Creamy Ham Potato and Corn Chowder

I had a TON of ham leftover from Christmas so I have enough in the freezer now to make this soup a few times this winter and spring. It was very good and everyone in the family loved it, which is rare. Hang on to this recipe for Easter ham leftovers too!

Recipe and photo from Cooking Classy

Creamy Ham Potato and Corn Chowder

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Yield: About 6 servings

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked ham, diced into small cubes (I used left over ham roast, ham steak works too)
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 5 1/2 Tbsp butter, divided
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced (1 1/2 cups)
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced (3/4 cup)
• 2 celery stalks, diced (3/4 cup)
• 2 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth
• 5 medium red potatoes (1 3/4 lb), diced into 3/4-inch cubes
• 3/4 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 cups fresh corn kernels (or frozen)
• 1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream or heavy cream (I've tried and like both versions)
• Chives for topping

Directions

• In a large pot, melt 1 1/2 Tbsp butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery and saute until tender, about 4 minutes. Add chicken broth, potatoes, oregano, thyme, and bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste (slightly under-season with salt as the ham and bacon will add more saltiness to soup). Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium, cover with lid and allow to cook until potatoes are very tender, about 17 - 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Reduce to warm heat, stir in ham and corn.
• In a medium saucepan, melt remaining 4 Tbsp butter over medium heat. Add flour and cook mixture, stirring constantly, 1 1/2 minutes. While whisking, slowly add in milk, and whisk vigorously to smooth lumps, season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring mixture to a boil and allow to thicken, whisking constantly. Remove from heat, stir in sour cream or cream. Pour and stir milk mixture into soup mixture. Serve warm topped with bacon and chives.
• Recipe Source: Cooking Classy, inspired by Damn Delicious