SLOW-COOKER POTATO & HAM CHOWDER

Warm up with a bowl of Slow-Cooker Potato & Ham Chowder, a creamy and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy days. This hearty soup combines tender potatoes, savory ham, and a rich, creamy broth, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.

Our family first discovered the magic of Slow-Cooker Potato & Ham Chowder on a particularly busy week. With everyone’s schedules packed, I needed a meal that could cook itself while I tackled the day. The slow cooker was my savior, and this chowder quickly became a family favorite.

The first time I made it, the house was filled with the mouth-watering aroma of ham and potatoes simmering away. When we finally sat down to eat, the creamy, hearty chowder was a hit. My husband and kids couldn’t get enough, and I loved how easy it was to prepare. Now, whenever we need a cozy, low-effort meal, this chowder is our go-to. I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you so you can enjoy the same comforting delight with your loved ones.

Why You’ll Love Slow-Cooker Potato & Ham Chowder

• Effortless Preparation: Let the slow cooker do all the work with minimal prep time.
• Rich and Creamy: A velvety broth filled with tender potatoes and savory ham.
• Hearty and Satisfying: Perfect for a filling lunch or dinner.
• Ideal for Busy Days: Set it up in the morning and come home to a ready-to-eat meal.

Ingredients Notes For Slow-Cooker Potato & Ham Chowder

• Ham: Use diced, cooked ham for a savory, smoky flavor.
• Potatoes: Russet potatoes work best for a creamy texture.
• Broth: Chicken broth forms the base of the soup, complemented by cream for richness.
• Vegetables: Onions, celery, and carrots add depth and nutrition.

Recipe Steps:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   • Dice 1 large onion, 2 celery stalks, and 2 carrots.
   • Peel and dice 4 large russet potatoes.
   • Dice 2 cups of cooked ham.
   • Mince 3 cloves of garlic.
2. Assemble in the Slow Cooker:
   • In the slow cooker, add the diced onion, celery, carrots, potatoes, and ham.
   • Add 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1 bay leaf.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook the Chowder:
   • Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
4. Finish the Chowder:
   • About 30 minutes before serving, remove 2 cups of the soup and blend until smooth. Return the blended soup to the slow cooker.
   • Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (optional) until well combined.
5. Serve:
   • Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the chowder into bowls and enjoy the creamy, hearty flavors of Slow-Cooker Potato & Ham Chowder!

Storage Options:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations & Substitutions:

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the ham and use vegetable broth. Add extra vegetables like corn or peas.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Different Cheese: Substitute cheddar with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Swiss for a different flavor.

SLOW-COOKER POTATO & HAM CHOWDER

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Ingredients

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• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

• Dice onion, celery, carrots, and potatoes. Dice ham and mince garlic.
• In the slow cooker, add diced onion, celery, carrots, potatoes, and ham. Add chicken broth, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.
• Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until potatoes are tender.
• About 30 minutes before serving, remove 2 cups of soup and blend until smooth. Return blended soup to slow cooker. Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese (optional).
• Remove bay leaf before serving. Ladle into bowls and enjoy your Slow-Cooker Potato & Ham Chowder!

• Author: Susan C. Sexton