Broccoli Chowder - The Bounty
A hearty broccoli chowder featuring tender broccoli, ham, potatoes, and Swiss cheese, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook broccoli, covered, in 1 can of chicken broth until tender.
- Remove broccoli from broth and chop coarsely.
- Add milk, light cream, ham, salt, pepper, and dry mustard to the broth and broccoli. Simmer and stir occasionally.
- Saute onions and grated potato in butter until softened.
- Add the remaining can of chicken broth and cook until the potatoes are soft.
- Add the potato mixture, grated Swiss cheese, and chicken seasoned stock base to the broccoli mixture.
- Heat just to serving temperature and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, substitute the ham with diced tofu or mushrooms. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for added flavor. If you prefer, replace Swiss cheese with cheddar or Gruyère for a different cheese profile. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the chowder.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the broccoli chowder hot, garnished with additional green onions or a sprinkle of cheese. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. Consider serving alongside a light dish like Chicken Stuffed Eggs for a delightful brunch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover broccoli chowder can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to maintain the desired consistency as it thickens upon cooling.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli Chowder - The Bounty contains roughly 641 calories, with 10g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (127% of the Daily Value), potassium (32% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1261mg per serving (55% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze broccoli chowder?
Yes, you can freeze broccoli chowder, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently before serving.
What can I use instead of light cream?
If you don't have light cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and sour cream for creaminess. For a lower-calorie option, use evaporated milk or a non-dairy alternative like cashew or oat milk, though this may alter the flavor slightly.
How do I make the chowder thicker?
To thicken the chowder, you can mash some of the potatoes in the mixture or add a slurry made from cornstarch and water. Alternatively, simmer the chowder longer to reduce the liquid content. For a creamy texture, blending a portion of the chowder can also help achieve the desired thickness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).