Hearty & Allergy-Friendly Everything Chowder: A Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Comfort Food Masterpiece

As the chill of winter sets in, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup to chase away the cold. While snowboarding offers an exhilarating escape, the true warmth often comes from within, especially when it involves a deeply satisfying and delicious chowder. This isn’t just any soup; this is our “Everything Chowder,” a rich and hearty creation that’s become a winter staple, offering both incredible flavor and peace of mind for those with allergies.

What makes this chowder truly stand out? It’s packed with an irresistible combination of savory bacon and tender ham, making it doubly delicious. But don’t let the indulgence fool you; we’ve thoughtfully incorporated finely diced cauliflower, which not only adds a nutritious boost but also masterfully blends into the creamy texture. While we do start by softening onions in a touch of reserved bacon grease for unparalleled depth of flavor, the overall balance ensures a truly wholesome and satisfying meal.

The Genesis of “Everything Chowder”

Naming this magnificent soup was quite a journey. We considered a mouthful like “Bacon, Ham, Potato, Cauliflower, and Corn Chowder,” but it felt too cumbersome. The aim was for a dish that delivered a burst of flavor with every spoonful, not a linguistic challenge when describing it. Thus, it was affectionately dubbed “Everything Chowder.” This name perfectly encapsulates its essence: not only does it feature a wonderful medley of hearty ingredients, but it truly is *everything* you could want in a comfort food. Seriously, this is a dish we eagerly anticipate making and enjoying throughout the colder months.

Mastering the Art of Hidden Vegetables

One of the aspects we adore most about this chowder is its ingenious ability to incorporate vegetables discreetly. If you have children, or even adults, who are particular about their greens, you’ll understand this challenge well. Our son, for instance, has firmly placed cauliflower on his “foods to avoid” list. However, because this chowder boasts a wonderfully chunky texture, we can dice the cauliflower very finely, allowing it to meld seamlessly with the potatoes. The result? A nutritious vegetable boost that goes completely unnoticed, making mealtime a win-win for everyone.

Embracing Flavor: The Role of Bacon Grease

We understand that January often brings with it resolutions focused on healthier eating, and the idea of bacon grease might raise an eyebrow. However, bear with us on this culinary decision. Most traditional chowders rely heavily on butter to achieve their characteristic richness and creamy mouthfeel. Given that dairy is a common allergen we avoid, we need to compensate for that missing richness elsewhere. And what better way than with the robust, smoky flavor of bacon grease?

It’s a small indulgence that yields immense flavor dividends, transforming a simple soup into a gourmet experience. We like to think of it as a flavor cornerstone. Plus, with a generous amount of vegetables like potatoes and cauliflower nestled within, you can confidently tell yourself that this chowder offers a balanced profile. Just remember to embrace the flavor, hurry up, and let that delicious bacon grease work its magic.

Achieving Bacon Perfection: A Crucial Step

For the best chowder experience, crispy bacon is non-negotiable. We highly recommend cooking your bacon in the oven. This method not only results in perfectly crisp bacon every time but also significantly reduces grease splatter, making cleanup a breeze. Simply lay your bacon strips on a baking sheet and bake until they reach your desired level of crispness. This crispness is vital because when added to the warm chowder, the bacon will soften slightly. Starting with extra-crispy bacon ensures it maintains a pleasant chew rather than becoming rubbery.

Prioritizing Allergy Safety: Butcher Shop Best Practices

For individuals managing severe food allergies, cross-contamination is a constant concern. This is especially true when purchasing deli meats. When buying the ham for this chowder, we always make it a point to ask our butcher if their meat and cheese are sliced on separate machines. Furthermore, we politely request that they put on fresh gloves before handling our order to ensure there’s absolutely no contact with any cheese or other potential allergens. These small but crucial steps help ensure that our “Everything Chowder” remains safe and enjoyable for everyone with allergies.

Why This Chowder is Your New Winter Favorite

Beyond its incredible taste and allergy-friendly nature, our Everything Chowder is remarkably easy to prepare. With a total time of just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of savory meats, tender vegetables, and a creamy, dairy-free base creates a symphony of flavors and textures that satisfies the deepest comfort food cravings.

This recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience. It brings warmth, comfort, and deliciousness to your table, proving that allergy-friendly food can be just as, if not more, flavorful and exciting than traditional versions. The blend of smoked bacon, savory ham, earthy potatoes, and the clever inclusion of cauliflower, all swimming in a rich, dairy-free broth, makes every spoonful a delight.

Whether you’re looking for a hearty dinner, a satisfying lunch, or a comforting dish to share with loved ones, our Everything Chowder fits the bill. It’s especially wonderful on a blustery day, providing that cozy feeling you crave. Garnishing with extra crispy bacon and fresh green onions adds a touch of elegance and an extra layer of flavor and texture that elevates the dish even further.

Tips for Serving and Variations

This chowder is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a side of gluten-free crusty bread for dipping, or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For those following a Whole30 diet, remember to omit the corn kernels and use plain soy milk or coconut milk instead of rice milk to ensure compliance. The flexibility of this recipe allows you to tailor it to your dietary needs and preferences without sacrificing flavor.

Consider preparing a larger batch, as this chowder reheats wonderfully. It makes for excellent leftovers, offering a quick and easy meal on subsequent days. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You might find the consistency thickens slightly upon cooling, so feel free to add a splash more rice milk (or your chosen dairy-free milk) when reheating to achieve your desired texture.

Everything Chowder (GF, DF, Egg, Soy, Peanut/Tree nut, Top 8 Free)

Yield:
4-6 servings

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
15 minutes

Total Time:
30 minutes

This Everything Chowder is a truly comforting and flavorful soup, featuring savory bacon and ham alongside tender potatoes and cleverly hidden cauliflower. It’s a fantastic allergy-friendly option, being gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, soy-free, peanut/tree nut free, and top 8 free, making it a perfect hearty meal for anyone seeking deliciousness without compromise.

Ingredients

• One 1″ thick slice of ham, diced
• 1 package of bacon, cooked and drained, bacon grease reserved
• 1/4 cup bacon grease
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels (omit if Whole30)
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• 1/2 tsp salt (or more to taste)
• 1/2 tsp parsley
• 1 head of cauliflower, diced finely
• 3 1/2 cups plain rice milk, or more, as needed**
• 2 russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook bacon in the oven at 425 until crispy (about ten minutes.) Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate; set aside.
2. Take 1/4 cup of the bacon grease and put it in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, and cook, stirring frequently, until onions have become translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in corn and thyme, parsley and salt until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Gradually whisk in milk and stir in potatoes and chopped cauliflower.
4. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 12-15 minutes.*
5. Stir in ham, and adjust salt and pepper, to taste. If the chowder is too thick, add more milk as needed until desired consistency is reached.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with bacon and green onions, if desired.

Notes

*To make this Whole30 approved, use plain soy milk or coconut milk instead of rice milk (and omit corn).
Also, while the recipe uses 1 package of bacon to ensure enough grease for flavor, you can adjust the amount of bacon you physically put into the soup. Feel free to snack on a piece or two while you’re cooking! Cooking time for potatoes may vary depending on their thickness; ensure they are fork-tender.