Cheesy Ham & Bacon Chowder 🥓🧀
Introduction
Indulge in the comforting warmth of a hearty bowl of Cheesy Ham & Bacon Chowder, perfect for those chilly days when you crave a dish that fills you up and warms you from the inside out. This recipe, discovered in the pages of “Taste of Home’s Quick Cooking,” promises to delight your taste buds with its rich flavors and satisfying textures. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the essence of comfort food!
Overview
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Prep Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 10
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 8 | Bacon |
| 1 | Onion |
| 1 | Carrot |
| 3 | Flour |
| 3 cups | Milk |
| 1 1/2 cups | Water |
| 2 1/2 | Potatoes |
| 2-3 cups | Frozen corn |
| 2 tsp | Chicken bouillon granules |
| To taste | Pepper |
| 3 cups | Cheddar cheese, shredded |
| 2 cups | Cooked ham, diced |
Instructions
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Fry Bacon: In a large soup kettle, fry the bacon until it’s irresistibly crisp, releasing its savory aroma throughout your kitchen.
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Prepare Vegetables: Remove the bacon from the kettle, keeping the flavorful drippings. Dice the bacon and set it aside for later. Saute the onion and carrot in the reserved bacon drippings until they become tender, infusing them with that delicious smoky essence.
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Create Roux: Stir in the flour until it forms a smooth roux, coating the vegetables and creating a base for the creamy chowder.
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Add Liquid: Gradually pour in the milk and water, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil, infusing the liquid with the flavors of the vegetables and bacon.
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Thicken and Season: Cook and stir for 2 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly. Season with chicken bouillon granules and pepper, enhancing the savory profile of the chowder.
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Incorporate Potatoes and Corn: Add the potatoes and frozen corn to the simmering broth, allowing them to cook until tender, imparting their hearty flavors to the chowder.
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Simmer: Reduce the heat and let the chowder simmer, uncovered, for approximately 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together into a harmonious symphony of taste and texture.
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Add Cheese and Ham: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and diced ham, watching as the cheese melts into creamy perfection, enriching the chowder with its gooey goodness.
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Final Touch: To finish, gently stir in the reserved diced bacon, adding a final flourish of flavor and texture to this delightful dish.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve piping hot in generous bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Pair with crusty bread or homemade garlic knots for the ultimate comfort meal experience.
- Share with family and friends to spread the warmth and love embodied in each spoonful of this Cheesy Ham & Bacon Chowder.
Conclusion
With its comforting blend of smoky bacon, savory ham, creamy cheese, and wholesome vegetables, this Cheesy Ham & Bacon Chowder is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether enjoyed as a hearty lunch or a cozy dinner option, this chowder is guaranteed to warm your soul and leave you craving more. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to savor the deliciousness of homemade comfort food at its finest!
