Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this rich and hearty Cheesy Ham Bacon Chowder! Loaded with tender potatoes, savory chunks of ham, crispy bacon, and vibrant veggies like carrots and celery, this creamy soup is a flavor-packed delight. A luxurious blend of sharp cheddar cheese and heavy cream creates a velvety texture, while a touch of garlic and parsley adds depth and brightness. Perfect for cozy family dinners or entertaining guests, this one-pot chowder is easy to make and ready in just 50 minutes. Serve it piping hot with crusty bread for a soul-warming meal that's sure to become a household favorite.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Crumble into pieces once cooled and set aside.
Drain most of the bacon grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot. Add the butter and melt it over medium heat.
Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for about 1 minute to create a roux. This helps thicken the soup.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add the diced potatoes and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Stir in the diced ham and heavy cream. Allow the mixture to heat through, but do not let it boil.
Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and fully incorporated. Taste and season with salt and black pepper.
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with the crumbled bacon and chopped parsley if desired.
Calories |
3702 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 222.4 g | 285% | |
| Saturated Fat | 126.3 g | 632% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 867 mg | 289% | |
| Sodium | 13119 mg | 570% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 203.6 g | 74% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.7 g | 67% | |
| Total Sugars | 27.8 g | ||
| Protein | 213.2 g | 426% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 1975 mg | 152% | |
| Iron | 14.5 mg | 81% | |
| Potassium | 6394 mg | 136% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.