Slow Cooker Creamy Ham and Potato Chowder

Are you looking for a comforting and hearty dish that practically makes itself? Look no further than this Slow Cooker Creamy Ham and Potato Chowder. This recipe combines tender potatoes, savory ham, and an array of vegetables all simmered together in a rich and creamy broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or busy weekdays, this chowder is sure to be a hit with your family or guests. With minimal prep time and a slow cooker doing all the work, you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

The beauty of this chowder lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients to match your family’s preferences or what you have on hand. The combination of creamy and savory flavors creates a dish that is not only satisfying but also nourishing. Plus, serving it with crusty bread or crackers makes for a delightful dining experience. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe and how to prepare it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Creamy Ham and Potato Chowder is more than just a meal; it’s an experience! Here are several reasons why you will fall in love with this recipe:

• Effortless Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have this chowder cooking away while you attend to other tasks. Simply prep your ingredients, toss them in the slow cooker, and let it do the magic.
• Rich and Creamy Flavor: The combination of heavy cream and milk creates a rich texture that coats each bite, making it a comforting dish perfect for any occasion.
• Hearty Ingredients: Packed with potatoes, ham, and vegetables, this chowder is not just filling but also a balanced meal that can keep you satisfied for hours.
• Flexible Recipe: Feel free to substitute or add ingredients according to your preferences. Try adding spinach, broccoli, or even beans for an extra boost of nutrition!
• Perfect for Leftovers: This chowder tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prep. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

If you’re still on the fence about making this Slow Cooker Creamy Ham and Potato Chowder, here are a few compelling reasons to give it a try:

• Time-Saving: Life can be hectic, and this recipe is designed for busy individuals or families. Throw everything in the slow cooker in the morning and come home to a delicious, ready-made meal.
• Budget-Friendly: Utilizing leftover ham and pantry staples like potatoes and corn makes this recipe not only delicious but also economical. It’s a great way to use up those odds and ends lurking in your fridge.
• Kid-Friendly: This chowder is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. The creamy texture and mild flavors make it appealing to children, giving parents an easy win at mealtime.
• Easy Cleanup: Cooking in a slow cooker means fewer dishes to wash afterward. Simply remove the insert, wash it, and you’re done!
• Comfort Food: With its creamy goodness and hearty ingredients, this chowder embodies everything you love about comfort food. It’s perfect for cozy nights in or when you need a little extra warmth.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

To create the perfect Slow Cooker Creamy Ham and Potato Chowder, you’ll need the following ingredients and 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)

Recommended Utensils

• Slow cooker (preferably 6-quart)
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing spoon
• Bowl for mixing cornstarch slurry (if using)

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have everything you need, let’s get started with the preparation of your Slow Cooker Creamy Ham and Potato Chowder:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by peeling and dicing the potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Chop the onion and celery finely, and dice the ham into small cubes for easy incorporation into the chowder.
2. Combine in Slow Cooker: In your slow cooker, add the diced potatoes, ham, chopped onion, celery, and frozen corn. This colorful mix will add both flavor and nutrition to your chowder.
3. Add Broth and Spices: Pour the chicken broth over the mixture, ensuring all ingredients are submerged. Then, add the garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine all the ingredients well.
4. Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Allow it to cook for 6 to 8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender. This slow cooking process helps to meld the flavors beautifully.
5. Add Cream and Milk: Once the potatoes are cooked, stir in the milk and heavy cream. For those who prefer a thicker chowder, mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry and add it to the slow cooker, stirring well.
6. 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 perfectly.
7. Serve: After the chowder has thickened, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
8. Enjoy: Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers for a delightful meal!

FAQs

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Slow Cooker Creamy Ham and Potato Chowder is a perfect dish for those busy days when you want a comforting meal without much fuss. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it a family favorite, while the ease of preparation ensures you can enjoy it any time. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try! We’d love to hear your thoughts and any variations you come up with. Remember to share this recipe with your friends and family, and happy cooking!

For more delicious recipes, check out this crispy chicken meatball recipe!

Slow Cooker Creamy Ham and Potato Chowder

A comforting and creamy chowder made with tender potatoes, diced ham, and sweet corn, perfect for chilly days.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Cutting Board

Ingredients

  

Main 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
• 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper to taste
• 1 cup Frozen corn
• 2 tablespoons Cornstarch optional, for thickening
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

 

Instructions

• 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!

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or using smoked ham.

Keyword Chowder, Ham, Potato, slow cooker