Corn Chowder With Ham
Creamy corn chowder with ham combines sweet corn, tender potatoes, and savory ham for a hearty, comforting dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and celery; cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in flour and cook over low heat, stirring constantly for 1 minute.
- Gradually stir in milk and cook over medium heat, stirring until thickened and smooth.
- Stir in creamed corn, diced potatoes, pepper, and thyme.
- Cover and simmer until potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Add diced ham and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, use half-and-half instead of milk. If you prefer a thicker chowder, add more flour when cooking the onions and celery. You can substitute the diced ham with cooked bacon or turkey for a lighter version. Fresh corn can be used instead of creamed corn for a more robust flavor, just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the corn chowder with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Green Beans (Barbecued) for a delightful balance of flavors. For added texture, consider topping each bowl with crispy bacon bits or fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chowder in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If the chowder thickens too much during storage, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Corn Chowder With Ham contains roughly 1557 calories, with 12g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 135g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (188% of the Daily Value), iron (103% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (53% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 652mg per serving (28% 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 frozen corn instead of creamed corn?
Yes, you can use frozen corn in place of creamed corn. Just add it after the potatoes have simmered for about 10 minutes, allowing it to cook until tender. You may want to add a bit of cream to achieve a similar richness.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this chowder vegetarian, omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of milk. For added flavor, include diced carrots and bell peppers, and consider adding a splash of soy or coconut aminos for umami.
Can I prepare this chowder in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the chowder a day ahead. Allow it to cool completely before storing in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit of milk if needed to adjust the consistency.
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).