Hearty & Healthy Everything Chowder: Your Go-To Top 8 Allergy-Friendly Comfort Food

When the chill of winter sets in, there are few things as comforting as a warm, hearty bowl of soup. While some might embrace the cold for exhilarating activities like snowboarding, for many, the true joy of the season lies in savoring delicious, soul-warming meals indoors. This “Everything Chowder” isn’t just any soup; it’s a culinary masterpiece that combines the irresistible flavors of crispy bacon and savory ham with a creamy, rich base, all while being incredibly accommodating for various dietary needs. And yes, we’ve even managed to sneak in some wholesome cauliflower – because who says comfort food can’t also be smart food?

The name of this incredible dish, “Everything Chowder,” came about after much deliberation. Imagine trying to describe something so packed with flavor and goodness that a simple “Bacon, Ham, Potato, Cauliflower, and Corn Chowder” just doesn’t capture its essence. We wanted a name that conveyed the abundance of delicious, hearty ingredients without being a mouthful to say, yet promised a true explosion of taste in every spoon. This chowder truly is “everything” – not only does it boast an impressive array of wholesome components, but it also caters to a wide range of common food allergies, making it a universally loved dish that you’ll eagerly anticipate making again and again.

The Art of Sneaky Veggies: How to Hide Cauliflower Like a Pro

One of the most remarkable qualities of this chowder, especially for families with picky eaters, is its ability to expertly disguise vegetables. If you’ve ever battled a child over a florets of cauliflower, you know the struggle is real. My own son, for instance, has firmly placed cauliflower on his “foods to avoid at all costs” list. However, thanks to the chunky texture and rich ingredients of this soup, finely dicing the cauliflower makes it almost indistinguishable from the potatoes. It blends seamlessly into the creamy base, allowing you to boost the nutritional value of your meal without anyone being the wiser. (Cue the triumphant, chef-parent evil laugh!)

This isn’t just about tricking kids; it’s about introducing valuable nutrients in an enjoyable way. Cauliflower is a powerhouse of vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. By incorporating it into a dish as delicious as this chowder, you’re not just serving a meal; you’re serving a nutritious, allergy-friendly delight that genuinely satisfies. The subtle sweetness of the cauliflower, when cooked down, also complements the savory meats and creamy broth beautifully, adding depth without overpowering the dish.

Embracing Flavor: The Unapologetic Use of Bacon Grease

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: bacon grease. It’s January, and many of us are embarking on new year’s resolutions, perhaps focusing on healthier eating. But here’s the thing about making a truly phenomenal chowder, especially one that’s dairy-free: you need to compensate for the richness that traditional butter or cream would provide. Bacon grease is our secret weapon. It imparts an incredible depth of flavor and luxurious mouthfeel that is simply unmatched.

Think of it this way: while some recipes rely on dairy products for that signature chowder richness, our allergy-friendly version needs an equally potent flavor enhancer. The smoky, savory fat rendered from bacon does exactly that. It’s used to soften the onions and garlic, building the foundational aromatics for the soup, and carries its robust flavor throughout the entire dish. So, take a deep breath, remind yourself of the hidden veggies, and confidently incorporate that golden bacon grease – because sometimes, deliciousness just can’t be compromised. It’s all about balance, and in this case, the balance is perfectly delicious.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chowder: From Crispy Bacon to Allergy Safety

The Secret to Easy, Crispy Bacon

One of my favorite hacks for cooking bacon is to bake it in the oven. This method not only results in perfectly crispy bacon every time but also significantly reduces the messy grease splatters on your stovetop. Simply lay the bacon strips on a baking sheet, ideally lined with parchment paper or foil for even easier cleanup, and bake at 425°F (220°C) until it reaches your desired crispiness, usually about 10-15 minutes depending on thickness. It’s crucial to get it really crispy when it’s going into a soup; otherwise, it can become unpleasantly chewy once submerged in the broth. Once cooked, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, and most importantly, reserve that precious bacon grease!

Navigating Allergies: Essential Butcher Talk

For those managing food allergies, cross-contamination is a constant concern. This is especially true when purchasing deli meats. I make it a point to always ask my butcher if their meat and cheese are sliced on separate machines. This simple question can prevent serious reactions. Furthermore, I always request that they put on fresh gloves before handling my specific order. This diligence ensures that no trace of potential allergens, particularly dairy from cheese, inadvertently transfers to my ham or other meats. It’s a small step that makes a huge difference in ensuring the safety and peace of mind for those with severe allergies.

This attention to detail is what makes this “Everything Chowder” truly allergy-friendly. It’s designed to be gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, soy-free, peanut-free, tree nut-free, and generally free of the Top 8 allergens. This means more people can gather around the table and enjoy a comforting meal together without worry. When choosing your ingredients, always double-check labels for hidden allergens to maintain the integrity of this allergy-safe recipe. The peace of mind that comes with knowing your meal is safe for everyone is truly invaluable.

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 incredibly flavorful “Everything Chowder” is packed with savory bacon, ham, potatoes, and cleverly hidden cauliflower. It’s a rich, creamy, and satisfying soup that’s completely gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, soy-free, peanut/tree nut-free, and Top 8 allergy-friendly, making it a perfect comfort food for everyone.

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 unsweetened almond milk, cashew milk, or coconut milk (from a carton, not canned) instead of rice milk. Please note that corn is not Whole30 compliant and should be omitted for Whole30 adherence.
Also, while you might only need 6-8 pieces of bacon for the soup itself, using an entire package ensures you render enough flavorful bacon grease, and allows for some delicious cook’s treats! Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the diced potatoes and cauliflower.