This ham and corn chowder recipe is loaded with potatoes, bacon, and plenty of corn! It's creamy, comforting, and easy to make.
This ham potato and corn chowder recipe is based on my popular chicken and corn chowder. The ingredients and cooking process are fairly similar, so if you like that recipe (and if you like ham), you may want to give this one a try too!
This corn chowder with ham is made from everyday ingredients. Bacon, onion, celery, and garlic infuse a ton of flavor. The flour and potatoes thicken the soup and make it hearty. Italian seasoning and a pinch of cayenne pepper (optional - it doesn't make it spicy but it adds a little something-something) punch up the taste even more. And cream gives it that signature silkiness.
This is one of those recipes that's great for leftover ham from Easter or Christmas, but you can also just buy a piece of ham and cut it up like I did. You can find smaller pieces of ham (like around 1-2 pounds) in most major grocery stores.
Recipe notes & tips:
- As ham and bacon can be quite salty, you may want to use low-sodium chicken broth if you have any concerns with salt content.
- I haven't tried making this recipe with anything besides cream, so with any recipe, substitutions are at your own risk. Someone made my other (similar) chowder recipe with half-and-half instead of cream, and the heat curdled it, so just be mindful if you're doing a substitution.
- The soup gets thicker the longer you leave it. You can add more chicken broth to leftovers to thin it out if needed.
- I used frozen corn. You could definitely use fresh or canned corn if you wish.
- I like the starchiness of Russet potatoes, but you can use a different variety if you like.
I hope you'll love this satisfying soup recipe! It really warms you up and sticks to your ribs. 🙂
More tasty recipes with ham:
- Ham and Potato Soup (Dairy-Free)
- Ham and White Bean Soup
- One Pot Ham and Pea Pasta
- Instant Pot Split Pea Soup (with ham OR vegetarian)
Questions about this corn chowder recipe with ham and potatoes? Made it? Leave me a comment below!
Tag me #saltandlavender on Instagram if you've made any of my recipes so I can see your creations.
Ham and Corn Chowder
Ingredients
- 4 strips bacon cut into small pieces
- 1/2 medium onion chopped
- 2 sticks celery chopped
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken broth or stock
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 2 cups frozen corn
- 1 pound smoked ham chopped
- 2 large Russet potatoes peeled & diced
- 1 dash Italian seasoning
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper optional
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep your bacon (I use kitchen shears to make cutting it up easy) and add it to a large pot over medium-high heat. Cook until crispy (about 10 minutes).
- Meanwhile, prep your onion, celery, ham, and potatoes.
- Once the bacon is crispy, take it out of the pot and remove to a paper towel lined plate. Leave the bacon fat in the pot.
- Add the onion and celery to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the flour and cook for about a minute, stirring nearly constantly.
- Add in the garlic, followed by the chicken broth. Give it a good stir to ensure the flour has dissolved and the flavorful brown bits are scraped up from the bottom of the pot.
- Add in the cream, corn, ham, potatoes, Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, and most of the bacon (I save the rest for garnishing the bowls later on). Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once it's boiling, reduce the heat to a rapid simmer so it's gently boiling.
- Cook until the potatoes are tender (about 15-20 minutes). Stir every so often. The soup will get thicker the longer you cook it.
- Season the soup with salt & pepper if needed. Garnish with the rest of the bacon.
Notes
- Serves 4-6 depending on portion size.
- If you're sensitive to salt, use low-sodium chicken broth. Ham can be quite salty.
- Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Salt & Lavender makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information
Morgan says
Found this recipe almost a year & a half ago; it was instantly added to our “favorites” list! Hubby doesn’t get excited for soup, but this is a highly requested dish of his now. Love this soup! Delicious, savory, and filling.
Natasha says
I'm so happy to hear that!! Thanks so much for taking the time to write me a review, Morgan! 🙂
Frances Lanteigne says
Love this Chowder! Slowly, but surely, I'm working my way through ALL the recipes. Haven't been disappointed yet! Delicious!
Natasha says
Aww I'm thrilled to hear that!! 😀 Thanks for your review, Frances!
Kevin says
Just didn’t do it for the wife and I. Ended up tossing after dinner.
Natasha says
Really? That's very odd. I'm sorry you guys didn't enjoy it. I wonder what went wrong as I've received many comments on here and IG and Pinterest where people rave about it.
Crystle says
I followed the recipe almost exactly as written, and it was absolutely amazing. I used a mixed bag of frozen veggies, added a bit more cayenne pepper and seasonings and cooked it about a half hour longer. Incredible!
Natasha says
Wonderful! 🙂
Roxanne says
Hi I replaced the cream with Philadelphia cream cheese and it was delish. NZ cream is very sweet so substituting this was a winner for our recipe. Many thanks for your superb recipe.
Natasha says
Excellent!! Glad it worked out!
Frederica says
Can this be frozen?
Natasha says
I don't usually like freezing soups that have a creamy base, but I think it should be ok. Might change texture a little bit.
Mary says
That was amazing! Thanks for a great recipe. Just used our leftover Easter ham and made this tonight. Followed your recipe to a T! Next time I would add carrots and maybe chives? DELICIOUS!!!!
Natasha says
You're very welcome!! 😀
Isabel says
What type of ham you buy?
Natasha says
Hi! I'm in Canada so recommending a brand probably won't help. Honestly, I just buy whatever looks good at the store. 🙂
Matt says
I would like to make this soup for a large group. Do the ratios of the ingredients stay the same if making triple what your recipe calls for?
Natasha says
You bet!
Heather Roberts says
My family loved this recipe- I would advise to prep veggies before cooking bacon- It needed quite a bit of stirring/attention. I subbed 1/2 and 1/2 which worked just fine.
Natasha says
Glad you enjoyed it, Heather! 🙂
Mar says
Can I use canned evaporated milk instead of heavy cream?
Natasha says
You could try, but I've only tested it with cream. Let me know how it goes!
Dj says
I always do if I don't have any heavy cream on hand. Turns out the same as if you'd used the heavy cream.
Kathi says
Made this today with the addition of fresh mushrooms. Was very good. Served it with homemade buns.
Natasha says
Excellent! 🙂
Vicki says
Made this to serve families staying at the Ronald McDonald House tonight. It smelled so welcoming and delicious! A nice comforting meal with salad, rolls, and fruit parfaits. I will definitely make this again. Thank you for a terrific recipe!
Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says
We are so thrilled it was a hit, and that's such a wonderful gesture on your part, Vicki! Thank you! 🙂
Steve says
This was really good. I had some spare shredded carrot from the last soup that I made, so I added this with the onion and celery. For the corn, I used a can of creamed corn and a half-cup of frozen corn to make 2 cups. Used white potatoes, diced small, so they would hold together a little better. Added two pinches of paprika with the cayenne. And, when it got down to 5 minutes left, I added a cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Paired it with some buttered sourdough. Fantastic!
Nicole says
So good!! Great way to use up ham from Thanksgiving! We decided to omit the Italian seasoning and added a 4 oz can of diced green chiles to add some heat to it. Turned out so yummy!
Natasha says
So glad it was a hit, Nicole!!
Debbie says
I made the ham corn chowder tonight. I cut the amount of ham down ,1 pound just seemed like a lot.
It turned out delicious .
Thanks for posting this recipe
Natasha says
Glad you liked it, Debbie!
Jane Harding says
The ingredient quantities for four and eight portions are harder to understand than those quoted for six portions. Can you explain how to convert? Thank you.
Natasha says
Hi Jane! I am not quite sure I understand what you're asking. Are you moving the slider in the recipe card to change the number of servings? That's simply a computer calculation that's done automatically, and yes, it'll look weird if you change a recipe that's meant for 6 (the way it's written) to serve 4. Really the main purpose of that slider is to double, triple, or halve the recipe without having to do the math yourself.
Amy Pletcher says
I just made your ham and corn chowder!!!!! OMGoodness!!!!!!!! It is FANTASTIC!!! I I used fresh corn that I prepped to freeze myself. Followed the recipe to a "T". Even my daughter said smells like you are making potato soup. I did not tell until she put it in her bowl. After I did she put her nose up and said eww gross. But then she tried it and changed her attitude! Lol she actually said it was good!! Anyway, it is cold and snowy here and this was perfect!! We pared it with some sourdough bread we got from Aldi. Have a wonderful night!!
Natasha says
That's awesome!! I'm so happy you and your daughter both liked it. 😀 Thanks for your review, Amy!
Lisa says
This potato soup is so good. It’s the new way of making potato soup. Will be making it again and again. Thanks so much!
Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says
You're very welcome, Lisa! 🙂
Robyn says
Corn chowder has been a childhood favorite and my Mom made it often. This was close to giet recipe and we LOVED it. We made a few modifications (we love spicy), but the basic recipe is perfection.
Thank you for sharing this. It will become a mainstay in our autumn meal rotation. It's chilly here in Oregon and this really hit the spot.
Natasha says
That makes me so happy, Robyn! 🙂
Emily says
Can I use canned corn? I completely forgot to buy frozen corn.
Natasha says
You can. It may be a little softer overall but will work in a pinch.
Joyce says
There may not be any leftovers but there’s just 2 of us. Can extra be frozen? Thanks
Natasha says
Sure... there's a chance the texture could change a little bit, but I've frozen similar recipes and it's been fine. 🙂
Cheryl says
It’s was delicious,
Easy to make and great flavor although I did add old bay seasoning to it.
Natasha says
Excellent!
Christine Elliott says
This is one staying in the rotation! So yummy and filling!
Natasha says
Fantastic!! 🙂
A Bean says
Great recipe! Tastes yummy..the dash of Italian is lovely.. I did add 2 oz of sharp cheddar cheese..just for another layer of flavor, and adds a creamy touch
Natasha says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!!
Sandy Johnson says
This was delicious. Surprised it did not call for cheese, but creamy and thick without it. Will give the chicken corn chowder a try.
Natasha says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Sandy! 🙂 Hope you like the chicken version too!
Ashley K says
This was absolutely delicious!! Maryland decided to go from springtime back to winter and this made the perfect meal! I substituted 2 cans of corn for frozen and everything was just perfect!!
Natasha says
I'm so happy it was a hit!! 🙂 Spring is also playing hide and seek here in Alberta, Canada too!
Katy says
Hello - I love a thick chowder, but there’s a dairy allergy in the family so I can’t use heavy cream. I use regular lactose free milk. I try to add an extra tablespoon of flour to the beginning. But I’m not sure that’s the right answer. What, in your opinion, is the best substitute?
Natasha says
Hi! I think that should work or even perhaps adding a cornstarch slurry at the end?
Alice says
I'm making this right now. I added a touch of nutmeg. I live in Hawaii and the nights have been cool so this will be warming. I just tasted it and it is FABULOUS. Mahalo nui loa, thank you very much, for this great recipe! I will be making this often!
Natasha says
You're very welcome, Alice! Enjoy 🙂
Pargetter says
Great recipe to use leftover Christmas ham. Followed recipe except for 1lb frozen corn. Tasted great with just a touch of hot sauce.
Natasha says
Wonderful!! 🙂 So glad you enjoyed it! Happy holidays and thanks for your review!
Natalia says
I am a rice girl at heart but dang this soup was SO GOOD potatoes and all! Added some carrots and wow! Thank you for this recipe 🙂
Natasha says
Yay!! You're very welcome! 🙂
Keri says
This was delicious!
Natasha says
Fantastic!! 🙂
Maria says
This was a hit with folks who normally don't care for soup or chowder aka my husband. He was like "Wow, this is really good!" Loving your blog...it's awesome!
Natasha says
That's awesome!! Thank you so much, Maria.
Yogi Hollow Fatm says
This was AMAZING! Thank you!
Natasha says
You're welcome!! 🙂
Jeri Livingston says
I made this tonight for dinner, it was super easy to make, I was surprised of how thick it turned out, expected to add cheese to make it thicker but it wasn’t needed, I served it with French bread, hubby enjoyed it so much he went back for seconds, thanks for sharing this delicious recipe.
Natasha says
I'm so happy to hear that, Jeri!! 🙂
Stephanie says
Made this for dinner today. Very tasty and my family, esp. my husband really liked it. They’re anxious to eat the leftovers for lunch tomorrow (they expect it to be “even better the next day” 😉). Thanks for sharing it.
Natasha says
That's awesome. You're very welcome!!
Amy says
Made this for Christmas Eve dinner. Both my husband and son were skeptical at first, mostly because they didn’t think soup was an ‘appropriate’ meal for Christmas Eve (men, lol), but they were both blown away!! They loved it! As did I! It is creamy and delicious. I made the recipe exactly as written and wouldn’t change a thing. Added a few French fried onions on top, served with an arugula pear salad and some yeast rolls.
Natasha says
I'm so happy it was a hit for Christmas Eve!! Haha. Thank you for letting me know! 🙂
Cindy says
I'm making this tonight. Can you use canned potatoes?
Natasha says
Hi Cindy! I have never tried canned potatoes, so I can't really say for sure. If you've made soup with them before, I don't see why it wouldn't work. Let me know!
Hannah says
Hi there! Just wondering if this recipe would freeze? I live in NZ, and it’s summer... so not quite soup weather, but I have a lot of left over ham from Xmas!
Natasha says
Hi! I haven't tested it, but I think you should probably be fine. It may end up a little bit separated since it's creamy, but I think it'll still taste good. 🙂
Janelle Tessier says
Made this tonight and it really is good! Nice and hearty for a cold October evening. I will add more corn next time but that's just my thought. I did add the cayenne pepper too.
Natasha says
I'm so pleased you liked it!
Jenna says
I just made your corn chowder tonight and it was a hit! Next time I’ll add more potatoes but that’s just personal preference. Can’t wait to try your other recipes, thank you!
Natasha says
You're welcome! So glad you liked it! 🙂
Gina says
I loved this!!
Natasha says
So pleased to hear it, Gina! Thanks for letting me know! 🙂
Wendy Noyes says
I used your ham corn chowder recipe tonight. My husband of 36 yrs and best friend, said that was some of the best soup I’ve made in a real long time. I used the ends of the ham from the deli case. I plan to become a frequent flyer of your website. Thank you and God bless you 🙃
Natasha says
That's awesome!! I'm so happy it was a hit, Wendy! 🙂 So glad you found my site!
Monica says
Made this today and I'm enjoying a bowl as I type this! Really good soup, flavorful and easy. A total hit. I will keep this on regular rotation!
Natasha says
Wonderful! 🙂 Thanks for your review, Monica!
clare says
I just found your blog and I am sooooooo LOVING IT !!!! I will certainly subscribe !! GOD BLESS!!
Natasha says
Wonderful! Let me know if you make anything! 🙂