Cheesy Ham and Corn Chowder

Chowders always bring to mind a picture of a cozy, kicked-back, winter-time family meal; cuddled up around a roaring fireplace with plenty of warm food, good cheer and loving friends. This one is a Sunday night family favorite - easy on the cook (and the cook's pocketbook), yet sure to bring raves from the hubby and kids. Enjoy!

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 50 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
• Calories: 408 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups milk
• 3 tablespoons butter
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ cup chopped onion
• ½ teaspoon dried marjoram
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ cup sliced celery
• 3 bay leaves
• ½ cup sliced carrots
• 2 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules
• 1 (15 ounce) can cream-style corn
• 1 cup peeled and diced potatoes
• 1 (8 ounce) package shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup diced cooked ham
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon ground thyme
• 2 (15 ounce) cans chicken broth

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Stir chicken broth, carrots, chicken bouillon, bay leaves, sea salt, pepper, thyme, marjoram, and garlic powder together in a Dutch oven; bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 10 minutes. Add potatoes and onion; cook for 10 minutes more. Add celery; cook until all vegetables are fork tender, about 10 minutes more.

Step 2

Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat and whisk flour into butter until smooth. Return saucepan to medium heat; gradually add milk to butter mixture, whisking constantly, and cook until mixture thickens, 6 to 7 minutes.

Step 3

Stir milk mixture into vegetable mixture; add corn, Cheddar cheese, and ham, reduce heat to low, and simmer until ham is heated through and cheese melts, 10 to 15 minutes.