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I created this Ham and Corn Chowder one chilly evening when I needed something warm and comforting. The combination of smoky ham crispy bacon sweet corn and tender potatoes in that creamy broth turned out to be pure magic. Now it's one of our favorite meals ready in under an hour and guaranteed to warm everyone up.
What Makes This Special
The beauty of this chowder is how it transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. There's just something wonderful about the way the salty ham plays with the natural sweetness of corn while those tender potato chunks make it perfectly hearty. Every time I make it my kitchen fills with the most amazing aroma.
Everything You Need
Here's what you'll need to create this cozy bowl:
- 4 slices bacon cut into small pieces
- 1 cup diced ham leftover works beautifully
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2-3 large potatoes peeled and diced
- 1 can corn kernels or 1½ cups fresh/frozen
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Let's Start Cooking
Begin by cooking your bacon in a large pot until it's perfectly crispy. Set those bacon bits aside but keep all those flavorful drippings in the pot. Add your diced ham and onion to those bacon drippings and cook until the onion softens and the ham gets some nice color about 4-5 minutes. A quick hit of garlic comes next just until it's fragrant. Now sprinkle flour over everything and keep stirring for a minute this will help thicken our chowder beautifully.
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Creating That Creamy Base
Pour in your chicken broth stirring constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Add those diced potatoes and let everything come to a gentle boil. Turn down the heat and let it simmer until your potatoes are perfectly tender usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
Finishing Touches
Now comes my favorite part stirring in the corn kernels heavy cream and those crispy bacon bits we set aside. Let everything simmer together for about 5 more minutes. Season it well with salt and pepper tasting as you go until it's just right. The broth should be rich and creamy with all those flavors coming together perfectly.
Serving Time
Ladle your chowder into bowls and top with some extra bacon bits or fresh chopped green onions if you like. I always serve it with crusty bread or warm biscuits for soaking up every last drop of that amazing broth. A simple green salad on the side makes it a complete meal.
Making It Your Own
Sometimes I'll add diced chicken or turkey for extra protein. If you want it thicker just mash a few potato pieces against the side of the pot. Feel free to toss in more vegetables carrots and celery work beautifully. For a lighter version try using half and half instead of heavy cream.
Keeping It Fresh
Your chowder will keep nicely in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 days. When reheating do it gently on the stovetop adding a splash of broth or cream if needed. Just remember not to let it boil that can make the cream separate.
Pure Comfort
This chowder has become our go to comfort food whether we're having a cozy family dinner or looking for a delicious way to use up leftover ham. Each spoonful is packed with flavor and brings such warmth to chilly evenings. I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why use day-old baguette?
Slightly stale bread makes better crostini as it's easier to slice thin and gets crispier when toasted. Fresh bread can be too soft and chewy.
- → What's the best way to slice the steak?
Let the steak rest then slice thinly against the grain. This makes each bite tender and easy to eat on the crostini.
- → Can I make components ahead?
You can make the horseradish cream, caramelize onions, and cook steak ahead. Toast bread and assemble just before serving for best results.
- → Why rest the steak?
Resting allows juices to redistribute through the meat. If sliced too soon, the juices will run out and make the crostini soggy.
- → Can I substitute the filet mignon?
You can use any tender cut like ribeye or strip steak. Just make sure to slice it very thin against the grain for easy eating.
Conclusion
These elegant bites feature perfectly grilled steak on toasted baguette slices, topped with zesty horseradish cream and sweet caramelized onions. Perfect for entertaining.