This creamy ham and potato corn chowder is diced ham, potatoes, carrots, onion and garlic simmered in broth until tender, then finished with cream and sweet corn and topped with crispy bacon and green onions. It’s made in one pot in about 45 minutes, serves 6 and is my favorite way to use up leftover holiday ham. For a dairy-free version, swap the cream for coconut or cashew cream.

Get ready to add this simple creamy ham and potato corn chowder to your soup recipe rotation! Made with wholesome ingredients like tender chunks of ham, potatoes, and sweet corn, this creamy chowder with a dairy-free option packs a punch of flavor and extreme deliciousness.

Pot of creamy ham and potato corn chowder topped with crispy bacon and green onions

Easter may be over and the weather a tad bit warmer, but I don’t think it’s possible to have too many soup recipes, especially when they are this creamy and loaded with goodness! This simple recipe for ham and potato corn chowder is sure to become a family favorite.

We love making this simple ham and potato chowder with sweet corn because it makes great use of what we already have on hand. More importantly it comes together quickly and it’s a recipe that the whole family can enjoy!

Ladle of ham and potato corn chowder with ham, potatoes, corn, bacon and green onions

Not only is this soup tasty, but it’s also easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd. This simple chowder recipe is my go-to after a holiday to use up all of that delicious ham.

Ingredients for ham and potato corn chowder

To make this creamy ham and potato corn chowder recipe, you’ll need a few ingredients that you can get at almost any grocery store or even online.

Here’s what we are working with:

  • bacon
  • unsalted butter
  • onion
  • carrots
  • garlic
  • potatoes
  • ham
  • chicken or vegetable broth
  • cream – coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free option
  • corn
  • green onions
Ingredients for ham and potato corn chowder: diced ham, potatoes, corn, broth, cream, butter, carrots, onion, garlic, bacon and green onions

 How to make ham and potato corn chowder

You’ll find the exact amounts and printable steps in the recipe card below. Here’s what each step looks like, plus the little things that make it work.

1. Crisp the bacon. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the bacon until brown and crispy. Transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside. Short on time? Use store-bought bacon crumbles instead.

2. Sauté the aromatics. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrots and garlic and sauté for 2–3 minutes, until softened.

3. Simmer the potatoes and ham. Add the potatoes, ham and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15–20 minutes, until the potatoes are soft. Dice the potatoes evenly so they all cook at the same rate.

4. Add the cream and corn. Stir in the cream and corn and cook for about 5 minutes more, until heated through.

5. Serve. Serve right away, garnished with the bacon and green onions, if you like.

Can I make this creamy ham and potato corn chowder a dairy-free recipe?

While I love dairy with all of my heart, sometimes my stomach does not feel the reciprocation. Ultimately, whether or not to consume dairy is a completely personal choice. However, if there is an option to make a recipe like this creamy ham and potato corn chowder recipe dairy-free, then I will gladly jump on board. To make this a dairy free chowder, simply replace the cream with full fat coconut cream or cashew cream. Both of these are a versatile and delicious substitute for heavy cream in a recipe. Additionally, coconut cream and cashew cream can be used as a 1:1 substitute in recipes making them easy and flexible options.

Spoonful of creamy chowder with ham, potato, corn and carrots

Can I meal prep ham and potato corn chowder?

Yes! This simple ham and potato corn chowder recipe makes a fabulous meal prep. This recipe is made in one pot for a hassle-free meal prep option. Therefore, less prep and more time to enjoy your weekend! 

The flavors in this recipe pair so well together and get better day after day. This creamy and delicious chowder soup recipe will have you looking forward to lunch each day. It’s so comforting!

You will want to assemble into 4 meal prep containers. Additionally, I recommend serving the bacon crumbles and diced green onions on the side if using. It will help to keep all the ingredient textures fresh. It doesn’t get any easier or more comforting than this creamy ham and potato corn chowder recipe!

how to store ham and potato corn chowder

Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours in airtight containers and enjoy within 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring often, until steaming hot (165°F). Add a splash of broth if the chowder has thickened.

more soups for leftover ham

Still have ham to use up? Try our PA Dutch ham and string bean soup, or make our Pennsylvania Dutch chicken corn soup with rivels for another cozy corn soup.

Ham and potato corn chowder divided into glass meal prep containers

Enjoy! We hope you enjoy this simple ham and potato corn chowder recipe as much as our little tribe has time and time again. Please leave us a star review and comment if you enjoyed this recipe!

ham and potato corn chowder FAQs

Can I use leftover holiday ham?

Yes. This chowder is a great way to use leftover ham after Easter or another holiday; dice it into bite-size pieces.

How do I make this chowder dairy-free?

Replace the cream with full-fat coconut cream or cashew cream. Both work as a 1:1 substitute for the cream.

What potatoes are best for corn chowder?

This recipe uses russet potatoes, peeled and diced. They turn soft and help make the chowder creamy.

Can I use bacon crumbles instead of cooking bacon?

Yes. Store-bought bacon crumbles save time; just sprinkle them on top when serving.

Is this chowder good for meal prep?

Yes. Divide it into 4 meal prep containers and keep the bacon and green onions on the side so they stay fresh.

Can I freeze this chowder?

Yes, you can freeze this chowder.

Recipe video

📌 Save this for later!

Close-up of creamy ham and potato corn chowder topped with bacon
Pin this soup so it's easy to find later.
Pin it

If you love this recipe, check out…

Simple Creamy Ham and Potato Corn Chowder

  • SFSugar Free
5 from 1 vote
Get ready to add this simple creamy ham and potato corn chowder to your soup recipe rotation! Made with wholesome ingredients like tender chunks of ham, potatoes, and sweet corn, this creamy chowder packs a punch of flavor and extreme deliciousness. 
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 4 slices bacon, *Use bacon crumbles instead for less cooking time, optional
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 cup carrots, peeled and diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 cups ham, diced
  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup cream, coconut cream or cashew cream for dairy-free option, see notes
  • 1 cup sweet corn kernels
  • 2-3 green onions, diced, optional for serving

Instructions 

  • Heat a skillet over medium high heat. Add bacon and cook until brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate; set aside.
  • In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrots, and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
    Diced carrots, onion and garlic sautéing in butter in a Dutch oven
  • Add the potatoes, ham, and broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are soft.
    Diced ham and potatoes added to the pot with the vegetables
  • Add the cream and corn to the pot and allow it to cook for another 5 minutes until heated through.
    Cream and sweet corn stirred into the ham and potato chowder
  • Serve immediately, garnish with bacon and green onion, if desired.
    simple ham and potato corn chowder soup

Notes

Dairy-free option: Replace the cream with full-fat coconut cream or cashew cream. Both work as a 1:1 substitute.

Nutrition

Calories: 348kcal

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to tag thetastefultribe on instagram @thetastefultribe if you try this simple ham and potato corn chowder recipe. We love seeing your version of the recipe! You can also post your pictures to our facebook page!