The Best Hearty Homemade Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Nights

My kitchen always feels magical when I start brewing a hearty homemade corn chowder that brings warmth and comfort to chilly evenings.

Sweet kernels dance through creamy broth, creating a symphony of rustic flavors.

Rich potatoes and tender corn merge into a delightful blend that whispers countryside memories.

Fresh ingredients promise a soul-soothing experience with each spoonful.

Crisp bacon bits add unexpected crunchiness to this classic soup.

Seasonal vegetables elevate the entire dish from simple to spectacular.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this incredible recipe that feels like a culinary hug.

Grab a ladle and let’s make something extraordinary together!

Tips For The Creamiest Hearty Homemade Corn Chowder

• Bacon Brilliance: Save time by cooking bacon in advance and crumble it over the chowder just before serving, keeping the crispy texture intact.
• Dairy-Free Hack: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter, plant-based version that still delivers creamy goodness.
• Potato Perfect: Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for a smoother texture that holds up well during simmering and won't break down easily.
• Flavor Boost: Enhance the chowder's depth by roasting corn kernels beforehand or adding a splash of white wine during the sautéing stage for extra complexity.
• Veggie Variation: Transform this recipe into a vegetarian delight by replacing bacon with smoked paprika and using vegetable broth for rich, satisfying flavor.

How To Store Hearty Homemade Corn Chowder

• Preserve your delicious corn chowder by transferring it to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid.
• Refrigerate the soup promptly, ensuring it cools to room temperature within two hours of cooking.
• Keep the chowder refrigerated for 3-4 days, maintaining its rich flavors and creamy texture.
• When reheating, pour the soup into a pot and warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
• Add a splash of chicken broth or milk if the soup seems too thick after refrigeration.
• Avoid freezing this cream-based chowder, as dairy can separate and change the texture when thawed.
• For best results, enjoy the corn chowder within the first two days for maximum freshness and flavor.
• Pop individual portions in microwave-safe containers for quick and easy lunch or dinner options during the week.

Best Sides For Hearty Homemade Corn Chowder

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the creamy, rich chowder with a bright Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These wines cut through the soup's richness and refresh your palate with their zesty, light character.
• Match with Rustic Sourdough: Grab a hearty sourdough bread to dip into the chowder. Its tangy, slightly sour flavor and crusty texture create the perfect contrast to the smooth, velvety soup.
• Serve with Herb-Roasted Chicken Salad: Balance the chowder's heaviness with a light, herbal chicken salad. The fresh, crisp greens and lean protein provide a delightful counterpoint to the soup's creamy warmth.
• Cool Down with Craft Beer: Choose a crisp, light lager or wheat beer to wash down the chowder. These brews cleanse the palate and enhance the corn and bacon flavors without overwhelming the dish.

Ways To Switch Up Hearty Homemade Corn Chowder

• Spicy Southwest Corn Chowder: Kick up the heat by adding diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, and a can of diced green chiles. Top with cilantro and a dollop of sour cream for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Seafood Corn Chowder: Incorporate cooked shrimp or lump crab meat during the last few minutes of cooking. Replace chicken broth with seafood stock for an ocean-inspired twist that brings coastal flavors to your bowl.
• Vegetarian Corn Chowder: Swap bacon for smoked paprika and add diced bell peppers for depth. Use vegetable broth and include plant-based protein like diced tofu or white beans to make the chowder more substantial.
• Roasted Vegetable Corn Chowder: Char corn kernels and vegetables like zucchini and red onions before adding to the pot. Roasting intensifies the flavors and adds a smoky complexity to the classic chowder recipe.

Hearty Homemade Corn Chowder FAQs

• Is corn chowder a nutritious meal?

Yes! This chowder is packed with vegetables like corn and potatoes, providing fiber and vitamins. The bacon adds protein, and the cream offers calcium. It’s a balanced, hearty dish that can serve as a complete meal.

• Can I make this chowder vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the bacon and replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. Use butter instead of bacon grease, and consider adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for more flavor and texture.

• What type of corn works best for this recipe?

Fresh corn is ideal when in season, but frozen corn kernels work perfectly too. Canned corn can be used in a pinch, but it might have a slightly different texture and flavor compared to fresh or frozen corn.

• How can I make the chowder healthier?

Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon, choose low-fat milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and add more vegetables. You can also reduce the cheese or use a lighter cheese variety to cut down on calories.

Why Hearty Homemade Corn Chowder Is Creamy And Filling

• Whip Up Comfort in a Pot: This corn chowder transforms simple ingredients into a soul-warming meal that hugs you from the inside out, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need culinary comfort.
• Speedily Satisfy Hunger: With just 30-40 minutes from start to finish, this recipe offers a quick, no-fuss solution for busy home cooks craving a hearty, homemade dinner that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences, you can skip bacon for a vegetarian version, adjust spices to your taste, or swap ingredients based on what's in your pantry, making it a flexible family favorite.
• Crowd-Pleasing Charm: Packed with creamy textures, crispy bacon bits, and rich flavors, this chowder appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal choice for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings.

Ingredients For Hearty Homemade Corn Chowder

• Bacon: Adds smoky flavor and crispy texture to the chowder, bringing depth to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a rich, savory base for the soup's liquid foundation.

• Corn, Potatoes: Hearty vegetables that give the chowder its classic thick and satisfying texture.
• Onion, Celery, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a flavor base and add complexity to the soup.

• Heavy Cream, Cheddar Cheese: Creates a rich, smooth, and indulgent consistency with a sharp cheese flavor.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the chowder and create a silky, luxurious texture.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Smoked Paprika, Thyme: Enhance the overall flavor profile with a balance of warmth, smokiness, and herbal notes.

• Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor that adds a bright pop of color and freshness to the final dish.

Simple Steps To Make Hearty Homemade Corn Chowder

Step 1: Sizzle the Bacon

Grab a spacious pot or Dutch oven and toss in chopped bacon. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the bacon transforms into crispy, golden bits. Carefully remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel. Keep those delicious bacon drippings in the pot – about 1-2 tablespoons. No bacon? No problem! Melt some butter instead.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Slide the chopped onions and celery into the pot, dancing them around in the bacon grease. Let them soften and become translucent, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Sprinkle in minced garlic and give it a quick 30-second sauté until the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma.

Step 3: Build the Soup Foundation

• Fresh corn kernels
• Diced potatoes
• Chicken broth
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Fresh thyme leaves

Crank up the heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently. The potatoes will become tender and dreamy in about 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Create Creamy Magic

• Heavy cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Stir these in, allowing the cheese to melt into silky ribbons. Want an extra thick consistency? Whisk cornstarch with water, then blend into the soup. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to thicken.

Step 5: Serve with Celebration

• Crispy bacon bits
• Chopped green onions
• Extra cheese sprinkles

Serve alongside crusty bread or warm buttermilk biscuits for the ultimate comfort meal!

Hearty Homemade Corn Chowder Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

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

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Description

Simmering with comfort, this hearty homemade corn chowder recipe brings creamy sweetness and rustic warmth to your table. Kernels of golden corn dance with velvety potatoes, creating a soul-satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups corn (fresh, frozen, or canned & drained)
• 3 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and diced
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)

Protein and Aromatics:

• 6 slices bacon, chopped (or 2 tablespoons butter for a vegetarian version)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped

Seasonings and Optional Toppings:

• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 3 tablespoons water (for thickening, optional)
• Chopped green onions or fresh parsley
• Extra crispy bacon bits
• A sprinkle of shredded cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare the foundational flavor by rendering bacon in a spacious pot over medium heat until golden and crisp. Extract the bacon pieces with a perforated utensil, reserving the aromatic grease for sautéing. If omitting bacon, substitute with butter for a similar richness.
2. Introduce diced onions and celery into the reserved bacon drippings, allowing them to soften and become translucent. Incorporate minced garlic, stirring briefly to release its fragrant essence without burning.
3. Consolidate the soup’s core ingredients: sweet corn kernels, diced potatoes, aromatic chicken broth, and a harmonious blend of seasonings including salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and earthy thyme. Elevate the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, enabling the potatoes to tenderize and flavors to meld.
4. Transform the soup’s texture by introducing velvety heavy cream and optional shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until completely integrated. For enhanced thickness, create a cornstarch slurry by whisking cornstarch with cool water, then fold into the simmering chowder and allow to thicken.
5. Present the chowder in warm bowls, garnishing with the previously crisped bacon bits, freshly chopped green onions, and an additional sprinkle of cheese. Accompany with rustic bread or warm biscuits for a complete, comforting meal.

Notes

• Bacon Alternatives: Swap bacon with smoked turkey bacon or plant-based bacon bits for a lighter version that still delivers rich, smoky flavor without compromising taste.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to create a velvety texture that’s completely lactose-free and suitable for plant-based diets.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Eliminate bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, adding smoked salt or liquid smoke for depth of flavor that mimics the original recipe’s complexity.
• Texture Enhancement: For extra creaminess, partially mash some potatoes against the pot’s side during cooking to naturally thicken the chowder without additional cornstarch.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg