Crockpot Cheesy Ham and Corn Chowder

When it comes to cozy comfort food, few things can compare to a steaming bowl of chowder. This Crockpot Cheesy Ham and Corn Chowder is a delightful combination of creamy, savory, and satisfying flavors that are sure to warm your heart and fill your belly. With tender pieces of ham, sweet corn, and hearty potatoes, this recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a friendly gathering, this chowder is sure to impress. In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make this delicious chowder, so grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Cheesy Ham and Corn Chowder

This chowder checks all the boxes for a weeknight meal and has some delightful features that make it stand out. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love this recipe:

Quick and Easy: Just toss all the ingredients into the crockpot and let it do the work for you. Minimal prep is required, making it perfect for busy days.
Perfect for Beginners: Even if you’re not a kitchen whiz, this recipe is straightforward and requires basic cooking skills.
Ideal for the Whole Family: The comforting flavors appeal to kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover ham!
Economical: Utilizing leftover ham not only reduces food waste but also helps you save money.
Customizable: You can easily adapt the base recipe to suit your dietary preferences and the ingredients you have on hand.

The Necessary Ingredients

Before you start cooking, gather all the ingredients you’ll need for this delicious chowder. Here’s what you’ll need:

2–3 cups leftover ham, diced
3 cups potatoes, peeled and ½-inch diced
2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1 cup carrot coins
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 ribs celery, sliced
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups low-sodium chicken or ham broth
1 bay leaf
1 tsp dried thyme
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
½ tsp black pepper
¾–1¼ tsp kosher salt
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
2 Tbsp all-purpose flour (or 2 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water)
1 cup half-and-half (or ¾ cup heavy cream)
1½–2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2–3 green onions, sliced

Notes and Substitutions on Ingredients:

Ham: Leftover ham works great, but if you don’t have any, you can use pre-cooked diced ham or even chicken. For a vegetarian option, consider replacing it with white beans for protein.
Broth: You can substitute with vegetable broth or chicken stock; just be mindful of the sodium levels depending on your dietary needs.
Milk/Cream: If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can replace half-and-half with low-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative, though the chowder will be less creamy.

How to Prepare the Crockpot Cheesy Ham and Corn Chowder Step by Step

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get to the cooking! Follow these easy steps for a creamy and flavorful chowder.

Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot:
Add the diced ham, potatoes, corn, carrots, onion, celery, garlic, chicken or ham broth, bay leaf, thyme, smoked paprika, pepper, and a light pinch of salt to your slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
Pro Tip: Layering the veggies can help with even cooking; place denser veggies like potatoes at the bottom.
Cover and Cook:
Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 2½–3½ hours, until the vegetables are tender.
Pro Tip: Check the chowder about halfway through; give it a gentle stir to distribute the heat evenly.
Make a Roux:
In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until it turns light golden. Gradually whisk in ½ cup of hot broth from the slow cooker and stir until smooth.
Pro Tip: If you’re making this gluten-free, simply mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and add it at this step.
Incorporate Cream and Cheese:
Stir the roux back into the crockpot with the chowder, then mix in the half-and-half and 1 to 1½ cups of sharp cheddar cheese. Cover and cook on LOW for an additional 15–20 minutes, until the chowder is creamy and the cheese has melted.
Pro Tip: For an extra cheesy flavor, use a blend of different cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack.
Final Touches:
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste your chowder and adjust the salt levels as needed. Serve hot, topped with the remaining cheddar cheese and garnished with sliced green onions for a pop of color.
Pro Tip: A squeeze of fresh lime juice enhances the flavors remarkably, so don’t hesitate to add it if you have some on hand!

Serving Suggestions

Once your chowder is ready, it’s time to serve it up! Here are some delicious ideas:

Perfect Pairings

Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of warm, crusty bread or garlic bread for a classic pairing that soaks up the chowder well.
Salad: A refreshing green salad with a vinaigrette can balance the richness of the chowder.

Occasions

Weeknight Dinner: Perfect for busy nights when you need a comforting meal on the table quickly.
Game Day: Ideal for serving at gatherings with friends; it’s easy to make in large batches.

Serving Tips

Bread Bowls: For a fun twist, serve the chowder in hollowed-out bread bowls, making it both a meal and a vessel.
Garnish Variations: Add croutons, crispy bacon bits, or a dollop of sour cream as additional toppings for texture and flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (which are unlikely, but you never know!), here’s how to store and reheat them properly to maintain quality.

Refrigerated

Duration: Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Type of Container: Use an airtight container to keep the chowder fresh.

Freezed

If possible: Yes! This chowder freezes well.
Packaging: Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers. Lay bags flat for easier storage.
Defrosting: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Best Method: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can add a splash of broth or milk to adjust the consistency if it thickens.

Guaranteed Success Tips

To ensure your chowder turns out perfectly every time, keep these golden rules in mind:

Don’t Rush the Cooking Time: The longer it cooks, the more the flavors meld together, resulting in a better taste.
Taste as You Go: Adjust seasonings at the end of cooking to find the perfect balance.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables will elevate the dish significantly compared to those that are wilting or frozen.

Recipe Variations

Here are some fun variations to try out with your chowder:

Spicy Version: Add 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a spicy kick.
Vegan Version: Replace the ham with smoked tempeh, use vegetable broth, and substitute the cream with coconut milk for a creamy texture.
Loaded Baked Potato Style: Enhance the chowder with toppings like crispy bacon, sour cream, and chives for a loaded baked potato vibe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen or canned?
Yes! Fresh corn can be a wonderful addition. Just cut the kernels off the cob and use 2 cups for the chowder.

Q2: How can I thicken my chowder if it’s too thin?
If you find your chowder is too thin after cooking, make a cornstarch slurry (mix 2 teaspoons cornstarch with 2 teaspoons water) and stir it into the chowder while it’s cooking for a few more minutes until thickened.

Q3: Can I prepare this chowder ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can chop the vegetables and add them to the crockpot the night before. Store the dry ingredients separately, and then add the broth before cooking.

Q4: My chowder turned out too salty. What should I do?
You can try balancing the saltiness by adding a little sugar or increasing the quantity of the vegetables in the chowder.

Q5: Can I freeze the chowder?
Yes! This chowder freezes well. Just make sure to cool it entirely and store it in freezer-friendly containers.

Q6: Is it necessary to use half-and-half?
Half-and-half gives a rich, creamy texture, but you can substitute it with whole milk or a plant-based alternative if you prefer.

Q7: Can I add other vegetables to this chowder?
Certainly! Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, or even spinach for added nutrition.

Now that you’re armed with everything you need, it’s time to create your own delightful Crockpot Cheesy Ham and Corn Chowder. Prepare to fill your home with the warm, inviting aroma of this comfort food classic! Bon appétit!