Ham Potato and Corn Chowder – thick and creamy chowder with leftover ham, potatoes and corn. Lightened up with milk instead of cream and made in 20 minutes!
My favorite dish for leftover ham that takes only 20 minutes to make and is one of our favorite comfort foods. This chowder is thick and creamy and absolutely delicious! After cooking the big holiday dinner, I want to put the leftovers to use and make something quick yet still satisfying.
We often have soup for lunch, especially during the cold months. I also love to serve it for dinner by really loading it with veggies and serving my cheesy garlic bread on the side. Nothing beats a bowl full of hot, thick chowder with chunks of potatoes and ham. You can use fresh, diced veggies or a frozen mix. No leftover ham? No problem! Use leftover rotisserie chicken or turkey. Or skip the meat all together for a veggie only soup!
Many recipes use flour added to sauteed veggies to create a thickener for the soup. Quite often you can end up with lumps of flour in the soup. Over the years, I learned to use cornstarch (it’s much easier to use and creates smooth thick soups and sauces) mixed with the last liquid added to the dish. It is a fool-proof method that I have been using for pasta sauces, gravies and thick soups.
Instead of making yet another ham and cheese sandwich, make this hearty, loaded soup with the leftover chunks of ham. It will quickly become a family favorite!
Comfort food in a bowl! This chowder is loaded with potatoes and corn. Easy soup for a busy weeknight!
- 1 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 Tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 carrots peeled and diced
- 2 potatoes (russet, yellow or golden - I used golden), peeled and diced
- 1 cups whole kernel corn
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken stock
- 1.5 cups leftover ham diced
- 2 cups milk (whole, skim or 2% - I used 2%)
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
- In a large stockpot, heat up olive oil and butter on medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic and cook for 3 minutes.
Add carrots and potatoes. Stir together. Add stock and ham. Cook for 10 minutes on medium heat.
- In a large measuring cup or medium mixing bowl, whisk together milk and cornstarch.
Add to veggies and stir in well. Add seasoning, stir together.
- Cook until potatoes are cooked and chowder thickens, about 10 more minutes.
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
If you like this recipe and make it, snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Tag me @crunchycreamysweet so I can check it out!
Related Recipes:
Slow Cooker Sweet Potato and Pork Stew
Chelsea says
In step five did you mean wisk together milk and CORNSTARCH? Not flour? In your ingredients list you never mention flour and specifically said how you don’t use it? And then it doesn’t say anything about what to do with the cornstarch ? Looks so yummy, can’t wait to try it!
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
Hi Chelsea! You can use cornstarch or flour but I recommend cornstarch for the reasons mentioned in my post. I updated the recipe. I am excited for you to try it! Let me know how you like it. Thank you! -Anna
Chandra says
I love using a good ham hock after Christmas for a big batch of soup! I love the Chowder you made and just might have to switch up my recipe for this one!
eat good 4 life says
I haven’t made corn chowder in for ever. Yours looks divine!
Michelle says
This looks like pure comfort food! I’d love to curl up with a bowl of this!
TidyMom says
you gotta love a recipe that comes together in 20 minutes, uses leftovers AND warms the soul!! looks fabulous!
Sheena says
What a creamy looking chowder, and a great way to use up all my leftover ham!
Kacey says
My favourite meals include leftovers! Leftovers tend to get a bit monotonous so recreating them into a new dish allows for more food (and more creativity!) This chowder sounds divine!
Karen says
Just looking for the corn in the ingredients list? I will just add what I have leftover!!
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
Hi Karen! Thanks for catching that! I updated the ingredients. Let me know how you like the chowder. Thank you!
Karen says
Made this chowder last night and my family LOVED it! Thanks for sharing an easy, delicious recipe!!
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
You are so welcome, Karen! Thank you for coming back and letting me know you guys loved it! Yay!