Welcome to the ultimate comfort food experience with our Slow Cooker Creamy Ham and Potato Chowder. This delightful dish is perfectly suited for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion when you crave something warm and satisfying. With the ease of slow cooking, you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over several hours. Imagine coming home to a house filled with the rich aroma of ham and potatoes simmering in a creamy broth. It’s not just a meal; it’s a cozy hug in a bowl!
This chowder combines tender potatoes, savory ham, and a creamy broth that will warm your heart and fill your belly. You can enjoy it on a chilly evening or serve it as a hearty dish at your next gathering. The best part? It’s simple to make, requiring basic ingredients and minimal prep time. Let’s dive into why you’ll absolutely love this recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with our Slow Cooker Creamy Ham and Potato Chowder. First and foremost, it embodies the essence of comfort food with its rich and creamy texture. Each spoonful is packed with hearty ingredients, making it a filling dish that satisfies every craving. Here are a few reasons why this recipe stands out:
- Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work for you. Just toss in the ingredients, and let it cook while you go about your day. No need to hover over the stove!
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of ham, potatoes, and herbs creates a depth of flavor that is simply irresistible. Each component complements the others, resulting in a chowder that is both savory and comforting.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your taste. Add extra vegetables like carrots or bell peppers, or swap the ham for turkey or chicken for a different twist.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This chowder stores well in the fridge and can be frozen for later. Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this creamy chowder. It’s a great way to introduce vegetables to picky eaters when they are blended into a delicious dish.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you’re looking to impress your family or guests with minimal effort, our Slow Cooker Creamy Ham and Potato Chowder is the way to go. This dish brings together simple ingredients that create a complex flavor profile, making it feel gourmet without the gourmet hassle. Here are some compelling reasons to add this recipe to your repertoire:
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with potatoes and ham, this chowder is a good source of vitamins and minerals. Potatoes are rich in potassium and provide energy, while ham adds protein to keep you feeling full.
- Comfort Food on Demand: Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just need a pick-me-up, this chowder is a go-to comfort food that warms you from the inside out.
- Great for Any Season: While this chowder is especially comforting in the colder months, its creamy texture and hearty ingredients can be enjoyed year-round. Serve it hot in the winter or warm in the summer!
- Easy Cleanup: With most of the cooking done in one pot, cleanup is a breeze. Simply wash your slow cooker, and you’re done!
- Impressive Flavors: Your guests will think you spent hours cooking this chowder when, in reality, it only took a few minutes to prepare!
Ingredients and Necessary Utensils
Ingredients
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Necessary Utensils
- Slow Cooker
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Knife
- Mixing Spoon
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Serving Ladle
Detailed Recipe Steps
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the steps to make your Slow Cooker Creamy Ham and Potato Chowder:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Chop the onion and celery finely, and dice the ham into small cubes. This will ensure even cooking and distribution of flavors.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: In your slow cooker, add the diced potatoes, ham, chopped onion, celery, and frozen corn. Mixing them together will allow the flavors to blend during cooking.
- Add Broth and Spices: Pour the chicken broth over the mixture, ensuring that all ingredients are submerged. Then, add the garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook for 6 to 8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to develop and intensify.
- Add Cream and Milk: Once the potatoes are cooked, stir in the milk and heavy cream. If you prefer a thicker chowder, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry and add it to the slow cooker, stirring well.
- Cook a Little Longer: Cover and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes. This allows the chowder to thicken and the flavors to meld perfectly.
- Serve: After it’s thickened, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
- Enjoy: Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers for a delightful meal that everyone will love!
FAQs
What can I add to my Slow Cooker Creamy Ham and Potato Chowder?
You can add various vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or even spinach for added nutrition. Additionally, experimenting with different herbs and spices can enhance the flavor profile.
Can I make this chowder ahead of time?
Absolutely! The chowder can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just reheat before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, this chowder freezes well. Make sure to store it in an airtight container, and when you’re ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I substitute the ham in this chowder?
Yes! You can substitute ham with turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based protein for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How can I thicken my chowder?
To thicken your chowder, you can mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry and add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can mash some of the potatoes to create a thicker texture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Slow Cooker Creamy Ham and Potato Chowder is an easy, delicious, and comforting dish that everyone will love. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s perfect for any occasion. Why not give it a try? We’d love to hear your thoughts, so please share your experiences in the comments below or share this recipe with your friends and family! Happy cooking!
Check out more delicious recipes on Pinterest!
For more scrumptious meal ideas, explore our other recipes like Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup or Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta. You’re sure to find something that tantalizes your taste buds!
Slow Cooker Creamy Ham and Potato Chowder
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by peeling and dicing the potatoes. Chop the onion and celery, and dice the ham into small pieces.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: In a slow cooker, add the diced potatoes, ham, chopped onion, celery, and frozen corn.
- Add Broth and Spices: Pour the chicken broth over the mixture. Then, add the garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Cook for 6 to 8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Add Cream and Milk: Once the potatoes are cooked, stir in the milk and heavy cream. If you prefer a thicker chowder, mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry and add it to the slow cooker, stirring well.
- Cook a Little Longer: Cover and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes to allow the chowder to thicken and the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Once thickened, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Enjoy: Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers for a delightful meal!
