Potatoes.  Never met one I didn’t like.  In fact, we even had a mashed potato bar at our wedding reception.  Yup, mashed potatoes with all the fixins served in margarita glasses.  Best part of the meal, by far–at least for this spud-addict.  And since I can’t get enough of them, especially when they’re mashed, you will find me sneaking an extra bowl of them after Thanksgiving dinner while others head for a second slice of pie.  It’s a problem, I admit it.

But with this great recipe, have no fear!  Extra mashed taters will not go to waste!  In fact, no leftovers from any large meal that included mashed potatoes will be lost to the recesses of the back of the fridge ever again. One of the best parts of this recipe is that you toss everything in the crock pot, turn it on, and walk away.  What you find in a few hours is a creamy, delicious, tummy-warming soup that fills you up and empties your leftovers in no time.

Ham & potato chowder

When I saw this recipe from Barefeet in the Kitchen, I knew I needed to make a batch immediately.  And since I can never leave well enough alone, I started experimenting just a bit with what I had in my pantry.  I love parsnips when mixed with potatoes, and of course if I can add garlic to anything, that’s a no brainer, too.  The extra kicker was adding Greek yogurt instead of milk and butter as I mashed the potatoes.  The result? I think it’s delish, but decide for yourself!

Chowder with bread
Crock Pot Ham & Potato Chowder
Print Recipe
You can't go wrong with creamy mashed potatoes, salty ham, and earthy parsnips. Belly up to the crockpot, kids--it's chow-dah time!
Servings Prep Time
8 people 30 minutes
Cook Time
4 hours
Servings Prep Time
8 people 30 minutes
Cook Time
4 hours
Chowder with bread
Crock Pot Ham & Potato Chowder
Print Recipe
You can't go wrong with creamy mashed potatoes, salty ham, and earthy parsnips. Belly up to the crockpot, kids--it's chow-dah time!
Servings Prep Time
8 people 30 minutes
Cook Time
4 hours
Servings Prep Time
8 people 30 minutes
Cook Time
4 hours
Ingredients
Servings: people
Instructions
  1. Dice potatoes to 2" pieces.
  2. Peel parsnips, and dice to 1" pieces. (note: the parsnips are more dense than the potatoes, which is why it's important to keep the pieces half the size of the potatoes)
    Potatoes & Parsnips
  3. Place diced potatoes, parsnips, and smashed garlic in large pot; cover with water by 1"; boil until all contents are able to be pierced easily by a fork.
    Potato chowder pot
  4. Drain ingredients, and mash with hand mixer. Mix in Greek yogurt.
    Greek yogurt
  5. Place potato mixture into crockpot insert . Add chopped ham.
    Chopped Ham
  6. Pour milk over mixture, making sure to use enough milk to cover by an inch.
    Milk into chowder
  7. Cook on low for 3 hours, or high for 1.5 hours. Stir ingredients and adjust moisture accordingly. Cook for additional 2 hours on low.
    Crockpot time
  8. Serve topped with fresh herbs, cracked black pepper, and crusty bread.
    Chowder with bread
Recipe Notes

What hacks or twists would you add for a satisfying meal for the family (or just you!)? Share the ideas here so that we can all experiment together!

(Note: if you don't already have a hand mixer, check out the one I use--I love it and use it for more than just potatoes!)

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