Luscious Corn Chowder Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Bubbling with warmth and comfort, this classic corn chowder recipe promises a delightful culinary journey that captures the essence of homestyle cooking.

Kernels of sweet corn dance alongside creamy potatoes in a rich, velvety broth that instantly soothes the soul.

Each spoonful brings a harmonious blend of rustic flavors and wholesome ingredients that speak to traditional American cuisine.

The soup’s golden hue reflects the vibrant character of fresh summer corn, transforming simple ingredients into a satisfying meal.

Chunky vegetables and tender corn create a symphony of textures that make this chowder more than just a soup—it’s a hearty embrace on a chilly day.

Ladle this comforting creation into bowls and watch as everyone around the table falls in love with its irresistible charm.

Prepare to be transported to a cozy kitchen where every bite tells a delicious story.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 7

Chowder Ingredients That Hit The Spot

• Bacon: Adds rich, smoky depth and creates a flavor-packed foundation for the chowder.
• Butter: Provides a creamy, smooth base and enhances overall richness.
• Onion: Delivers a sweet, aromatic base that builds complex flavor profiles.
• Garlic: Brings a pungent, robust taste that elevates the entire dish.

• Flour: Creates a silky smooth texture and helps thicken the chowder.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a savory liquid base with deep, comforting flavor.
• Milk, Cream: Contribute luxurious creaminess and smooth consistency.

• Potatoes: Hearty vegetable that adds substance and satisfying texture.
• Corn: Sweet kernel that brings freshness and classic chowder character.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance overall taste.
• Optional Toppings: Allows personalization and extra flavor dimension.

Tools To Make Rich Corn Chowder

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking and simmering the chowder base.
• Slotted spoon: Perfect for removing crispy bacon without excess grease.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping bacon, onions, and potatoes.
• Sharp knife: Helps precisely dice ingredients with ease.
• Whisk: Crucial for smoothly blending broth and preventing lumps.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients throughout cooking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

Instructions For Creamy Corn Chowder

• Crisp Up Bacon

Cook chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat until golden and crunchy. Pull out bacon pieces with a slotted spoon, leaving behind some tasty bacon grease.

• Soften Aromatics

Drop butter into the pot and toss in diced onions. Sauté until onions become translucent and tender, around 5 minutes.

• Build Flavor Base

Sprinkle minced garlic into the pot and let it sizzle for a quick minute. Dust flour over the mixture and stir continuously to eliminate raw flour taste.

• Create Smooth Liquid Foundation

Gradually pour chicken broth into the pot, whisking steadily to prevent any lumpy situations. Toss in diced potatoes and bring everything to a rolling boil.

• Simmer and Develop Depth

Lower heat and let potatoes become fork-tender. Mix in corn, milk, and cream. Allow the chowder to simmer gently, melding all flavors together.

• Season and Finish

Enhance with salt and pepper to your taste preference. Ladle hot chowder into bowls and crown with reserved crispy bacon pieces.

Tips To Thicken And Flavor Chowder

• Bacon Swaps: Replace bacon with turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon bits for a lighter or meat-free version.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the chowder base a day ahead and reheat gently, adding fresh corn and cream just before serving to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Dairy-Free Twist: Substitute dairy milk with coconut milk or almond milk, and use a dairy-free margarine instead of butter for a lactose-free alternative.
• Spice It Up: Add a dash of smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes to give the chowder a warming kick and depth of flavor.
• Veggie Power Boost: Toss in extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, carrots, or celery during the onion sautéing stage to increase nutritional value and add more texture to the chowder.

Serve Corn Chowder Warm And Filling

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Serve this chowder in deep ceramic bowls to capture its warmth and richness, perfect for chilly evenings.
• Bacon Lover's Paradise: Sprinkle extra crispy bacon bits on top, adding a crunchy texture and smoky flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Garnish with chopped chives, green onions, or fresh parsley to introduce a bright, fresh element that cuts through the creamy base.
• Bread Pairing Perfection: Accompany the chowder with crusty sourdough bread or buttery cornbread to soak up the delicious creamy liquid and add a delightful complementary texture.

Store Corn Chowder Without Losing Taste

• Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store corn chowder in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Cool soup completely before sealing to maintain best flavor and texture.
• Quick Reheat Method: Warm chowder on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creamy consistency if needed.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Freeze soup without cream or potatoes for optimal results. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently, stirring to blend ingredients smoothly.
• Portion Control Hack: Divide chowder into individual serving containers before refrigerating. This makes reheating faster and prevents repeated warming of entire batch, which can degrade quality.

Hearty Corn Chowder Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty corn chowder blends summer’s sweetest kernels with creamy comfort from New England’s culinary traditions. Rich potato and bacon elements create a satisfying meal that connects seasonal flavors for hungry eaters.

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Ingredients

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• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups (710 ml) corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 2 cups (473 ml) diced potatoes (Yukon gold or russet)
• 1 cup (237 ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (237 ml) heavy cream
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) butter
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) all-purpose flour
• 3 cups (710 ml) chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional toppings: chopped green onions, shredded cheese, extra bacon

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Instructions

1. Bacon Preparation: Crisp bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until golden and crunchy, then remove pieces while reserving the rendered fat.
2. Aromatic Foundation: Melt butter in bacon drippings, sauté onions until translucent, and quickly introduce minced garlic, allowing its fragrance to intensify.
3. Roux Development: Sprinkle flour into the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously to create a smooth, flavorful base that eliminates raw flour taste.
4. Liquid Integration: Methodically whisk chicken broth into the roux, ensuring a silky, uniform consistency without lumps.
5. Potato Infusion: Add cubed potatoes to the simmering broth, allowing them to tenderize and release their starchy essence for 15-18 minutes.
6. Creamy Expansion: Incorporate sweet corn kernels, whole milk, and heavy cream, gently warming the chowder and melding flavors for an additional 5-7 minutes.
7. Final Touches: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then ladle into warm serving bowls and garnish with reserved crispy bacon bits and optional fresh herbs.

Notes

• Manage Bacon Texture: Carefully monitor bacon rendering to achieve perfect crispiness without burning, ensuring a golden-brown color and crunchy texture for optimal flavor and garnish.
• Control Roux Consistency: Stir flour continuously and slowly to prevent lumps, creating a smooth base that thickens the chowder without developing raw flour taste.
• Potato Cooking Technique: Cut potatoes into uniform cubes to guarantee even cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
• Cream Incorporation Method: Add milk and cream gradually at low heat to prevent curdling, maintaining a silky smooth texture and preventing separation of dairy components.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg