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I created this Ham and Corn Chowder one chilly evening when I was staring at a mountain of leftover holiday ham wondering what to make for dinner. The moment I started cooking the bacon and vegetables my kitchen filled with the most incredible aroma. Now this creamy comforting soup has become our family's favorite way to transform leftover ham into something magical. My kids actually cheer when they smell it cooking.
Pure Comfort in a Bowl
What makes this chowder so special is how all the flavors work together. The smokiness from the bacon the natural sweetness of corn and that rich creamy broth create something truly magical. I love that everything cooks in one pot making cleanup a breeze. Whether I'm making it for a quiet family dinner or doubling the recipe for friends it never fails to bring smiles to the table.
Let's Gather Our Ingredients
Here's everything you'll need to create this cozy bowl of comfort:
- Crispy bacon some for the soup some for topping
- Diced onion celery and plenty of garlic
- A bit of flour for thickening
- Good chicken broth I prefer low sodium
- Heavy cream for that silky texture
- Leftover ham diced into bite sized pieces
- Sweet corn fresh frozen or canned all work beautifully
- Potatoes I love Yukon Golds for their buttery flavor
- Italian seasoning and a pinch of cayenne if you're feeling adventurous
Making the Magic
Start by cooking your bacon in a Dutch oven until it's perfectly crispy. Save some for topping and keep that flavorful bacon fat in the pot it's liquid gold. Add your onion and celery with a pinch of salt letting them get soft and fragrant. A quick hit of garlic comes next then sprinkle flour over everything to make a quick roux. Slowly pour in your chicken broth scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Now comes the fun part adding your ham corn potatoes and seasonings. Let everything simmer gently until those potatoes are tender then stir in the cream. Keep the heat low we don't want it to boil. Give it a taste and adjust your seasonings until it's just right.
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Making It Your Own
Over the years I've discovered so many ways to customize this soup. If you're watching calories half and half works instead of cream just simmer it very gently. Sometimes I'll toss in carrots or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition. No ham? Use sausage or chicken instead. My cheese loving daughter insists on adding a handful of sharp cheddar and honestly it's delicious that way too.
Perfect Partners
Nothing beats a chunk of crusty bread alongside this chowder for soaking up every last drop of that creamy broth. I usually serve it with a simple green salad the freshness balances the richness perfectly. When I'm feeling ambitious I'll whip up some homemade biscuits they're incredible for dipping.
Keeping It Fresh
The chowder keeps beautifully in the fridge for about three days though it rarely lasts that long in my house. When reheating do it slowly on the stovetop adding a splash of chicken broth if it's thickened up too much. I don't recommend freezing it once the cream is added but you can freeze the base before adding cream then finish it fresh when you're ready to serve.
Common Questions
Friends often ask about using different types of corn any kind works beautifully just drain canned corn well. The salt level can be tricky since ham brings its own saltiness. I always use low sodium broth and taste as I go. If your chowder gets too thick mashing a few potato pieces against the side of the pot works wonders. And while the bacon adds amazing flavor you can skip it just use butter for sautéing your vegetables instead.
A Bowl of Love
This chowder has become such a treasured part of our family meals. It's more than just a way to use up leftover ham it's a bowl of comfort that brings everyone to the table eager to enjoy a warm satisfying meal together. I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too. There's nothing quite like gathering around a pot of homemade soup on a chilly evening.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why do you save some bacon for garnish?
Reserving crispy bacon for topping keeps it crunchy. Adding it all to the soup while cooking makes it lose its crunch.
- → Can I freeze this chowder?
While you can freeze it, cream-based soups may separate when thawed. Reheat gently and stir well to bring it back together.
- → What makes the soup thick?
The flour creates a roux with the bacon fat, which thickens the soup. The starch from the potatoes also helps make it creamy.
- → Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
Fresh corn works great in summer when in season. You'll need about 4 ears of corn, cut off the cob.
- → Why keep the lid slightly open while cooking?
This lets some steam escape and helps the soup thicken to the right consistency. It also prevents it from boiling over.