Description
A soul-warming, creamy chowder brimming with chunks of smoked ham, tender diced potatoes, and sweet corn kernels. This rich and savory soup is the perfect cozy one-pot meal for leftovers or weeknight comfort food.
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen sweet corn kernels
- 1 pound smoked ham, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 4 strips bacon, cut into small segments
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 large Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
- Pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a large soup pot over medium-high heat until crisp (about 10 minutes), then remove and set aside.
- Keep bacon fat in the pot. Add onion and celery and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft.
- Add flour and garlic, stirring constantly for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot.
- Add cream, corn, ham, potatoes, Italian seasoning, cayenne, and most of the bacon.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover partially and cook 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, topped with reserved crispy bacon.
Notes
- This chowder freezes well and reheats gently over low heat.
- Stir occasionally to maintain creamy texture.
- Add extra broth if it becomes too thick.
- Fresh herbs like parsley can be added for garnish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: American