Creamy Crockpot Garlic Cheddar Ham and Corn Chowder Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

If you find the chowder is too thick after cooking, you can adjust the consistency by stirring in a small amount of warm vegetable broth or milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your preferred texture.

This is especially helpful if you plan to let the soup sit for a while before serving, as it naturally thickens as it cools.

To enhance the presentation, garnish each individual bowl with an extra sprinkle of fresh, finely chopped parsley or a few reserved corn kernels.

This adds a pop of color and freshness to the bowl, making the dish look as good as it tastes. Serving with a side of crusty bread is an excellent way to soak up any remaining creamy cheddar sauce.

Variations

• Spicy Cheddar Chowder: Stir in one tablespoon of diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce before cooking to add a subtle kick that complements the sharp cheddar and savory ham perfectly.
• Vegetable-Forward Chowder: Add one cup of diced carrots or celery along with the potatoes for extra color and crunch. These vegetables hold up well to the slow cooking process.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Not recommended, as the cheese sauce may separate upon thawing.

Reheat

Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring constantly until hot.

Store any leftover chowder in an airtight container once it has cooled to room temperature. It is important to refrigerate the leftovers within two hours of cooking to ensure food safety.

When properly sealed, the chowder will maintain its quality and flavor for up to three days. Always stir the soup well after reheating, as the cheese sauce may separate slightly during the cooling and storage process.

This chowder is an excellent candidate for making ahead, as the flavors often meld and deepen after resting in the refrigerator for a day. You can prepare the entire dish, let it cool, and store it for up to 48 hours before reheating.

When you are ready to serve, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to ensure the cheese sauce remains smooth and creamy.

Serving ideas

Serve the chowder piping hot in shallow bowls to showcase the texture of the ham, corn, and potatoes. The creamy nature of the dish makes it very filling, so it pairs well with a light side salad dressed with a sharp vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheddar base. This contrast ensures a well-rounded dining experience.

For a more substantial meal, consider pairing the chowder with warm garlic bread or soft dinner rolls. The bread is perfect for scooping up the last bits of the thick, cheesy sauce. Ensure you provide a large spoon with every serving, as the chunky texture of the chowder is best enjoyed when each bite captures a bit of everything.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Creamy Crockpot Garlic Cheddar Ham and Corn Chowder

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb diced ham
• 2 cups yellow corn kernels
• 3 cups pale potato cubes
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cheddar cheese soup

Instructions

1. Place the diced ham into the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Add the pale potato cubes and yellow corn kernels on top of the ham. Ensure the ingredients are distributed evenly across the base of the insert to allow for uniform heating during the slow cooking process.
2. Pour the cheddar cheese soup over the ham, potatoes, and corn. Sprinkle the fresh parsley over the top. Do not stir the mixture at this stage, as the soup will distribute naturally as it heats and liquefies during the cooking cycle in the slow cooker.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours. Once the time is up, stir the chowder thoroughly until the cheese sauce is smooth and fully incorporated with the ham and vegetables. Ladle into bowls and serve immediately while hot.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

18.5 g

Carbohydrates

32 g

Fat

19.5 g

Fiber

3 g

Sugar

4 g

Sodium

950 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.