This 4-ingredient ham and potato chowder is the kind of practical winter supper that earns a permanent place in the weekly rotation: inexpensive, filling, and deeply comforting. It leans on pantry and fridge staples to create a rich, old-fashioned one-pot meal with very little effort, and it has the homestyle character of Midwestern kitchen cooking where leftover ham and potatoes are rarely wasted.
Serve this chowder with buttered toast, saltine crackers, or warm biscuits to soak up the creamy broth. If you want to round it out, a simple green salad, cooked green beans, or a crisp apple slaw adds freshness and a little contrast to the soft, hearty texture of the soup.
4-Ingredient Ham and Potato Chowder
Servings: 6
Ingredients
4 cups diced potatoes, peeled if desired
2 cups diced cooked ham
3 cups milk
1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
Directions
1. Add the diced potatoes to a large pot and cover with water by about 1 inch. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a steady simmer and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 10 to 12 minutes. Drain most of the water, leaving about 1 cup in the pot.
2. Stir in the diced ham, milk, and condensed soup. Mix well until the soup base dissolves into the liquid and the chowder begins to look smooth and creamy.
3. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring often, until the chowder is hot, slightly thickened, and the flavors have blended, about 8 to 10 minutes. Do not let it boil hard once the milk is added.
4. Taste and add black pepper if you like, then ladle into bowls and serve hot.
Variations & Tips
For a thicker chowder: Lightly mash some of the cooked potatoes in the pot before adding the milk and soup. That releases starch into the broth and gives the chowder a heartier, old-fashioned texture without adding extra ingredients.
For a different soup base: Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup both work well here if that is what you have on hand. Each changes the flavor a bit, but the method stays the same and the result is still cozy and filling.
For better ham flavor: This is an especially good use for leftover holiday ham, since it tends to be smoky and well seasoned. If your ham is very salty, taste the chowder before adding any extra seasoning.
For easier reheating: Warm leftovers gently over low heat and stir frequently so the milk-based broth stays smooth. If it thickens too much in the refrigerator, loosen it with a small splash of milk while reheating.