Cheesy Chowder
A creamy, cheesy chowder packed with tender vegetables and rich Velveeta cheese, perfect for cozy dinners. The smooth blend of potatoes, carrots, and green peppers creates a comforting dish with a savory broth. Ideal for family meals or chilly evenings, it offers hearty flavors in every spoonful.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook chopped potatoes, carrots, onion, celery, and green pepper in margarine until tender.
- Add chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and pepper. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Blend milk and flour together; then stir into the chowder.
- Add shredded or cubed Velveeta cheese and parsley.
- Heat through until the cheese melts and the chowder thickens.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of hot sauce. You can substitute half-and-half for the milk for a creamier texture. If you don’t have Velveeta, any creamy cheese like Monterey Jack or a blend of cheddar can work. For a lighter option, use low-fat milk and margarine.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cheesy Chowder hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad. For a complete meal, consider offering it alongside a light dish like a Lo-Fat Chicken Salad or a simple green salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chowder on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You may need to add a splash of milk to restore the original consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Chowder contains roughly 1783 calories, with 21g protein, 166g carbohydrates, and 120g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (275% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (180% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (91% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1555mg per serving (68% 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 use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, you can easily substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make this chowder vegetarian. Just be sure to check that the cream of chicken soup used is a vegetarian variant or replace it with a creamy vegetable soup.
How can I thicken the chowder if it's too thin?
If your chowder is thinner than desired, you can create a slurry by mixing equal parts flour and water, then slowly adding it to the simmering chowder. Allow it to cook for a few more minutes until it thickens to your liking.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chowder a day ahead. Just follow the recipe and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove and stir well to combine before serving.
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).