Easy Corn Chowder Recipe: Cozy Comfort in Every Spoonful

Whipping up a delightful corn chowder becomes effortless with this simple, comforting recipe that promises warmth in every spoonful.

Creamy textures mingle with sweet corn kernels, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Home cooks adore how quickly this hearty soup comes together, needing just a handful of pantry staples.

Fresh ingredients elevate the classic dish, making it perfect for cozy evenings or lazy weekends.

Blending rich cream with tender vegetables ensures a satisfying meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Crispy bacon bits add a delightful crunch, while herbs bring a subtle brightness to the pot.

You’ll find yourself returning to this recipe again and again, knowing comfort is just minutes away.

FAQs About Easy Corn Chowder

• Can I use canned corn instead of fresh or frozen?

Yes, you can substitute with canned corn. Drain and rinse the corn thoroughly before adding to the chowder to prevent excess liquid and maintain the desired consistency.

• How can I make this chowder vegetarian?

Replace bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar depth of flavor. Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based butter or olive oil instead of regular butter.

• Is this chowder gluten-free?

Not in its current form. To make it gluten-free, replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend when creating the roux. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Easy Corn Chowder Reasons To Try

• Craft a Flavor-Packed Chowder: This corn chowder offers a delightful culinary adventure that brings comfort and excitement to your dining table.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: The recipe teaches fundamental cooking skills like rendering bacon, creating a roux, and building layers of flavor without complex methods.
• Customize Your Comfort Meal: Easily swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match personal preferences, making this chowder a versatile dish for various taste buds.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight dinners, this chowder satisfies diverse palates with its rich, creamy texture and hearty ingredients.

Easy Corn Chowder Ingredient List

• Bacon: A flavorful base that adds smoky depth and crispy texture to the chowder.

• Onions, Celery, Red Bell Pepper: A classic mirepoix that provides a aromatic and savory foundation for the chowder.
• Corn Kernels: Sweet and juicy kernels that bring fresh corn flavor to the dish.
• Potatoes: Hearty and starchy vegetables that create a thick and satisfying base for the chowder.

• Chicken Broth: A rich liquid that adds depth and body to the chowder.
• Corn Cream: A smooth and creamy element that enhances the corn flavor.
• Whole Milk, Heavy Cream: Dairy ingredients that create a luxurious and velvety texture.
• Butter: Adds richness and a smooth finish to the chowder.
• Flour: A thickening agent that helps create a smooth and creamy consistency.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Dried Thyme: Seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Chives: A fresh garnish that adds a light, oniony brightness to the dish.

How To Cook Easy Corn Chowder

Step 1: Sizzle Bacon And Create Base

Dice bacon into small pieces and cook in a large pot over medium heat until crispy and golden brown. Transfer crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, keeping the delicious rendered fat in the pot.

Step 2: Prepare Aromatic Vegetable Mixture

• Onions
• Celery
• Red bell pepper

Sauté the chopped vegetables in the bacon fat until they become soft and translucent.

Step 3: Prepare Corn And Potatoes

If using fresh corn, carefully slice kernels off the cob. For frozen corn, ensure complete thawing. Cut potatoes into small, uniform cubes.

Step 4: Create Flavorful Roux

Sprinkle flour over the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste and develop a rich flavor foundation.

Step 5: Build Chowder Liquid Base

• Corn kernels
• Corn cream
• Diced potatoes

Simmer the mixture on low heat, stirring occasionally, until potatoes become tender but not mushy.

Step 6: Enhance Creamy Texture

• Whole milk
• Heavy cream
• Butter
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried thyme

Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes, allowing flavors to blend and chowder to slightly thicken.

Step 7: Final Seasoning Check

Taste the chowder and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 8: Serve And Garnish

Ladle chowder into serving bowls. Sprinkle crispy bacon bits and freshly chopped chives on top. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips To Make Easy Corn Chowder Even Better

• Render Bacon Perfectly: Cook bacon slowly to extract maximum flavor and create a crispy texture without burning. Pat bacon pieces dry with paper towels to ensure extra crunchiness.
• Select Fresh Corn Wisely: Choose ripe, sweet corn kernels for the best chowder taste. When fresh corn isn't available, high-quality frozen corn works perfectly as a substitute.
• Create Smooth Roux Technique: Whisk flour gradually and continuously to prevent lumps, ensuring a silky-smooth base for your chowder. Cook roux for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste and develop rich flavor.
• Balance Potato Texture: Cut potatoes into uniform small cubes for even cooking. Simmer gently to keep potatoes tender without becoming mushy, maintaining their delicate structure in the creamy chowder.

Tasty Changes For Easy Corn Chowder

• Vegetarian Corn Chowder: Replace bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for depth. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and swap bacon for crispy roasted mushrooms.
• Dairy-Free Corn Chowder: Substitute whole milk and heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk. Use olive oil instead of butter for cooking vegetables.
• Gluten-Free Corn Chowder: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or potato starch as a thickening agent. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.
• Spicy Southwest Corn Chowder: Add diced jalapeños, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper. Include roasted green chiles and top with fresh cilantro for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.

Great Sides With Easy Corn Chowder

• Elevate Bacon Corn Chowder Pairings
• Refresh with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay cuts through the chowder's richness, bringing bright citrus notes that complement the creamy texture.
• Match with Crusty Artisan Bread: Sourdough or rustic whole grain bread provides perfect dipping opportunity, absorbing the chowder's delicious flavors while adding textural contrast.
• Serve Alongside Tangy Green Salad: Light arugula salad with vinaigrette dressing offers a sharp, peppery counterpoint to the soup's rich and creamy profile, balancing the meal's heaviness.

How To Store Easy Corn Chowder Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping chowder fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled chowder to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion, and freeze up to 2 months. Avoid freezing garnishes like bacon and chives.
• Gently warm chowder in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creamy consistency if needed.
• Pour portion into microwave-safe bowl, cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with small vent. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm and steaming.

Easy Corn Chowder Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Corn Chowder brings comfort and warmth to your kitchen with its creamy, rich blend of sweet corn and savory ingredients. Homemade goodness fills each spoonful, inviting you to savor a classic soup that warms both body and soul.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Corn:

• 4 ears fresh corn or 2 cups frozen corn kernels
• 1 cup corn cream

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion
• 2 stalks celery
• 2 medium potatoes
• 1 red bell pepper

Protein and Liquids:

• 2 slices bacon
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Dice bacon and render in a large pot over medium heat until crisp and golden, about 5-6 minutes, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
2. Finely chop onions, celery, and red bell pepper, then sauté in bacon fat until softened and translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes.
3. If using fresh corn, carefully cut kernels off the cob; for frozen corn, thaw completely. Dice potatoes into small, uniform cubes.
4. Sprinkle flour over the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously to create a roux, and cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
5. Gradually pour in chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps, then add corn kernels, corn cream, and diced potatoes.
6. Simmer the mixture on low heat for 10-12 minutes, or until potatoes are tender but not mushy, stirring occasionally.
7. Incorporate whole milk, heavy cream, butter, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme, stirring to combine and create a creamy consistency.
8. Continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and chowder to slightly thicken.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then ladle into serving bowls.
10. Garnish with crispy bacon bits and freshly chopped chives before serving hot.

Notes

• Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispier texture, ensuring it renders fat effectively without burning.
• Vary corn selection based on season: summer fresh corn offers sweetest taste, while high-quality frozen corn works perfectly year-round.
• Customize thickness by adjusting flour quantity or simmering duration, creating either lighter soup-like consistency or heartier chowder style.
• Transform into vegetarian version by replacing bacon with smoked paprika and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for comparable depth of flavor.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg