Varsity Chowder

Dive into a bowl of pure comfort with Varsity Chowder, a hearty, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for warming up on chilly days or feeding a hungry crowd. This creamy chowder combines tender bites of smoky sausage, velvety potatoes, and sweet corn kernels simmered in a rich chicken broth base, all brought together with a luxurious blend of heavy cream and sharp cheddar cheese. Fresh parsley adds a pop of brightness, while sautéed onions, garlic, and celery build a robust foundation of flavor. Ready in just under an hour and with minimal prep, this one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Serve it with a crusty loaf of bread for dipping, and watch it quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re craving comfort food or looking for an easy chowder recipe, Varsity Chowder is a foolproof standout!

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 stalks celery, finely diced
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 pound smoked sausage, cut into bite-sized slices
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 loaf crusty bread (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced celery. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.

Step 3

Stir in the diced potatoes and sliced smoked sausage, cooking for another 5 minutes to allow the sausage to lightly brown.

Step 4

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let simmer for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 5

Add the corn kernels to the pot and stir to combine. Simmer for another 5 minutes.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until the cheese is fully melted and the chowder becomes creamy.

Step 7

Season with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste.

Step 8

Remove the pot from heat and stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Step 9

Serve the chowder hot, optionally paired with crusty bread on the side for dipping.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3280.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4503.5

Total Fat 254.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 119.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 626.8mg	0%
Sodium 12381.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 398.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.2g	0%
Total Sugars 44.3g
Protein 150.0g	0%

Vitamin D 24IU	0%
Calcium 1295.5mg	0%
Iron 23.1mg	0%
Potassium 5677.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 51.1%

Protein: 13.4%

Carbs: 35.5%