Ham and Potato Corn Chowder

Ham and Potato Corn Chowder is a hearty, creamy soup packed with tender potatoes, sweet corn, and savory ham. It’s comforting, filling, and perfect for chilly days when you need a bowl of something warm and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chowder is the ultimate comfort food—rich and creamy with a perfect balance of salty ham, sweet corn, and soft, starchy potatoes. It’s an excellent way to use leftover ham and comes together in one pot with minimal effort. Great for lunch or dinner, this dish is family-friendly, freezer-friendly, and makes amazing leftovers.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cooked ham, diced
• Potatoes, peeled and cubed (Yukon Gold or Russet)
• Corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• Onion, diced
• Carrots, diced
• Celery, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Chicken broth
• Milk or half-and-half
• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: thyme, parsley, shredded cheese

directions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Cook for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are softened.
2. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
3. Slowly pour in chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Add potatoes and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
5. Stir in corn and diced ham. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
6. Add milk or half-and-half, season with salt, pepper, and optional herbs. Stir and heat gently (do not boil).
7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley or shredded cheese if desired, then serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 6 people.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Cheesy Twist: Stir in shredded cheddar for an even richer flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne.
• Smoky Flavor: Use smoked paprika or a ham hock for deeper flavor.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the ham and use vegetable broth; add extra veggies or beans.
• Creamier Texture: Use heavy cream instead of milk or mash some of the potatoes into the broth.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring frequently. Add a splash of broth or milk if needed to loosen the texture. This chowder also freezes well—just cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use leftover holiday ham for this chowder?

Yes, this is a perfect recipe for using leftover cooked ham.

What kind of potatoes work best?

Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal due to their creamy texture and ability to hold shape.

Can I use canned corn?

Absolutely—just drain it before adding. Frozen or fresh corn also work well.

Is it okay to freeze this chowder?

Yes, but keep in mind the texture may change slightly due to the dairy. Stir well when reheating.

How do I thicken the chowder?

The flour roux should thicken it, but you can also mash some of the potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry if needed.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes—add all ingredients except the flour, butter, and milk. Cook on low for 6–7 hours, then stir in a roux and milk at the end.

Is this chowder gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour or thickening with cornstarch.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! Peas, green beans, or diced bell peppers would be great additions.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Use a non-dairy milk and olive oil instead of butter, but note the chowder won’t be quite as creamy.

What should I serve with it?

A crusty loaf of bread, side salad, or even a grilled cheese sandwich pairs perfectly.

Conclusion

Ham and Potato Corn Chowder is a rich, cozy meal that brings together savory ham, creamy potatoes, and sweet corn in a bowl of pure comfort. Whether you’re using up leftovers or starting from scratch, this simple one-pot recipe is sure to become a family favorite, especially during the colder months.

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