The Coziest Creamy Corn Chowder Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers

Whipping up a delightful creamy corn chowder brings pure comfort to your kitchen.

Sweet kernels dance with rich, velvety broth in this hearty classic.

Farmers’ markets offer the freshest ingredients for an extraordinary soup experience.

Summer’s golden corn transforms into a luxurious meal that warms every corner of your soul.

Rustic and satisfying, this recipe connects you with simple, nourishing traditions.

Seasonal vegetables and smooth cream create a symphony of flavors waiting to embrace you.

Gather your ingredients and let’s craft a bowl of pure, delicious magic.

What Sets Creamy Corn Chowder Apart

• Super flexible recipe allows you to swap ingredients, adjust thickness, and personalize toppings based on your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Foolproof method requires minimal cooking skills, basic kitchen tools, and simple steps that even novice cooks can master confidently without stress.
• Incredibly simple one-pot meal that comes together quickly, minimizing kitchen cleanup and providing a satisfying meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Creamy Corn Chowder Recipe

• Corn Kernels: Fresh corn adds a sweet and juicy base to the chowder.
• Potatoes: Diced potatoes provide hearty texture and thickness to the soup.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Creates the liquid foundation of the chowder with rich flavor.

• Onion, Garlic: These vegetables build a deep and flavorful starting point for the chowder.
• Thyme, Bay Leaf: Herbs that contribute subtle, earthy undertones to the overall taste.

• Heavy Cream, Milk: These dairy ingredients make the chowder smooth and luxuriously rich.

• Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that enhance and balance the chowder's overall flavor.
• Bacon, Parsley: Optional garnishes that add crunch and fresh herbal notes.

• Butter: Used for sautéing vegetables and adding a rich, smooth base to the recipe.

Making the Creamy Corn Chowder Recipe

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Vegetables

Heat butter in a large pot over medium flame.

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Cook until the veggies become soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 2: Introduce Potatoes

Add diced potatoes to the pot.

Stir and cook for 5 minutes, allowing them to start softening and absorbing the delicious flavors.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Pour in chicken or vegetable broth.

• Corn kernels
• Fresh thyme
• Bay leaf

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then lower the heat.

Let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until potatoes become tender and fully cooked.

Step 4: Create Smooth Texture

Pluck out the bay leaf.

Use an immersion blender to transform the soup into a silky consistency.

For a rustic feel, blend only half the soup, leaving some chunks for texture.

Step 5: Enrich with Creaminess

• Heavy cream
• Milk

Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper to perfectly balance the flavors.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the steaming chowder into bowls.

Top with crispy crumbled bacon and fresh chopped parsley.

Dive into this comforting, creamy delight!

Tips to Perfect Creamy Corn Chowder

• Roast corn kernels before adding to the pot for a smoky, caramelized taste that elevates the entire chowder's flavor profile.
• Use a potato masher instead of a blender for a rustic, chunky texture that keeps some whole corn kernels intact.
• Replace heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or cashew cream to create a rich, vegan-friendly version of the chowder.
• Top the chowder with rotisserie chicken, grilled shrimp, or crispy tofu for an instant protein upgrade without extra cooking time.
• This chowder freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and reheat gently, stirring occasionally to maintain creamy consistency.

How to Store Creamy Corn Chowder Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the chowder completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled chowder to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dairy-based soups for best texture.
• Pour chowder into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Add a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency.
• Warm chowder in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a little chicken broth or milk to prevent scorching and maintain smooth texture. Heat until steaming but not boiling.

What Goes Well with Creamy Corn Chowder

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a medium-bodied Chardonnay with light oak notes that complements the creamy texture and enhances the corn's sweetness without overpowering the delicate flavors.
• Serve with Rustic Sourdough Bread: Choose a crusty, slightly tangy sourdough bread to provide a perfect textural contrast and absorb the rich, velvety chowder, creating a satisfying meal experience.
• Match with Herb-Roasted Chicken: Add a simple roasted chicken seasoned with thyme and rosemary as a protein-rich side that echoes the herb notes in the chowder and provides a balanced, hearty dinner.
• Complement with Fresh Arugula Salad: Prepare a light, peppery arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the chowder's richness and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy soup.

Variations on Creamy Corn Chowder Recipe

• Vegetarian Corn Chowder: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit bacon. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for more depth and nutrition.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or almond milk. Use plant-based butter alternative for sautéing vegetables to keep the recipe creamy and rich.
• Spicy Southwest Corn Chowder: Add diced jalapeños, cumin, and chili powder during cooking. Top with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for extra heat and Mexican-inspired flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening if needed, and check broth labels for gluten content.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn?

Yes, frozen corn works perfectly in this chowder. Just thaw it before adding to the pot, and the recipe will turn out just as delicious.

• Is it possible to make this chowder vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and skip the bacon garnish. The corn and creamy base will still provide amazing flavor.

• How can I make the chowder thicker?

To thicken the soup, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water before adding the cream, or mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot to create a more substantial texture.

• Can I prepare this chowder ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this chowder in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and gently reheat on the stove, adding a splash of milk or broth if it becomes too thick.

Creamy Corn Chowder Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets culinary magic in this silky creamy corn chowder that whispers tales of hearty Midwestern kitchens. Hearty kernels dance with velvety cream, offering pure warmth in each spoonful while inviting you to savor summer’s golden embrace.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk

Aromatics and Seasoning:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish (Optional):

• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• Chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. In a spacious pot, melt butter over medium heat (around 325°F). Sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Introduce diced potatoes to the aromatic mixture, stirring periodically to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking for 5 minutes.
3. Pour chicken or vegetable broth into the pot, then add fresh corn kernels, aromatic thyme, and a single bay leaf. Elevate temperature until liquid reaches a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low and allow mixture to gently simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes become fork-tender.
4. Extract the bay leaf from the pot. Utilize an immersion blender to transform the soup into a silky-smooth consistency. For those preferring textural elements, consider blending only half the mixture, leaving some chunks intact.
5. Introduce rich heavy cream and whole milk to the blended soup. Allow the chowder to simmer an additional 5 minutes, ensuring thorough heating. Season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
6. Carefully ladle the steaming chowder into warmed serving bowls. Optional: Enhance presentation by garnishing with crispy crumbled bacon and freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Enhance the sweetness by using fresh corn kernels during peak summer season for maximum flavor depth.
• Swap dairy for plant-based alternatives like coconut milk and vegan cream to create a dairy-free version that’s equally creamy and delicious.
• For a protein boost, add cooked shredded chicken or crispy diced tofu directly into the chowder before serving, creating a more substantial meal.
• Experiment with smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to introduce a subtle warmth and complexity to the traditional corn chowder recipe.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 80mg