Wonderful Hearty Cheddar Chowder
A rich, cheesy chowder with tender vegetables and a spicy kick, perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings, blending hearty flavors with sharp cheddar.
Ingredients
- 3 cups water ⓘ
- 3 chicken bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced ⓘ
- 1 medium sliced onion ⓘ
- 1 cup thinly sliced carrots ⓘ
- 1/2 cup diced green pepper ⓘ
- 1/3 cup margarine ⓘ
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 3 1/2 cups milk ⓘ
- 4 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 (2 oz.) jar sliced pimento, drained ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine water and bouillon cubes in a Dutch oven; bring to a boil.
- Add potatoes, onion, carrots, and green pepper; cover and simmer 12 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- Melt margarine in a heavy saucepan.
- Blend in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually add milk; cook over medium heat until thickened, stirring constantly.
- Add shredded Cheddar cheese, stirring until melted.
- Stir cheese sauce, drained pimento, and hot sauce into the vegetable mixture.
- Cook over low heat until thoroughly heated, but do not boil.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker chowder, you can blend a portion of the cooked potatoes with the liquid before adding the cheese. If you prefer a milder flavor, substitute the sharp Cheddar cheese with a medium or mild variety. For added nutrition, consider incorporating some cooked bacon or ham, which pairs excellently with this hearty dish. You can also add some spices like thyme or bay leaf for extra depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chowder with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with Baked Chicken Breast Or Turkey Breast for a protein boost. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor. A sprinkle of extra cheese on top just before serving can elevate the dish further.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chowder can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If the chowder thickens too much during storage, add a splash of milk or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wonderful Hearty Cheddar Chowder contains roughly 1333 calories, with 30g protein, 174g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (79% of the Daily Value), calcium (64% of the Daily Value), and protein (61% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1085mg per serving (47% 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 a day in advance. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating. When reheating, do so gently to maintain the creamy texture.
Can I freeze the cheddar chowder?
Freezing is not recommended for this chowder due to the dairy content, which can separate and change texture when thawed. If you must freeze it, omit the cheese and add it fresh when reheating. This way, you can preserve the chowder's creamy consistency.
What can I substitute for the chicken bouillon cubes?
You can use homemade chicken stock or vegetable broth as a substitute for the bouillon cubes, enhancing the flavor of the chowder. If you prefer a vegetarian option, make sure to select a vegetable-based bouillon cube for a similar taste profile.
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).