Midwestern Chowder
A hearty Midwestern chowder featuring cheese, potatoes, vegetables, and hot dogs, offering rich, creamy flavors perfect for comfort food lovers and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil diced potatoes, chopped carrots, chopped onions, and celery separately, then simmer for 10 minutes until vegetables are cooked but not mushy.
- Shred the sharp cheese.
- Make a cream sauce by melting butter, then stirring in flour and milk; cook until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Stir in shredded cheese until melted into the sauce.
- Add cream-style corn and the cooked vegetables, including their broth, into the sauce.
- Heat the mixture gently without bringing it to a boil.
- Add thinly sliced cooked hot dogs to the chowder.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier chowder, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute the hot dogs with diced smoked tofu or skip them altogether. To enhance flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper. Make sure to shred the cheese finely for easier melting into the cream sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chowder with crusty bread or crackers for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with Carnation Green Garden Salad for a refreshing contrast. For an added touch, sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives before serving. Consider offering a side of Molasses Fruit Cookies for a sweet finish to your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. If the chowder thickens too much, add a splash of milk or water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Midwestern Chowder contains roughly 2108 calories, with 53g protein, 165g carbohydrates, and 148g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (235% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (182% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1216mg per serving (53% 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 vegetables in this chowder?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like corn, peas, or bell peppers. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose to ensure they are tender but not mushy.
Is there a way to make this chowder lighter?
Yes, you can lighten the chowder by using low-fat milk instead of whole milk and reducing the amount of cheese. You can also replace some of the cream-style corn with fresh or frozen corn for added sweetness without the heaviness.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this chowder gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Ensure your hot dogs and any other processed ingredients are labeled gluten-free, and you can enjoy this chowder without worry.
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).