Hearty Cheese Chowder
A creamy, cheesy chowder packed with tender potatoes, vegetables, and sharp cheddar, perfect for cozy family dinners or comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 c. water ⓘ
- 3 chicken bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, sliced ⓘ
- 1 c. thinly sliced carrots ⓘ
- 1/2 c. diced green pepper ⓘ
- 1/3 c. margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 c. flour ⓘ
- 3 1/2 c. milk ⓘ
- 4 c. shredded sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 (2 oz.) jar pimiento, drained ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. hot sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine water and bouillon cubes in a pot, bring to a boil, then add vegetables, cover, and simmer until tender.
- In a heavy saucepan, melt margarine, then blend in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually add milk while stirring constantly, cooking until thickened.
- Add shredded cheese, stirring until melted.
- Stir cheese sauce, pimiento, and hot sauce into the vegetable mixture.
- Cook over low heat until thoroughly heated, but do not let it boil.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. You can substitute the sharp Cheddar with a mix of Gruyère and Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile. If you want a healthier option, replace margarine with olive oil, and use whole wheat flour instead of white. Always taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking, especially if you're using low-sodium bouillon.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty cheese chowder with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Salad Honolulu for a delightful lunch spread. Consider topping each bowl with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor and presentation. A sprinkle of paprika can also enhance the dish's visual appeal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to prevent the cheese from separating. Add a splash of milk if the chowder thickens too much. Avoid reheating in the microwave to maintain the creamy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Cheese Chowder contains roughly 1311 calories, with 30g protein, 167g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (99% of the Daily Value), calcium (66% of the Daily Value), and protein (60% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 982mg per serving (43% 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 different types of cheese in this chowder?
Absolutely! While sharp Cheddar is traditional, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gouda or Fontina for a unique taste. Just be mindful that different cheeses melt differently, so choose varieties that melt smoothly for the best texture.
How can I make this chowder vegetarian?
To make this chowder vegetarian, simply replace the chicken bouillon cubes with vegetable bouillon. You can also enhance the flavor by adding herbs like thyme or bay leaf during the simmering process. This way, you'll still achieve a rich, hearty chowder without the meat.
Can I freeze the cheese chowder?
While it's possible to freeze cheese chowder, the texture may change upon thawing due to the cheese. If you plan to freeze it, consider omitting the cheese and adding it fresh when reheating. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months for best results.
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).