Garden Harvest Chowder
A hearty garden harvest chowder featuring bacon, fresh vegetables, and melted cheddar, perfect for comforting family dinners with vibrant flavors and creamy texture.
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp sliced green onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup peeled and thinly sliced carrot ⓘ
- 2 cups mashed potatoes ⓘ
- 17 oz can cream style corn ⓘ
- 1/2 cup frozen English peas ⓘ
- 2 cups milk ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 large tomato peeled and thinly sliced ⓘ
- seasoned pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Fry bacon in a large saucepan until crisp; drain on paper towels and crumble bacon. Reserve 1 tablespoon of drippings in the pan.
- Saute sliced green onion, chopped celery, and sliced carrot in the reserved drippings for 2 minutes.
- Add mashed potatoes, cream style corn, frozen English peas, milk, salt, and shredded cheddar cheese to the saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cheese melts and the chowder is heated through.
- Serve each portion topped with a sliced peeled tomato, crumbled bacon, and a dash of seasoned pepper.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier chowder, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. You can also substitute the bacon with turkey bacon for a healthier option. If you don't have fresh tomatoes, canned diced tomatoes can work as a substitute. Adding a dash of hot sauce can enhance the flavor profile if you enjoy a bit of heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chowder with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Easy Cabbage Rolls for a hearty dinner. For an elegant touch, consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives to enhance the presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If the chowder thickens too much, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Garden Harvest Chowder contains roughly 1025 calories, with 28g protein, 153g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (180% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (146% of the Daily Value), and calcium (67% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1403mg per serving (61% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this chowder to be vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of milk. Replace the bacon drippings with olive oil for sautéing the vegetables. You might also add more vegetables like bell peppers for added flavor.
How can I make this chowder thicker?
To thicken the chowder, you can add a slurry made of cornstarch and water. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, and stir it into the chowder as it simmers. Alternatively, mashing some of the peas or potatoes can also help achieve a thicker consistency.
Can I freeze the leftover chowder?
While you can freeze chowder, the texture may change upon reheating. To freeze, allow the chowder to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 2 months. When reheating, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently on the stovetop.
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).