Description
Corn Chowder is a rich, creamy, and heartwarming soup combining sweet corn, tender potatoes, and savory herbs. This comforting dish is easy to prepare with simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients, perfect for chilly evenings or family dinners. With customizable options including vegan, spicy, and cheesy variations, it suits diverse tastes and dietary preferences, delivering a cozy and satisfying meal every time.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 2–3 medium Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
Optional Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon, chopped (optional, for smoky flavor)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for smoky undertone)
- 1–2 tablespoons butter or oil (for sautéing)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Variations and Additional Options
- 1–2 jalapeños or ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for spicy twist)
- Cooked chicken, shrimp, or extra crispy bacon (for added protein)
- ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese or Parmesan rind (for cheesy version)
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in butter or oil over medium heat until fragrant and translucent to build the flavor foundation.
- Add potatoes and broth: Add the diced potatoes to the pot, pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, and bring to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender and the broth begins to thicken, about 15-20 minutes.
- Incorporate corn and seasoning: Stir in fresh or frozen corn kernels, fresh herbs like thyme or parsley, and season with salt and black pepper. This step brightens the soup with sweetness and aroma.
- Blend or leave whole: Optionally use an immersion blender to partially blend the chowder for a creamy texture, leaving some chunks intact for bite-sized pieces.
- Stir in cream and finish: Gently fold in heavy cream or coconut milk, warming the soup through on low heat without boiling. Adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh corn in season for the sweetest flavor.
- Do not boil the chowder after adding cream to prevent it from breaking.
- Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for creamier texture; avoid too starchy potatoes that may dissolve.
- For deeper smoky flavor, sauté aromatics in bacon fat if using bacon.
- Adjust soup thickness by adding broth to thin or mashing some potatoes to thicken.
- Can be customized for vegan, spicy, or cheesy versions.
- Leftovers taste better after resting and can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently over low heat, adding broth or cream if needed to loosen consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: corn chowder, creamy corn soup, comfort food, gluten free soup, chowder recipe, easy corn chowder, vegan chowder option
