Ham Vegetable Chowder
A hearty and comforting ham vegetable chowder packed with tender broccoli, carrots, celery, and chunks of ham, all simmered in a creamy milk base. Perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings, this dish offers a balanced blend of savory flavors and nutritious ingredients.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat water, broccoli, ham, carrots, celery, onion, and salt to boiling in a 4-quart Dutch oven.
- Reduce heat to simmer.
- Cover and cook for 10 minutes.
- In a small bowl, gradually stir milk into Bisquick until combined (mixture will be lumpy).
- Stir the baking mix into the ham mixture.
- Heat the mixture to boiling, stirring constantly.
- Boil and stir for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheese.
- Cover and let stand until cheese is partially melted, about 5 minutes.
- Stir before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker chowder, simmer longer to reduce the liquid or add an extra 1/4 cup of Bisquick. You can substitute the ham with cooked turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian version. If you prefer, fresh broccoli can be used instead of frozen; just blanch it first for optimal texture. Adjust the seasoning to taste, especially if using a salted ham.
Serving Suggestions
This chowder is hearty enough to be a main dish. Consider serving it with crusty bread, like Karen'S Bread, for a complete meal. A light side salad or some cheese-stuffed mushrooms would also complement the flavors nicely. For a finishing touch, sprinkle fresh herbs on top just before serving for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much. Avoid reheating in the microwave to maintain texture, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham Vegetable Chowder contains roughly 820 calories, with 24g protein, 104g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (110% of the Daily Value), calcium (66% of the Daily Value), and protein (47% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2121mg per serving (92% 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 fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables can enhance the flavor and texture. Just make sure to chop them into similar sizes and adjust cooking times slightly, as fresh veggies may require a bit more time to soften compared to frozen.
Is it possible to make this chowder dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative such as almond or oat milk, and replace Bisquick with a gluten-free or dairy-free baking mix. This will keep the chowder creamy while accommodating dietary restrictions.
Can I freeze this chowder?
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the chowder for up to three months. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Note that the texture may change slightly after freezing.
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).