Cheesy Ham Chowder Soup

Cheesy Ham Chowder Soup is a cozy and comforting meal with a creamy broth tender potatoes melted cheese and savory ham. It comes together with simple ingredients and is easy for any home cook. Everything cooks in one pot and tastes rich and satisfying even though it is ready quickly. This soup is perfect for cold evenings busy weeknights or using leftover ham. Below you will find the ingredients steps tips and serving ideas to help you make a delicious bowl with ease.

Ingredients for Needed

Here is the full list of ingredients with measurements to help you prepare the perfect pot of Cheesy Ham Chowder Soup.

• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion chopped
• 2 celery stalks chopped
• 2 medium carrots chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic minced
• 3 cups of diced cooked ham
• 3 cups of peeled and diced potatoes
• 1 quarter cup of all purpose flour
• 4 cups of chicken broth
• 2 cups of whole milk
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon of salt or more to taste
• 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon of dried parsley
• Optional fresh parsley for garnish

Step by Step Instructions

Cook the vegetables

Place a large pot over medium heat. Add the butter and olive oil. When the butter melts, add the onion celery and carrots. Cook until soft and fragrant, about seven to eight minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for one more minute.

Add the ham and potatoes

Stir the diced ham into the pot and let it warm with the vegetables for a moment. Add the diced potatoes and mix well so everything starts to share flavor before adding the liquids.

Create the thickening base

Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well so it coats the potatoes and vegetables. This helps the chowder become thick and creamy. Cook for about one minute to remove the raw flour taste.

Add liquids and simmer

Add the chicken broth while stirring. Pour in the milk and cream and mix well. Season the soup. Bring it to a gentle boil then simmer for about twenty minutes until the potatoes are tender. Stir now and then.

Add the cheese

When the potatoes are soft, lower the heat. Add the cheddar and mozzarella a little at a time and stir until melted. The soup will turn thick and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Final texture check

If you prefer a thicker chowder, you can let the soup simmer uncovered for a few more minutes. If you want it thinner, you can add a splash of additional broth or milk. When the texture feels just right, turn off the heat.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

This soup is easy to customize. Try different cheeses such as gouda or Monterey Jack for new flavor. Leftover holiday ham works very well and adds a smoky savory taste. You can add vegetables like corn peas or broccoli for color and nutrients. Adjust the spices with thyme garlic powder or a little cayenne for heat. For a lighter soup use more milk instead of heavy cream. For a heartier bowl add cooked bacon sausage or extra potatoes.

Nutritional Information

A typical serving of Cheesy Ham Chowder Soup has about 480 to 520 calories with around 28 to 32 grams of protein, 25 to 30 grams of fat, and 30 to 35 grams of carbohydrates. It also provides plenty of calcium from the cheese along with vitamins from the carrots celery potatoes and milk. These numbers are general estimates and can vary depending on the ingredients you use.

Serving Suggestions

Cheesy Ham Chowder Soup is great on its own but even better with simple sides like warm bread dinner rolls or biscuits. A small green salad or fresh fruit adds a nice balance to the creamy soup. Serve it in warm bowls and add a little fresh parsley for color. It is also easy to make in larger batches for family meals and it reheats well, often tasting even better the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions