Slow Cooked Ham and Potato Chowder: A Comfort Food Masterpiece

There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of chowder on a chilly day. And when that chowder is packed with savory ham, tender potatoes, and a creamy, flavorful broth, it elevates the experience to a whole new level. This recipe for Slow Cooked Ham and Potato Chowder is designed to be a simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious meal that practically cooks itself. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a truly unforgettable chowder.

## Why Slow Cooker Chowder?

Slow cookers are amazing for so many reasons. They offer convenience, allowing you to set and forget a meal while you go about your day. They also excel at developing deep, rich flavors, especially when it comes to soups and stews. The gentle, consistent heat of a slow cooker coaxes out the best in every ingredient, resulting in a chowder that’s far superior to its quickly-cooked counterparts. In this recipe, the ham infuses the potatoes and broth with its smoky goodness, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **Ham:** The star of the show! You’ll need about 2-3 pounds of cooked ham. A bone-in ham is ideal because the bone adds even more flavor to the broth, but a boneless ham works just as well. If using a boneless ham, consider adding a smoked ham hock for extra smokiness.
* **Potatoes:** Yukon Gold potatoes are my personal favorite for chowder. They have a creamy texture and hold their shape well during cooking. However, Russet potatoes or red potatoes will also work. You’ll need about 2-3 pounds of potatoes, peeled and cubed.
* **Onion:** A medium yellow onion, chopped, forms the aromatic base of our chowder.
* **Celery:** Two stalks of celery, chopped, add a subtle celery flavor and texture.
* **Carrots:** One large carrot, chopped, adds sweetness and color to the chowder.
* **Garlic:** Four cloves of garlic, minced, provide a pungent and savory note.
* **Chicken Broth:** Four cups of chicken broth (low sodium is preferred) provides the liquid base for the chowder. You can also use vegetable broth if you prefer.
* **Heavy Cream:** One cup of heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the chowder. You can substitute half-and-half or milk for a lighter version, but the texture will be less luxurious.
* **Butter:** Two tablespoons of butter add flavor and richness.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** Two tablespoons of all-purpose flour are used to thicken the chowder. You can also use cornstarch if you prefer. Make a slurry by mixing it with a little cold water before adding it to the slow cooker.
* **Fresh Thyme:** One tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves adds an earthy and aromatic flavor. Dried thyme can be substituted (use 1 teaspoon).
* **Bay Leaf:** One bay leaf adds a subtle herbal flavor to the chowder. Remember to remove it before serving.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste, of course!
* **Optional Garnishes:** Chopped fresh parsley, chopped green onions, shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, or a dollop of sour cream.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have all our ingredients, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this delicious Slow Cooked Ham and Potato Chowder:

**Step 1: Prepare the Ham**

* If using a bone-in ham, remove the rind (skin) if desired. Cut the ham into 1-inch cubes, reserving the bone for adding to the slow cooker. The bone adds a tremendous amount of flavor. If using a boneless ham, simply cut it into 1-inch cubes.

**Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables**

* Peel and cube the potatoes into 1-inch pieces. Consistent sizing ensures even cooking.
* Chop the onion, celery, and carrot into small, uniform pieces. This helps them cook evenly and release their flavors into the chowder.
* Mince the garlic.

**Step 3: Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker**

* Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step, while optional, helps to build a deeper flavor base for the chowder. You can skip this step and add the raw vegetables directly to the slow cooker if you’re short on time, but the flavor will be slightly less developed.
* Transfer the softened vegetables to the slow cooker.
* Add the cubed ham (and ham bone, if using), potatoes, minced garlic, fresh thyme, and bay leaf to the slow cooker.

**Step 4: Add the Broth and Cook**

* Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Make sure the broth covers all the ingredients. If necessary, add a little more broth or water.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the ham is already salty, so start with a small amount of salt and adjust as needed.
* Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender. The cooking time will vary depending on your slow cooker, so check the potatoes for tenderness after the minimum cooking time.

**Step 5: Thicken the Chowder (Optional)**

* In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup of cold water to create a smooth slurry. This prevents lumps from forming when you add it to the hot chowder.
* During the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the bay leaf and ham bone (if used) from the slow cooker. Discard the bay leaf. If using a ham bone, you can shred any remaining ham from the bone and add it back to the chowder.
* Stir in the flour slurry into the slow cooker and mix well. The chowder will start to thicken as it cooks. If you prefer a thicker chowder, you can add another tablespoon of flour slurry. If you prefer a thinner chowder, skip this step or add less flour.

**Step 6: Add the Cream and Serve**

* Stir in the heavy cream and cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Do not boil the chowder after adding the cream, as this can cause it to curdle.
* Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
* Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings, such as chopped fresh parsley, chopped green onions, shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, or a dollop of sour cream.

## Tips and Variations

* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the chowder for a little heat.
* **Add vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the chowder, such as corn, green beans, or peas.
* **Make it vegetarian:** Omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add some smoked paprika to give it a smoky flavor.
* **Use leftover ham:** This recipe is a great way to use up leftover ham from a holiday meal.
* **Make it ahead:** The chowder can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker before serving.
* **Freeze it:** The chowder can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
* **For a smoother chowder:** If you prefer a smoother chowder, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the chowder after it has finished cooking. Be careful not to over-blend it, as you still want some texture from the potatoes and ham.
* **Use different herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary, sage, or oregano. Fresh herbs are always best, but dried herbs can be substituted.
* **Add cheese:** Stir in some shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a cheesy chowder.
* **For a richer flavor:** Use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought broth. You can also add a splash of white wine to the chowder during the last hour of cooking.

## Serving Suggestions

This Slow Cooked Ham and Potato Chowder is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but it also pairs well with:

* **Crusty bread:** For dipping into the creamy broth.
* **Grilled cheese sandwich:** A classic combination.
* **Side salad:** For a lighter meal.
* **Cornbread:** A Southern favorite.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 450
* Fat: 30g
* Saturated Fat: 18g
* Cholesterol: 120mg
* Sodium: 800mg
* Carbohydrates: 30g
* Fiber: 3g
* Sugar: 5g
* Protein: 25g

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Printable Recipe Card

**Recipe Name:** Slow Cooked Ham and Potato Chowder

**Prep Time:** 20 minutes

**Cook Time:** 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)

**Servings:** 6-8

**Ingredients:**

* 2-3 pounds cooked ham, cubed
* 2-3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
* 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* 2 stalks celery, chopped
* 1 large carrot, chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
* 1 bay leaf
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional garnishes: chopped fresh parsley, chopped green onions, shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, sour cream

**Instructions:**

1. Prepare the ham and vegetables as described in the step-by-step instructions above.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrot and cook until softened.
3. Transfer the softened vegetables to the slow cooker.
4. Add the cubed ham, potatoes, minced garlic, fresh thyme, and bay leaf to the slow cooker.
5. Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.
7. Remove the bay leaf from the slow cooker.
8. In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup of cold water to create a smooth slurry.
9. Stir the flour slurry into the slow cooker and mix well. Cook for 30 minutes, or until the chowder thickens.
10. Stir in the heavy cream and cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Do not boil.
11. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
12. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings.

## Conclusion

This Slow Cooked Ham and Potato Chowder is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for a cozy night in. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to enjoy a delicious and comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, dust off your slow cooker, and get ready to experience a chowder that’s truly unforgettable. Enjoy!