There’s something wildly comforting about a warm bowl of chowder bubbling away on the stove. The kind that fogs up your kitchen windows and makes everyone wander in asking, “What smells so good?” Yeah—this Ham Corn Chowder Recipe does exactly that.

This recipe is inspired by a fan-favorite chicken version, but swapping in ham turns it into a next-level cozy classic. It’s especially perfect for using up leftover holiday ham (hello Easter and Christmas). One reader even called it “the perfect cozy dinner”—and honestly, that checks out. This Corn Chowder Recipe With Ham is rich, hearty, and unapologetically comforting.

The secret? Cream. It gives this chowder that smooth, silky texture that makes every spoonful feel indulgent without being fussy. Bacon kicks things off with smoky flavor, followed by onion, celery, and garlic doing their aromatic thing. Potatoes and flour naturally thicken the pot, turning this into a legit meal—not a sad, watery soup. IMO, this is where chowder really shines.

What makes this Easy Ham And Corn Chowder such a winner is how simple it is. No fancy steps, no hard-to-find ingredients, just real food cooked right. Think of it as the cozy cousin of Clam Chowder Casserole All recipes or even an Easy Crockpot Clam Chowder Recipe, but faster and way more weeknight-friendly.

Whether you call it Ham Corn Chowder Soup, Corn And Ham Chowder Recipe, or a classic Corn Ham Chowder Recipe, the vibe stays the same: warm, filling, and deeply satisfying. Fans of Salt And Lavender Ham And Corn Chowder will feel right at home here.

Pro tip: let it simmer just long enough for the flavors to mingle—don’t rush it. Why would you? A bowl of this Ham Corn Chowder Recipe is basically comfort food therapy. Grab a spoon and lean in.

Ham Corn Chowder Recipe – Easy, Creamy Corn Chowder With Ham Thumbnail

Warm Ham and Corn Chowder

This ham corn chowder is the kind of cozy, no-fuss comfort food that hits the spot every time. Smoky bacon, tender potatoes, sweet corn, and savory ham simmer together in a creamy broth that’s rich without being heavy. Simple pantry ingredients and an easy stovetop method make it perfect for busy weeknights or using up leftover holiday ham. Each spoonful is hearty, warming, and full of flavor, thanks to classic aromatics and a touch of seasoning. Serve it with crusty bread for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal everyone will love. Comforting, filling, and timeless, this soup always feels like home inside.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Course: Breakfast, Dinner, Soup

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Ingredients You’ll Need
Bacon: Crispy bacon sets the flavor foundation. Don’t skip it unless you must.
Onion, celery, and garlic: These aromatics build depth right from the start. Sweet onions work especially well.
All-purpose flour: Helps give the chowder that classic, hearty thickness.
Chicken broth: Adds savory richness without overpowering the other ingredients.
Heavy cream: This is what creates the smooth, velvety texture chowder is known for.
Corn: Frozen corn keeps things easy, but fresh or canned corn also work just fine.
Ham: Leftover holiday ham is perfect here, or grab a small smoked ham and dice it yourself.
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal because they naturally break down and thicken the soup.
Italian seasoning: A simple blend that ties everything together.
Cayenne pepper: Optional, but it adds a subtle warmth without making the soup spicy.

Method

This is a quick walkthrough. Be sure to check the recipe card for exact measurements.

1. Start by cooking the bacon in a large pot until crisp. Remove it and set aside, keeping the flavorful bacon fat in the pot. Add the onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and flour, cooking briefly until fragrant.

2. Start by cooking the bacon in a large pot until crisp. Remove it and set aside, keeping the flavorful bacon fat in the pot. Add the onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and flour, cooking briefly until fragrant.

Notes

Substitutions and Variations

Swapping ingredients can change the outcome, so proceed thoughtfully. Lighter dairy options like half-and-half may curdle under high heat, so keep temperatures low if you experiment. Since both bacon and ham add salt, low-sodium broth is a smart choice if you’re sensitive to sodium. You can also try different potato varieties, though starchier ones give the best texture.

Leftovers and Storage

Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently over low heat, stirring often.
The chowder thickens as it sits—add a splash of broth to loosen it.
Freezing is possible for up to 3 months, though the cream may slightly change the texture once thawed.

Final Thoughts

This ham and corn chowder is cozy, filling, and incredibly practical. It turns simple ingredients into a comforting meal that works for weeknights, leftovers, or feeding a crowd. The flavors deepen over time, making it even better the next day. Serve it with crusty bread, crackers, or a simple salad, and you’ve got a dinner that feels special without extra effort.