Easy Slow Cooker Creamy Ham and Potato Chowder Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To add a touch of brightness to the finished chowder, consider garnishing your individual bowls with a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or green onions just before serving. This adds a pop of color and a mild, fresh onion flavor that cuts through the richness of the soup and provides a pleasing contrast to the soft, creamy texture of the potatoes and ham.

If you prefer a more decadent version of this chowder, you can stir in a small amount of sour cream or shredded cheddar cheese at the very end of the cooking process. Add these ingredients only after you have turned off the slow cooker to prevent the dairy from curdling, ensuring a smooth and luxurious finish that enhances the overall mouthfeel of the soup.

Variations

• Cheesy Ham Chowder: Stir in two cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese once the cooking is finished. Continue to stir until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is smooth and vibrant.
• Vegetable Boost: Add a cup of frozen peas or corn during the last 30 minutes of cooking. These additions provide extra texture and a subtle sweetness that complements the savory ham base.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, or microwave in 1-minute intervals until hot.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ensure the chowder has cooled to room temperature for no more than two hours before placing it in the fridge to maintain food safety.

It will keep well for up to three days, allowing the flavors to continue to develop and meld together, often making the soup taste even better the next day when reheated properly.

This dish is an excellent candidate for making ahead, as the flavors often improve after sitting for a day. You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator.

When you are ready to cook, simply place the insert into the slow cooker base and start the cooking cycle, adding an extra 30 minutes to the total time to account for the cold ingredients.

Serving ideas

Serve the chowder in deep, pre-warmed bowls to help retain its heat for longer. Because this soup is quite hearty, it pairs beautifully with a simple side of crusty bread or a crisp green salad to provide a refreshing balance.

For a complete meal experience, ensure that everyone has a large spoon to scoop up the generous chunks of ham and tender potatoes found in every serving.

Consider setting out a small selection of optional toppings, such as crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, or even a dash of hot sauce, allowing guests to customize their bowls according to their personal preferences.

This approach makes the meal feel more interactive and ensures that everyone can tailor the flavor profile to their liking while enjoying the foundational comfort of the creamy potato and ham base.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy Slow Cooker Creamy Ham and Potato Chowder

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

Ingredients

• 2 cups diced ham
• 32 oz frozen hash browns
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• 4 cups chicken broth

Instructions

1. Place the diced ham into the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer the frozen hash browns evenly over the ham. Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix over the potatoes to ensure even seasoning throughout the dish as it cooks.
2. Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and set the slow cooker to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded completely.
3. Once the cooking time is complete, gently stir the chowder to combine the ingredients and achieve a creamy consistency. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately while steaming.

Contains: gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

18 g

Carbohydrates

42 g

Fat

9 g

Fiber

3.5 g

Sugar

2 g

Sodium

850 mg

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