Cheddar Chowder
Cheddar Chowder is a creamy, comforting soup that combines the rich flavors of cheddar cheese with tender vegetables like potatoes, cauliflower, and carrots. This hearty dish is perfect for chilly evenings, making it a delightful choice for families and cheese lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine boiling water, diced potatoes, sliced celery, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Do not drain the vegetables.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter.
- Stir in the flour, then add the milk and heat to boiling. Continue simmering, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Add the shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Stir until the cheese is melted.
- Add the undrained vegetables and cubed ham.
- Heat through, but do not boil.
- This chowder freezes well.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Cheddar Chowder, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or a splash of hot sauce for a kick. If you don't have ham, cooked bacon or even shredded rotisserie chicken can be excellent substitutions. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. Don't forget to taste and adjust the salt as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Cheddar Chowder with a side of crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like Stuffed Hamburgers or a simple fruit salad for a refreshing contrast. For extra texture, consider topping each bowl with some crispy croutons or fresh herbs like parsley.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If the chowder thickens too much during storage, add a splash of milk to restore its creamy consistency before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheddar Chowder contains roughly 778 calories, with 18g protein, 111g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (67% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1344mg per serving (58% 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 make this chowder ahead of time?
Yes, Cheddar Chowder can be made ahead of time. Just prepare it as directed, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove, adding a little extra milk if it thickens too much.
What can I substitute for Cheddar cheese?
If you're looking for a different flavor, you can substitute with Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese. For a vegan option, use a plant-based cheese that melts well, or simply omit the cheese and add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Can I add more vegetables to the chowder?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like peas, corn, or bell peppers to enhance the nutrition and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time so that all vegetables are tender and well incorporated into the chowder.
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).