Varsity Chowder
Varsity Chowder is a hearty, cheesy potato soup with bacon, perfect for comforting meals and satisfying cravings with its rich flavors and creamy texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, salt, and pepper in a saucepan; add boiling water.
- Cover and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender; do not drain.
- In a separate saucepan, melt margarine over medium heat.
- Add flour to the melted margarine and cook, stirring constantly, until smooth and bubbly.
- Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in shredded Cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked vegetables and broth to the cheese mixture and heat through.
- Crumble cooked bacon and sprinkle over the soup before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. If you're out of margarine, butter can be used as a substitute. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle heat. If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Varsity Chowder hot, garnished with crumbled bacon on top. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh side salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside a classic recipe like *Sausage Loaf - Stuffed* for a comforting dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the cheese from separating. You may need to add a splash of milk to maintain the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Varsity Chowder contains roughly 1969 calories, with 42g protein, 292g carbohydrates, and 70g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (93% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (88% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (85% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2740mg per serving (119% 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 make this chowder ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chowder ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently when you're ready to serve. The flavors will meld beautifully, making it even tastier.
Is it possible to freeze Varsity Chowder?
While you can freeze the chowder, the texture may change upon thawing due to the dairy. For best results, freeze without the cheese and bacon, then add those ingredients when reheating.
What can I use instead of sharp Cheddar cheese?
If sharp Cheddar isn't available, you can substitute with Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that the overall taste of the chowder will vary with different cheese choices.
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).