If you are searching for a comforting, wholesome dish that’s perfect for any day of the year, then you simply must try this Light Ham Potato Chowder Recipe. It’s everything you want in a bowl of chowder—creamy, rich in flavor, yet delightfully light on the palate. Packed with tender Yukon Gold potatoes, sweet corn, flavorful lean ham, and a subtle blend of herbs, this chowder fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma while offering a satisfying yet healthy meal. Whether you’re seeking a quick dinner or a make-ahead lunch, this Light Ham Potato Chowder Recipe brings warmth and joy in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this list plays an essential part in crafting the perfect balance of taste, texture, and aroma for our chowder. From the body and creaminess of potatoes and milk to the sweet punch of corn and the savory kick of ham, each element works together harmoniously.
- Yukon Gold potatoes: Their creamy texture and buttery flavor make them ideal for chowder.
- Celery: Adds a fresh, crisp texture and aromatic depth.
- Sweet corn kernels: Bring natural sweetness and a pop of bright color.
- Onion: Builds a flavorful and slightly sweet base for the soup.
- Garlic: Provides a warm, fragrant punch that enhances the other flavors.
- Lean cooked ham: Infuses the dish with savory, smoky meatiness without heaviness.
- Low-fat milk: Keeps the chowder light while adding subtle creaminess.
- Half-and-half or light cream: Offers indulgent richness with fewer calories than full cream.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Acts as the flavorful liquid base, allowing control over saltiness.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing, adds a fruity note and healthy fats.
- Cornstarch (optional): Thicken the chowder to your desired consistency without heaviness.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- Dried thyme: Adds subtle earthy and herbal notes.
- Fresh parsley: Brings brightness and a fresh herbal finish, both inside and as garnish.
How to Make Light Ham Potato Chowder Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once warmed, add the finely chopped onion and diced celery. Sauté them for about 4 to 5 minutes until they soften and release their natural sweetness. This step creates the flavorful base that will carry the rest of the ingredients.
Step 2: Build Flavor Foundation
Next, stir in the minced garlic and the diced lean ham. Cook this mixture for another 2 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant and the ham to meld with the aromatics. This step accentuates the savory depth that makes the chowder irresistible.
Step 3: Simmer Base Ingredients
Add the diced Yukon Gold potatoes, sweet corn kernels, dried thyme, and the low-sodium chicken broth to the pot. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cover and let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes. You want the potatoes tender enough to absorb all those wonderful flavors, forming the hearty heart of the chowder.
Step 4: Thicken Broth
If you prefer your chowder a bit thicker, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Stir this slurry into your simmering pot and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes more. This subtle thickening method keeps the chowder creamy without being dense.
Step 5: Finish with Cream
Reduce the heat to low, then gently stir in the low-fat milk and half-and-half. Warm the chowder without bringing it to a boil to prevent curdling. Finally, season to taste with salt and black pepper, ensuring every spoonful is perfectly balanced.
Step 6: Serve
Just before serving, fold in the freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Ladle this delicious Light Ham Potato Chowder Recipe into bowls and garnish with a little extra parsley if you like. Enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite!
How to Serve Light Ham Potato Chowder Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley adds a delightful pop of green and a mild herbal note that contrasts nicely with the creamy base. For extra flair, consider topping with a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits or a dash of smoked paprika for added depth and texture.
Side Dishes
This chowder pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to scoop up every last drop. A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables make excellent companions, providing fresh, crunchy contrasts to the smooth chowder.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chowder in rustic bread bowls for a fun and edible presentation. You can also spice things up by adding a swirl of pesto or hot sauce on top, or even layering it with shredded cheddar or smoked gouda for added richness and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This chowder keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent the chowder from absorbing other fridge odors. The flavors meld and deepen nicely overnight.
Freezing
You can freeze the Light Ham Potato Chowder Recipe, but because of the milk and cream, the texture may change slightly on thawing. Freeze in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion, and consume within 2 months for best quality.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chowder on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching and to help restore its creamy consistency. Avoid boiling to keep the dairy ingredients from separating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato in this chowder?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their creaminess and flavor, Russet or red potatoes can also work well. Just keep in mind the texture and cooking time might vary slightly.
Is there a way to make this chowder dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the milk and half-and-half with coconut milk or other plant-based creams. Choose unsweetened varieties and adjust seasonings accordingly to maintain the savory balance.
Can I make the chowder vegetarian?
Simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To add a smoky note, consider adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke for flavor depth.
How do I adjust the thickness of the chowder?
If you like a thicker chowder, the optional cornstarch slurry works wonders. Alternatively, you can mash a few of the cooked potatoes in the pot to naturally thicken the soup without any extra ingredients.
Can I prepare this chowder in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Sauté the aromatics first, then add all ingredients except the milk and half-and-half to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the dairy towards the end of cooking and warm gently before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Light Ham Potato Chowder Recipe has become a beloved favorite in my kitchen, perfect for cozy nights or casual gatherings. Its beautiful balance of rich flavors and light ingredients makes it both comforting and nourishing. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—once you do, you’ll understand why it’s such a standout dish that keeps everyone asking for seconds.
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Light Ham Potato Chowder Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Light Ham Potato Chowder is a comforting and hearty soup that’s perfect for a cozy meal. Made with tender Yukon Gold potatoes, lean ham, fresh vegetables, and dairy, this chowder offers a rich, creamy texture without excessive calories. The use of low-fat milk and light cream keeps it lighter than traditional chowders, while the fresh herbs provide a burst of flavor. Ready in just 45 minutes and yielding four servings, it’s an ideal recipe for an easy yet satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 cups Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup frozen or fresh sweet corn kernels
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Protein
- 1 cup lean cooked ham, diced
Dairy
- 1 cup low-fat milk
- 1/2 cup half-and-half or light cream
Liquids & Seasonings
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch, optional for thickening
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and diced celery, then sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Build flavor foundation: Stir in the minced garlic and diced lean cooked ham. Cook for about 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the ham is heated through.
- Simmer base ingredients: Add the peeled and diced Yukon Gold potatoes, sweet corn kernels, dried thyme, and low-sodium chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover with a lid, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
- Thicken broth (optional): In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the simmering chowder and continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the broth to thicken slightly.
- Finish with cream: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the low-fat milk and half-and-half or light cream, warming the chowder gently without letting it boil. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Stir in the freshly chopped parsley. Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with additional parsley for a fresh, herbaceous finish. Serve warm and enjoy your nourishing light ham potato chowder.
Notes
- For a thicker chowder, use the cornstarch optional step; omit if you prefer a thinner broth.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content and enhance the soup’s natural flavors.
- To make this chowder vegetarian, substitute the ham and chicken broth with vegetable broth and add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but avoid freezing due to the dairy content.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, gently mash some of the potatoes during cooking before adding the cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
