Hot Cheese Chowder
A comforting, cheesy chowder packed with tender vegetables and rich flavors, perfect for cozy dinners and satisfying lunches for cheese lovers and vegetable fans alike.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted ⓘ
- 3 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 medium potato, cubed ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped carrot ⓘ
- 1/2 cup flour ⓘ
- 2 cups milk ⓘ
- 12 ounces sharp American cheese or Cheddar cheese, cubed ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute celery, onion, and green pepper in melted butter in a Dutch oven until tender.
- Add chicken broth, cubed potato, and chopped carrot; bring to a boil.
- Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier chowder, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. If sharp cheddar is too strong for your taste, a mild cheddar or a blend of cheeses can work well. You can also add some cooked bacon for extra flavor. Feel free to toss in additional vegetables like corn or peas to enhance the texture. This chowder is a great companion to American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the hot cheese chowder with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Company Brussels Sprouts for a delightful contrast in flavors. Consider garnishing with extra parsley for freshness or a sprinkle of paprika for added color.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chowder can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so slowly over low heat to prevent the cheese from separating. You can also add a splash of milk to regain creaminess if it thickens too much upon cooling.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Cheese Chowder contains roughly 1735 calories, with 29g protein, 186g carbohydrates, and 103g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (151% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1521mg per serving (66% 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 a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp American or cheddar cheese is recommended, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles. Just keep in mind that melting qualities may vary, so choose cheeses that melt well.
Is this chowder suitable for freezing?
Yes, this chowder can be frozen, but it's best to do so before adding the cheese. Freeze the base of the chowder, then reheat and stir in the cheese just before serving to maintain its creamy texture.
How can I make this chowder vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this chowder, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for added depth and flavor. The cheese can remain the same, or you can opt for a dairy-free cheese alternative.
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).