Imagine diving into a creamy, hearty chowder nestled inside a perfectly crisp bread bowl - a culinary experience that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary comfort food adventure! This bread bowl ham chowder isn't just a recipe; it's a delicious journey that combines rich, creamy flavors with the rustic charm of a bread bowl that you can actually eat. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a luxurious meal, this recipe promises to deliver warmth, satisfaction, and a touch of gourmet magic in just 40 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 bread bowls
- 2 cups diced ham
- 1 cup potatoes, diced
- 1 cup corn
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing ham, potatoes, and onions into uniform small cubes.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot, sauté chopped onions over medium heat until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add diced potatoes and ham to the pot, stirring to combine with the onions and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Pour in milk and corn, then season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low-medium and simmer gently for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- While chowder is simmering, prepare bread bowls by cutting off the top and hollowing out the center, creating a sturdy edible container.
- When potatoes are tender and chowder has thickened, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture and stir until cheese is completely melted.
- Ladle hot chowder into prepared bread bowls, ensuring each serving is generously filled.
- Serve immediately, allowing guests to enjoy the chowder inside the warm, crusty bread bowl.
Tips
- Uniform Cutting: Dice your ham, potatoes, and onions into consistent, small cubes to ensure even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
- Prevent Scorching: Stir your chowder occasionally and keep heat at low-medium to prevent milk from burning and sticking to the pot.
- Bread Bowl Selection: Choose fresh, sturdy bread bowls that can hold the chowder without becoming soggy. Sourdough or round artisan bread works best.
- Cheese Melting Trick: Add cheese off the direct heat and stir gently to create a smooth, creamy texture without clumping.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately after filling bread bowls to maintain the perfect temperature and prevent bread from getting too soft.
- Optional Garnishes: Consider topping with chopped chives, crispy bacon bits, or a sprinkle of extra cheese for added flavor and visual appeal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 60mg
