Ham Chowder with Cheese (Slow Cooker)

Have some leftover ham? This cheesy ham chowder is the most mouthwatering solution. Even if you don’t have any leftover ham, it’s perfect to make on a chilly weeknight and hearty enough to feed your whole family. Warm up in the most comforting way - a big bowl of this cheesy ham chowder, made easy in the slow cooker. Perfect for a busy weeknight.

1½ lbs russet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½" cubes (~ 3 medium sized potatoes)
1 (20 oz) can corn, drained or frozen corn, thawed
4 cups ham steaks, diced into ½" cubes
1 large yellow onion, diced
4 ribs celery, diced
4-5 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp. black pepper, freshly squeezed
4 cups chicken stock or broth
2 cups whole milk
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup sour cream
2 Tbsp. fresh parsley, minced

Garnish:
fresh parsley
black pepper, freshly ground
shredded cheddar cheese

To a 6 qt slow cooker, add the first 8 ingredients (potatoes through and including chicken stock). Stir, cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours, until potatoes are tender.

In a small mixing bowl, whisk milk and cornstarch until smooth. Stir into soup in slow cooker, cover and cook on HIGH 20-25 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally. Turn off heat, stir in cheese, sour cream and parsley until cheese is melted.

Serve sprinkled with extra cheese, black pepper and parsley if desired.

Makes 10 servings.