Ingredients
Scale
- 4 strips Bacon (Can substitute with turkey bacon for a lighter option)
- 1/2 medium Onion (Yellow onion is recommended; white or red can work too)
- 2 sticks, chopped Celery (Fresh or frozen works well)
- 1/4 cup All-purpose flour (Can use gluten-free flour if needed)
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic (Fresh garlic preferred; adjust quantity for personal taste)
- 4 cups Chicken broth or stock (Homemade stock enhances flavor)
- 1 cup Heavy cream (Whipping cream can be used interchangeably)
- 2 cups Frozen corn (Fresh corn can substitute; adjust cooking time)
- 1 pound, chopped Smoked ham (Look for a nice quality smoked ham for best flavor)
- 2 large, peeled and diced Russet potatoes (Yukon gold can be used for a buttery flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning (Use fresh herbs for a brighter flavor)
- 1 pinch Cayenne pepper (optional; for a bit of heat, adjust to preference)
- Salt and pepper to taste (Start with a little, adjust as needed)
Instructions
- Slice the bacon into small pieces. In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until crispy, about 10 minutes.
- While the bacon cooks, chop the onion, celery, potatoes, and ham.
- Once the bacon is crisp, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the bacon drippings in the pot.
- Add the chopped onion and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the flour and minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring well to dissolve the flour and scrape up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add the cream, frozen corn, chopped ham, diced potatoes, Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper (if using), and most of the bacon (reserve some for garnish). Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to maintain a steady simmer. Cover partially and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally as the soup thickens.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and top with the reserved bacon before serving.
Notes
Select high-quality smoked ham for maximum flavor impact. Ensure potatoes are uniform in size for even cooking. Stir occasionally as the soup simmers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: chowder, ham, corn, potatoes, soup, comforting, easy recipe
