Description
A hearty and comforting chowder made with smoky ham, tender potatoes, and melted cheese. This creamy ham and cheese soup is a perfect weeknight meal that comes together in 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons Butter or Olive Oil
- 1 medium Onion, diced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 medium Carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 stalks Celery, chopped
- 3 medium Potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups Chicken Broth or vegetable broth
- 2 cups Diced Ham, cooked or leftover
- 1 1/2 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Gruyère Cheese, shredded (optional)
- 1 cup Milk or heavy cream
- 2 Bay Leaves
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Fresh Parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare all your ingredients: dice the ham, peel and dice potatoes, chop carrots, celery, and onion, and mince garlic. Grate the cheeses.
- Heat butter or olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the diced potatoes to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaves. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Stir in the diced ham. Gradually add the shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheeses, stirring until melted and creamy. Add milk or heavy cream for extra creaminess if desired.
- Let the chowder simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper. Remove and discard the bay leaves.
- Ladle the creamy cheesy ham chowder into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if using.
Notes
- For a thicker chowder, use less broth or add more cheese.
- This chowder is great with leftover ham.
- Can be frozen for later enjoyment.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Creamy Cheesy Ham Chowder, creamy ham and cheese soup, cheesy ham chowder recipe, easy cheesy ham and potato soup, hearty ham chowder recipe, homemade creamy ham soup, cheesy potato and ham chowder, rich and creamy ham soup, savory ham and cheese soup, thick and creamy ham chowder, comfort food creamy ham chowder, quick creamy ham and cheese soup, cheesy ham soup with vegetables, creamy cheesy ham chowder ingredients, best cheesy ham soup recipe, creamy ham chowder with bacon, hearty cheesy ham and potato chowder