Creamy Crockpot Ham and Pea Chowder Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To add a touch of freshness, consider stirring in a handful of chopped fresh chives or parsley just before serving. The brightness of fresh herbs cuts through the richness of the creamy base and provides a pleasant visual contrast.

If you prefer a slightly thinner chowder, you can adjust the final consistency by adding a small amount of warm milk or broth until it reaches your preferred level of thickness.

If you find the chowder needs a little extra depth, a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can add a subtle complexity without overpowering the other ingredients.

Always taste the chowder after it has finished cooking and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remember that the ham provides a baseline saltiness, so taste carefully before adding more salt to the final dish.

Variations

• Cheesy Ham Chowder: Stir in one cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese during the last thirty minutes of cooking for a richer, more decadent flavor profile.
• Spicy Potato Chowder: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the slow cooker during the assembly phase for a gentle, warming heat.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of broth if necessary.

Allow the chowder to cool completely at room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring it to airtight containers. Properly stored, the chowder will maintain its quality in the refrigerator for up to three days.

When storing, ensure the containers are sealed tightly to prevent the absorption of other odors from the fridge, which can impact the delicate flavor balance of the creamy base.

This chowder is an excellent candidate for making ahead, as the flavors often deepen after sitting in the refrigerator overnight. Simply prepare the recipe as directed, allow it to cool, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the chowder has thickened too much while sitting in the cold storage.

Serving ideas

Serve the chowder piping hot in shallow bowls to showcase the chunky texture of the ham and potatoes. A side of crusty bread or warm, buttered biscuits is the perfect accompaniment for dipping into the creamy base. The simplicity of the dish allows it to be served as a comforting main course, perhaps alongside a crisp green salad to add a refreshing, crunchy element to the meal.

For a more polished presentation, ladle the chowder carefully into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a few reserved peas for a pop of color.

Because the dish is so hearty, it works beautifully for casual family lunches or cozy dinners. Ensure that every guest gets an even portion of the ham and potatoes by stirring the pot gently before serving each bowl.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Creamy Crockpot Ham and Pea Chowder

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups diced cooked ham
• 1 cup frozen green peas
• 3 cups gold potato cubes
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 cans condensed potato soup
• 1 cup chicken broth

Instructions

1. Add the diced ham to the base of the slow cooker. Evenly distribute the gold potato cubes and frozen peas over the ham. Sprinkle the onion powder and black pepper over the top of the vegetables.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the two cans of condensed potato soup with the chicken broth until smooth. Pour this mixture over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is well coated.
3. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours until the potatoes are fork-tender. Once cooked, stir the chowder gently before serving to combine any settled flavors.

Contains: milk, gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

18.5 g

Carbohydrates

35.2 g

Fat

12.4 g

Fiber

4.5 g

Sugar

6.2 g

Sodium

850 mg

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