Creamy Corn Chowder Recipe: A Heartwarming Bowl of Comfort

Crisp autumn winds whisper stories of hearty corn chowder that warms your soul on chilly evenings.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen drift through my mind whenever this creamy soup simmers on the stove.

Golden kernels dance amid velvety broth, creating a symphony of comfort and flavor.

Sweet corn brings rustic charm to this classic recipe, promising pure satisfaction in every spoonful.

Chunky potatoes and tender vegetables mingle beneath a rich, creamy surface that beckons you closer.

Weeknight dinners deserve something special, and this chowder delivers pure, unpretentious deliciousness.

Grab a ladle and let’s transform simple ingredients into a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Simple Variations Of Corn Chowder To Explore

• Seafood Fusion Chowder: Swap bacon for crispy shrimp or crab meat, adding a coastal flavor profile with fresh seafood mixed into the creamy corn base.
• Southwest Spicy Edition: Incorporate diced jalapeños, chili powder, and cumin for a zesty kick. Top with fresh cilantro and crumbled queso fresco for extra Mexican-inspired flair.
• Vegetarian Harvest Chowder: Replace chicken broth with vegetable stock, add roasted bell peppers and zucchini. Include plant-based bacon bits or smoked paprika for depth and complexity.
• Green Chile Corn Chowder: Blend in roasted green chiles from New Mexico, use pepper jack cheese for extra heat. Garnish with fresh green onions and a dollop of sour cream for balanced richness.

Corn Chowder FAQs You’ll Want To Know

• Why use bacon in corn chowder?

Bacon adds a smoky, rich flavor that elevates the entire dish. The crispy bacon bits provide a delicious crunch and depth to the creamy chowder, making each spoonful more satisfying and complex.

• Can I make this chowder vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply skip the bacon and replace bacon grease with olive oil. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain a vegetarian-friendly recipe while keeping the core flavors intact.

• How do I prevent my chowder from becoming lumpy?

The key is to whisk constantly when adding broth and to sprinkle flour gradually. Stirring continuously helps break down flour particles and ensures a smooth, creamy texture without unwanted clumps.

• What makes this corn chowder different from other soup recipes?

This recipe balances multiple textures and flavors – crispy bacon, tender potatoes, sweet corn, and a rich, creamy base. The slow cooking process allows ingredients to develop a deep, comforting taste that sets it apart from basic soups.

Why Corn Chowder Is A Bowl Worth Trying

• Craft Comfort in a Bowl: This corn chowder delivers ultimate comfort food with its rich, creamy texture and hearty ingredients that warm you from the inside out.
• Quick and Simple Cooking: The recipe requires minimal ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels who want a delicious meal without complexity.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or potluck gatherings, this chowder adapts easily to different occasions and can be customized with optional toppings like cheese or green onions.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Using affordable ingredients like potatoes, corn, and bacon, this recipe provides a filling meal that stretches your dollar while delivering maximum flavor and satisfaction.

Corn Chowder Ingredients You’ll Need

• Bacon: Provides a smoky, salty base flavor and crispy topping for the chowder.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and savory liquid foundation for the soup.

• Onion: Builds a sweet and savory flavor foundation.
• Garlic: Adds sharp, aromatic flavor to enhance overall taste.
• Potatoes: Creates creamy texture and hearty bulk to the chowder.
• Corn: Brings sweetness and traditional chowder character.

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps with sautéing.
• Flour: Essential for thickening the chowder's consistency.
• Milk: Adds creamy smoothness and lightens the soup.
• Cream: Increases richness and creates luxurious mouthfeel.

• Salt: Enhances and balances overall flavor.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity to the dish.

How To Cook Corn Chowder Step By Step

Step 1: Crisp Up The Bacon

Heat a large pot over medium flame. Cook bacon until it turns golden and crunchy. Carefully remove the bacon pieces using a slotted spoon, leaving behind the delicious bacon drippings. Set the crispy bacon aside for later garnishing.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Butter
• Diced onions

Drop butter into the bacon-filled pot and add onions. Gently cook until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrance. This should take about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Awaken The Garlic

Introduce minced garlic to the pot and let it dance around for about 1 minute. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma.

Step 4: Create A Silky Base

Sprinkle flour into the pot and stir continuously. This crucial step helps eliminate the raw flour taste and creates a smooth foundation for your chowder. Keep stirring for approximately 2 minutes.

Step 5: Build The Liquid Foundation

Slowly pour in chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent any lumpy surprises. Stir until the mixture becomes wonderfully smooth and starts to thicken.

Step 6: Cook The Potatoes

Add diced potatoes to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer. The potatoes should become tender and soft, which takes about 15-20 minutes.

Step 7: Introduce Creamy Elements

• Corn kernels
• Whole milk
• Heavy cream

Allow the chowder to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, letting all the flavors mingle and merge.

Step 8: Season To Perfection

Sprinkle in salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take away!

Step 9: Serve With Flair

• Chopped chives
• Shredded cheese
• A dash of hot sauce

Enjoy your comforting, creamy corn chowder that’s packed with flavor and warmth!

Pro Cooking Tips For Corn Chowder

• Bacon Bliss: Reserve some crispy bacon bits for a crunchy topping that adds texture and smoky flavor to your chowder.
• Flour Power: Continuously stir the flour to prevent burning and eliminate raw flour taste, creating a smooth, rich base for the soup.
• Potato Perfection: Cut potatoes into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the chowder.
• Cream Control: Add milk and cream at the end of cooking to prevent curdling and maintain a silky, luxurious consistency.
• Flavor Boost: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or chives as a garnish to enhance the corn chowder's overall taste profile.

How To Store Corn Chowder The Easy Way

• Refrigerate leftover corn chowder in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Cool the soup completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer the chowder to a sealed container, ensuring it reaches room temperature first.
• When reheating, use a pot on the stovetop and stir occasionally to maintain its creamy consistency.
• Add a splash of chicken broth or milk if the soup seems too thick after refrigeration.
• Avoid freezing this chowder because the cream and potatoes can separate and become grainy when thawed.
• If you must freeze, consume within 1-2 months and expect a slightly different texture upon reheating.
• Always reheat thoroughly until the soup is steaming hot, stirring frequently to prevent scorching at the bottom of the pot.

What Goes Well With Corn Chowder

• Boost Bacon Crunch: Pair the corn chowder with crispy sourdough toast or herbed croutons to add extra texture and complement the bacon's smoky flavor.
• Elevate with Chardonnay: Choose a buttery, medium-bodied Chardonnay that matches the creamy richness of the chowder, enhancing its subtle corn and potato notes.
• Fresh Green Balance: Serve alongside a light arugula salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the soup's richness and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Craft Beer Companion: Select a creamy wheat beer or a mild pale ale that harmonizes with the chowder's hearty profile without overpowering its delicate flavors.

Corn Chowder Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Midwestern corn chowder delivers a creamy symphony of sweet corn, smoky bacon, and rustic potato comfort. Simmered with love and traditional charm, this soul-warming dish invites you to savor each spoonful of pure, unpretentious deliciousness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Vegetables:

• 3 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 2 cups diced potatoes (Yukon gold or russet)
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy Components:

• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon butter

Seasoning and Thickeners:

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional toppings: chopped green onions, shredded cheese, extra bacon

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Instructions

1. Render the bacon in a spacious cooking vessel over medium flame until it achieves a golden, crispy texture. Extract the bacon pieces with a perforated utensil, preserving a thin layer of rendered fat.
2. Introduce butter to the residual bacon drippings and incorporate diced onions, sautéing until they become translucent and soft.
3. Incorporate minced garlic and allow its aromatic essence to bloom for approximately 60 seconds.
4. Dust the surface with flour, continuously stirring to create a smooth, nutty roux that eliminates any raw flour undertones.
5. Gradually introduce chicken broth, whisking methodically to ensure a velvety, lump-free liquid base.
6. Add cubed potatoes to the simmering broth, allowing them to tenderize and infuse the liquid with their starchy richness for 15-18 minutes.
7. Gently fold in sweet corn kernels, whole milk, and heavy cream, letting the mixture meld and warm through for an additional 5-7 minutes.
8. Calibrate the seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting to personal preference.
9. Ladle the chowder into warm bowls, garnishing with the reserved crispy bacon bits and optional accompaniments like chopped chives or fresh herbs.

Notes

• Bacon Quality Matters: Select high-quality, thick-cut bacon for a richer, more robust flavor that elevates the entire chowder.
• Flour Technique: Continuously stir flour to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, silky base without any raw flour taste.
• Potato Texture: Cut potatoes into uniform, bite-sized cubes to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the chowder.
• Dairy Swap Options: For a lighter version, replace cream with half-and-half or use plant-based milk for a dairy-free alternative that maintains creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg