Ham Chowder Soup Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about a hearty bowl of chowder, especially when it’s packed with the savory flavors of fresh ham and vegetables. Ham Chowder Soup is one of those dishes that seems to hit the perfect balance between rich, smoky goodness and the warm, creamy texture that makes you feel right at home. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal for a chilly evening, or need to make use of leftover ham, this soup delivers. It’s filling, flavorful, and brimming with satisfying ingredients that can please a crowd or be savored in solitude.

In this article, we’re going to dive deep into the world of Ham Chowder Soup, covering everything from the ingredients to expert tips, and even exploring different variations to spice things up. Ready to make the most delicious chowder you’ve ever tasted? Let’s get started!

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the ingredients and instructions, let’s lay out a basic recipe for Ham Chowder Soup. This will be the foundation that we’ll build on with tips, ingredient insights, and potential variations.

Ingredients

2 cups diced cooked ham (leftover ham works great here)
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
1 ½ cups milk (or heavy cream for a richer texture)
1 cup frozen corn kernels
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp flour (optional for thickening)

Cooking Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté for about 3-5 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Cook the Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the pot and give them a good stir. Let them cook in the butter for 5 minutes, allowing them to get a little bit of color and start softening.
Add the Ham and Broth: Now it’s time to add the diced ham to the pot. Stir it into the potatoes and onions. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the potatoes are submerged. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Stir in the Milk and Corn: Once the potatoes are soft, stir in the milk (or cream) and frozen corn. Continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes, letting everything come together into a creamy, comforting broth.
Season and Thicken: Add the dried thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper to taste. If you want a thicker chowder, whisk the flour with a bit of water to make a slurry, and stir it into the soup. Let the chowder simmer for another 5 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Final Touches: Taste the chowder and adjust the seasonings as needed. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk or broth to loosen it up. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top or a side of crusty bread.

Ingredients Needed

A chowder is all about balance, so let’s break down the key ingredients in our ham chowder soup and what they bring to the table:

Ham: The star of the show. The smoky, salty goodness of ham provides a deep, savory flavor that permeates the entire dish. Using leftover ham from a holiday feast is a great way to use what you already have and minimize waste.
Onion and Garlic: These two aromatics are essential for building a flavor base. Onion brings sweetness and depth, while garlic adds a punch of savory, aromatic flavor.
Potatoes: The starchy base of any good chowder, potatoes help thicken the soup while offering a soft, comforting bite. They also absorb all the delicious flavors of the broth.
Chicken Broth: The backbone of the soup’s liquid base. Chicken broth adds richness, but you can always swap it out for vegetable broth for a lighter version.
Milk or Cream: This is what gives the chowder its signature creamy texture. You can opt for whole milk for a lighter version, or heavy cream if you’re after that indulgent, velvety consistency.
Frozen Corn: Corn adds a subtle sweetness and crunch that balances out the richness of the soup. Plus, it brings a pop of color to the bowl, making it more visually appealing.
Herbs & Seasonings: Thyme and parsley are classic herbs that complement the ham, while salt and pepper bring everything together.

Ingredient Insights

Ham: Using a well-cooked, flavorful ham is key to elevating the overall dish. If you’re using leftover ham from a holiday meal, be sure to trim off any tough or overly fatty pieces to avoid unwanted textures in your soup. If you’re buying ham from the store, opt for a smoked variety for that extra depth of flavor.
Potatoes: While most people default to russet potatoes, consider using waxy potatoes like Yukon Golds for a creamier texture that holds its shape better in the soup. Russets can break down a little too much when simmered for longer periods, making the soup overly thick.
Corn: Frozen corn is an easy and convenient option, but you could also use fresh corn off the cob or canned corn. Just make sure to drain the canned corn thoroughly to avoid excess liquid in your chowder.
Milk vs. Cream: The type of milk you use makes a significant difference in the texture. Whole milk will give you a creamy but light result, while heavy cream makes the soup luxuriously rich. If you’re trying to cut down on calories, consider half-and-half as a middle ground.

Expert Tips

Add a splash of white wine or sherry: If you want to enhance the depth of your chowder, try deglazing the pot with a splash of white wine or sherry before adding the broth. This extra layer of flavor can make a big difference.
Use a slow cooker for convenience: If you have time, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Simply add all the ingredients (except the milk and corn), cook on low for 6-8 hours, then add the milk and corn during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Don’t skip the flour if you like a thicker soup: A little bit of flour or cornstarch can go a long way in thickening your chowder. Just be sure to make a slurry (flour mixed with water) so it doesn’t clump when you add it to the soup.
Let the soup rest: Like many soups, this one tastes even better the next day. Let it cool down, store it in the fridge, and then reheat for even richer flavor.

Recipe Variations

Ham Chowder Soup is versatile, and you can mix up the ingredients to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas:

Spicy Ham Chowder: Add a bit of heat with diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you want more spice, add a couple of dashes of hot sauce when serving.
Vegetarian Version: Swap out the ham for a plant-based protein or just go all-in on the veggies. Use a variety of root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or turnips for a hearty, satisfying vegetarian chowder.
Cheesy Ham Chowder: Stir in some shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese toward the end of cooking for a cheesy twist. The cheese will add richness and a slight tanginess that pairs beautifully with the smoky ham.
Add Greens: Toss in a handful of spinach or kale at the end of cooking for added color and nutrition. These greens will soften quickly and add a fresh element to the soup.

Final Words

Ham Chowder Soup is truly the definition of comfort food. It’s cozy, filling, and makes the best use of leftovers while still being incredibly satisfying. The balance of textures-from the creamy broth to the tender potatoes and crunchy corn-combined with the smoky, savory ham, makes this soup one you’ll return to again and again. It’s easy to prepare and allows for plenty of customization, so you can tweak the flavors to match your personal taste.

Ham Chowder Soup Recipe