The aroma of a warm, creamy chowder wafting through the air is enough to make anyone’s heart skip a beat. Imagine sinking your spoon into a delicious bread bowl ham chowder recipe, where the rich flavors meld together in perfect harmony. perfect appetizer for gatherings Each bite brings a delightful crunch from the bread and a velvety texture from the chowder that dances on your palate like a well-rehearsed ballet. savory sausage rolls creamy mashed potatoes recipe. For more inspiration, check out this irresistible orange sweet rolls recipe.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I make this chowder vegetarian?
- How do I thicken my chowder?
- What type of bread works best for bowls?
- 📖 Recipe Card
It’s not just about the taste; this dish evokes memories of cozy family dinners, laughing around the table, and sharing stories while savoring every spoonful. Whether it’s a chilly winter evening or a relaxed weekend gathering, this chowder is sure to warm your soul and fill your belly with joy.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delicious bread bowl ham chowder recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The flavor profile is rich and savory, with hints of smoky ham and fresh vegetables
- Its visual appeal can’t be overstated; the golden broth against the crusty bread is simply stunning
- Versatile enough for any occasion, it’s great for casual brunches or holiday feasts
I remember one chilly January evening when I first made this chowder. My friends were skeptical at first but quickly changed their minds after just one spoonful!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: For more inspiration, check out this delicious garlic butter green beans recipe.
- Crusty Bread Bowls: Choose large, dense loaves like sourdough or French bread for the best texture.
- Diced Ham: Use leftover ham from holiday meals or deli ham for convenience.
- Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes work beautifully; they’re creamy and hold their shape well in soups.
- Onion: A sweet onion adds depth; sauté until it’s translucent for maximum flavor.
- Celery and Carrots: Dice finely to ensure they cook evenly and add sweetness to the chowder.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves will elevate the flavor; sauté them just until fragrant. shrimp pasta for a seafood twist.
- Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control salt levels while still providing richness.
- Heavy Cream: This gives the chowder its luxurious texture; you can substitute half-and-half if desired.
- Spices (Thyme, Bay Leaf): Fresh thyme offers bright notes; bay leaves enhance overall flavor complexity.
- Pepper and Salt: Season according to your preference, but be cautious with salt due to ham’s salinity.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Bread Bowls: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut off the tops of your bread loaves and scoop out some of the insides gently. You want them sturdy enough to hold all that glorious chowder without collapsing into a soggy mess.
Sauté Your Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, melt some butter and add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened—about 5-7 minutes—until they start to smell divine.
Add Your Ham and Garlic: Stir in your diced ham and minced garlic next. Sauté until everything is heated through and smells irresistible—around 3 minutes will do!
Incorporate Broth and Potatoes: Pour in your chicken broth along with diced potatoes. Toss in bay leaves and thyme too! Bring everything to a gentle boil then reduce heat to let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.
Create Creamy Goodness: Once your potatoes are tender, remove bay leaves before stirring in heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for an additional 5 minutes so flavors meld beautifully.
Serve It Up!: Ladle that gorgeous chowder into prepared bread bowls. Make sure each bowl gets a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you have them on hand—it makes everything look extra fancy!
And there you go! You’ve just created a mouthwatering bread bowl ham chowder recipe that will leave everyone begging for seconds (and maybe even thirds). Enjoy every comforting bite!
You Must Know
- The Delicious Bread Bowl Ham Chowder Recipe is creamy, hearty, and perfect for any occasion
- It not only warms your soul but also makes a beautiful centerpiece for gatherings
- Plus, who doesn’t love eating the bowl afterward?
- It’s like a two-for-one deal!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic for flavor, then add ham before the broth and vegetables to deepen taste. This order ensures everything melds beautifully together while locking in the goodness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ham for turkey or add extra veggies like corn or peas. Experimenting with spices like smoked paprika can elevate the soup’s flavor profile and make it uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low heat on the stove or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of milk for creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the best chowder consistency, use a mix of diced potatoes and mashed ones
- This adds texture without making it too thick
- Don’t rush the cooking; let flavors develop gradually for maximum impact
Sometimes, I sneak an extra piece of ham while cooking and pretend it’s quality control. My friends are always amused when they notice my “taste-testing” skills.
FAQ
Can I make this chowder vegetarian?
Yes, just swap ham for mushrooms or your favorite plant-based protein.
How do I thicken my chowder?
Add more mashed potatoes or a cornstarch slurry to reach desired thickness.
What type of bread works best for bowls?
Sourdough or a sturdy artisan bread holds up wonderfully against the chowder’s creaminess.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Bread Bowl Ham Chowder
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the heartwarming delight of Bread Bowl Ham Chowder—a creamy, savory dish that combines tender ham and fresh vegetables in a rich broth, all served in a crusty bread bowl. This recipe is perfect for cozy family gatherings or chilly evenings, evoking nostalgia and comfort with every spoonful. With its delicious flavor and stunning presentation, this chowder will quickly become a favorite at your table.
Ingredients
- 4 large crusty bread bowls (sourdough or French bread)
- 2 cups diced ham
- 2 cups Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
- 1 medium sweet onion, chopped
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut tops off bread bowls and scoop out insides.
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add diced ham and garlic; cook for another 3 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and add potatoes, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Remove bay leaf; stir in heavy cream and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Ladle chowder into prepared bread bowls and garnish with herbs if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bread bowl (300g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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