the ham chowder soup just right:

Prepare The Ingredients
- Dice the potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion. Mince the garlic and chop the ham into bite-sized cubes.
- If you’re using frozen corn, make sure it’s thawed. If you’re using fresh corn, cut the kernels off the cob.
Sauté The Vegetables
- In a large soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions become translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Add Flour To Thicken
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well. This will help thicken the chowder. Continue cooking for about 2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
Add The Broth And Potatoes
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring to dissolve the flour. Add the diced potatoes, bay leaf, and thyme.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Add The Ham And Corn
- Stir in the ham and corn kernels. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until everything is heated through.
Add The Cream
- Pour in the heavy cream, and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until everything is well combined and the soup is creamy and rich.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Serve And Enjoy
- Ladle the soup into bowls, and serve with some warm, crusty bread on the side for dipping. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives, if desired.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s break down the key ingredients and what makes them so important for this recipe:

Ham: The ham is the star of this dish. It adds a smoky, savory flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the corn. If you’re using leftover ham, it’s a great way to repurpose it. Otherwise, you can grab a ham steak or even use a ham hock for a more robust flavor.
Corn: Sweet corn contributes a natural sweetness that balances out the richness of the soup. The kernels pop in your mouth, providing a delightful contrast to the creamy base.
Potatoes: These provide the hearty texture and a comforting feel to the soup. They soak up all the delicious flavors, and when diced small, they become tender and melt into the soup.
Heavy Cream: This ingredient ensures that the chowder has a velvety consistency. It’s the element that takes the soup from good to great, adding richness and creaminess to every bite.
Chicken Broth: The foundation of any good soup. Chicken broth not only provides the base for your chowder but also imparts a savory, umami flavor that ties all the ingredients together.

Expert Tips

Don’t Skip the Flour: The flour is essential for thickening the soup. If you want a gluten-free version, you can use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
Leftover Ham is Your Friend: If you have leftover ham from a holiday or roast, this is the perfect recipe to use it up. It adds great flavor and helps reduce waste!
Customize the Creaminess: If you want the soup lighter, use milk instead of cream. But if you prefer a truly indulgent experience, go all out with the heavy cream for a rich, velvety texture.
Add a Pop of Freshness: Garnish the chowder with fresh herbs like parsley or chives to add color and freshness. A sprinkle of cheese on top never hurts either!
Simmer Low and Slow: Letting the soup simmer on low heat for a longer period of time enhances the flavors. It also gives the potatoes time to break down, thickening the chowder naturally.

Recipe Variations

Add More Veggies: You can mix in additional vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or even spinach for extra color and nutrients.
Spicy Twist: For a spicy kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce or a finely chopped jalapeño pepper. It gives the soup an unexpected punch.
Herb Options: Feel free to experiment with other herbs, such as rosemary, basil, or oregano, to give your chowder a unique flavor profile.
Bacon: For an extra savory boost, crisp up some bacon and sprinkle it over the soup just before serving. It adds a smoky crunch that complements the ham perfectly.
Vegan Version: Swap out the ham for plant-based ham or smoked tofu, and use coconut milk or almond milk instead of cream to make it vegan-friendly.

Final Words

This ham chowder soup with corn is a truly comforting dish that will make your taste buds sing. Whether you’re serving it to friends, family, or just treating yourself to something special, it’s a recipe that’s guaranteed to satisfy. It’s got everything: a rich, creamy base, tender veggies, and smoky, savory ham all brought together by the sweetness of the corn. Plus, it’s versatile enough for you to customize to your taste.

Ham Chowder Soup Corn Recipe