I know it’s spring, but there’s still a chill in the air here and with all the news of snow storms around the U.S., I feel like it’s time for some soup! This Cheesy Ham Chowder is so warm and comforting.
Loaded with veggies and ham, it’s the perfect way to fill a stomach on a cold day. The bacon gives it a slightly smoky taste. MMMMmmmm….good!
Our weather here can’t seem to decide what it wants to do! One day it’s shorts weather and the next, we have to pull out the coats again! I need to stay more on top of the morning reports, because I sent my daughter to school in a skirt and short sleeves one day last week and she came home complaining that she had been freezing all day. The bad mom award goes to me! I guess peeking out the window and seeing sunshine, clear blue skies, and calm trees doesn’t necessary mean it will be a nice temperature. Hello! But to my credit, the day before was gorgeous and warm and I sent her with a coat. 🙂
I’m ready to break out the sandals and swimsuits, but it looks like I’ll have to put that off for a while. I’m ok with it, though, because it means that I can still enjoy a hearty bowl of tasty soup like this Cheesy Ham Chowder. I’m not willing to give up my comfort food quite yet.
{CHEESY HAM CHOWDER}
Adapted from Taste of Home
Makes 10 servings
8 bacon strips, cooked and diced
3 Tbsp. bacon drippings
1 large onion, chopped
1 cup diced carrots
5 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
3 cups milk (I used 1% to save on calories)
1 1/2 cups water
2 1/2 c. cubed potatoes
1 can (15 1/4 oz.) whole-kernel corn, drained
2 tsp. chicken bouillon granules
Pepper to taste
3 cups (12 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups cubed fully cooked ham (or just dice up some deli ham like I did)
In a large soup pan, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels to drain. Keep 3 T. of the drippings and dispose of the rest. In the drippings, saute onion and carrots until tender. Stir in flour until blended. Gradually add milk and water. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
Add potatoes, corn, bouillon and pepper. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Add cheese and ham; heat until cheese is melted. Stir in bacon.
This really is a five-star recipe! It’s family-friendly and quick to put together. I hope you enjoy it!
How’s the weather where you are?
Jenna