Microwave Cheesy Chowder
A warm, cheesy chowder packed with potatoes, broccoli, and carrots, perfect for a comforting quick meal in the microwave that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups peeled potatoes, cut into 1/2 inch cubes ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups fresh broccoli flowerets ⓘ
- 1 cup thinly sliced carrot
- 1/4 chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 cup water ⓘ
- 1 3/4 cups milk ⓘ
- 1-16 oz can kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 1-10 3/4 oz can cheddar cheese soup, undiluted ⓘ
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
Instructions
- Put potatoes, broccoli, carrot, onion, garlic, pepper, and water in a 3-quart microwave-safe bowl.
- Cover with a lid or vented plastic wrap.
- Microwave on high for 8-10 minutes, stirring once, until vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Add milk, kidney beans, and cheddar cheese soup. Cover and microwave on high for 6-8 minutes, stirring once, until vegetables are tender.
- Add grated cheddar cheese and hot pepper sauce, stirring until cheese is melted.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker chowder, you can mash a portion of the potatoes after cooking. If you don't have cheddar cheese soup, a can of cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup can work as a substitute. Fresh vegetables can be swapped with frozen ones, just reduce the cooking time slightly. Add herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This chowder pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside a Simple Cheese Ball for an appetizer or as part of a cozy dinner. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of additional cheddar cheese for a delightful touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently until heated through. You can also add a splash of milk to restore creaminess if it thickens too much in the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Cheesy Chowder contains roughly 957 calories, with 33g protein, 151g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (125% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (96% of the Daily Value), and potassium (75% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 35g 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 use different vegetables in this chowder?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with your favorite vegetables such as cauliflower, green beans, or corn. Just ensure they are cut to similar sizes for even cooking. This recipe is versatile and works well with various vegetable combinations.
Is this chowder suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this chowder can easily be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of water and ensuring all ingredients are plant-based. The kidney beans add protein, making it a hearty vegetarian dish that everyone can enjoy.
Can I make this chowder ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this chowder in advance. Just follow the recipe up to the point of adding the cheese, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat gently and then stir in the cheese until melted for a fresh taste.
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).