Hearty Cheddar Cheese Chowder
A rich and creamy cheddar cheese chowder with tender vegetables, perfect for cozy family dinners or comforting gatherings, packed with bold flavors and hearty textures.
Ingredients
- 3 cups water ⓘ
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup diced green pepper ⓘ
- 1/3 cup flour ⓘ
- 4 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 (2 oz.) jar diced pimento, drained ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (optional) ⓘ
- 3 chicken bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 1 cup thinly sliced carrots ⓘ
- 1/3 cup butter ⓘ
- 3 1/2 cups milk ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine water and bouillon cubes in a Dutch oven; bring to a boil.
- Add potatoes, onion, green pepper, and carrots; cover and simmer 12 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- Melt butter in a heavy saucepan; blend in flour and cook 1 minute.
- Gradually add milk; cook over medium heat until thickened, stirring constantly.
- Add shredded Cheddar cheese, stirring until melted.
- Stir cheese sauce, diced pimento, and hot sauce into the vegetable mixture.
- Cook over low heat until thoroughly heated. Do not boil.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier chowder, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. You can also substitute the green pepper with diced celery for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a spicier kick, add more hot sauce or include jalapeños. Always taste your chowder before serving to adjust seasoning. For a thicker consistency, blend a portion of the soup and return it to the pot.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with extra cheese or fresh herbs like parsley. It pairs beautifully with Savory Farmhouse Bread Pudding for a hearty meal. Consider serving with a light salad or crusty bread to balance the richness of the chowder. For a fun twist, top with crispy bacon bits.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm the chowder in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the chowder thickens too much, add a splash of milk or water while reheating. Avoid boiling to maintain the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Cheddar Cheese Chowder contains roughly 1364 calories, with 25g protein, 170g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (141% of the Daily Value), protein (51% of the Daily Value), and iron (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 13g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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, you can prepare the chowder ahead of time. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days. When reheating, add a little extra milk to restore creaminess, as the chowder may thicken in the fridge.
What can I use if I don't have chicken bouillon cubes?
If you don't have chicken bouillon cubes, you can use homemade chicken stock or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. Just ensure to adjust the seasoning accordingly, as store-bought broths may be saltier than bouillon cubes.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening. If using cornstarch, mix it with a bit of cold milk before adding to prevent clumping. This way, you can enjoy a gluten-free version of this hearty 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).