As the sun sets on another warm summer day, there’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of creamy Corn Chowder. It evokes memories of lazy afternoons spent at farmers’ markets, the sweet scent of fresh corn mingling with the warm summer breeze. This chowder, rich with buttery kernels and hearty Yukon potatoes, is a delightful embrace for your taste buds, turning simple ingredients into a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug.
I discovered this gem one evening when a craving for something flavorful collided with a need for simplicity. With options to use fresh, frozen, or canned corn, this recipe is a versatile star that shines bright all year round. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or winding down after a long day, this creamy soup is sure to impress and satisfy. So put on your apron, and let’s stir up some summertime magic in your kitchen with this irresistible Corn Chowder!
Why is Corn Chowder the Ultimate Comfort Food?
Incredibly Versatile: You can easily adapt this chowder with fresh, frozen, or canned corn, making it a go-to recipe for any season.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet corn, hearty potatoes, and smoky bacon delivers a rich, savory experience that warms the soul.
Effortlessly Simple: With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this delightful dish in no time!
Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s a family dinner or casual get-together, Corn Chowder is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
Meal Prep Friendly: Ideal for making ahead, this chowder stores well, ensuring you have delicious leftovers ready to savor.
Garnish with Style: Finish with fresh chives for a pop of color and a hint of flavor that elevates the whole dish.
Indulge further in your cooking journey by exploring more about comforting soups like this one.
Corn Chowder Ingredients
• Dive into the world of comfort with this vibrant Corn Chowder recipe.
For the Base
- Chicken Broth – Base for the chowder providing depth of flavor; substitute with vegetable broth for a lighter option.
- Milk – Adds creaminess; can be replaced with almond milk for a dairy-free version.
- Heavy Cream – Enriches the chowder; for a lighter chowder, use half-and-half or additional milk.
For the Chowder
- Corn Kernels (from 4-5 ears) – Main ingredient giving sweetness; use frozen (3 cups) or canned corn (2 cans corn + 1 can creamed corn) if fresh is unavailable.
- Bacon – Adds smokiness and richness; for a vegetarian version, omit and use smoked paprika for flavor.
- Onion (1 large) – Provides a foundational savory flavor.
- Carrot – Adds sweetness and color; cut into small dice to blend well.
- Celery – Offers crunch and flavor depth.
- Yukon Potatoes (1 lb) – Adds heartiness; substitute with red potatoes for a different texture.
- Sea Salt – Enhances all flavors; adjust based on the saltiness of the broth used.
- Black Pepper & Cayenne Pepper – For seasoning; adjust levels to taste based on desired spice.
- Chives – Fresh herb for garnish, adding a mild onion flavor.
With these ingredients on hand, you’re already one step closer to a comforting bowl of Corn Chowder that’s perfect for any occasion!
How to Make Corn Chowder
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Cut the Corn: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the kernels from the cobs, ensuring to reserve the stripped cobs for flavor infusion. Set aside the kernels and the cobs.
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Prepare the Stock: In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream along with the reserved corn cobs. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 20 minutes to meld the flavors.
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Remove Cobs: After simmering, carefully remove the corn cobs and discard them. This leaves you with a flavorful corn stock to build your chowder upon.
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Cook the Bacon: In a Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it’s beautifully browned and crispy. Once done, remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pot for added flavor.
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Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté these veggies in the bacon drippings for 7-8 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.
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Add Potatoes and Corn: Introduce the diced Yukon potatoes, corn kernels, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper into the pot. Pour in the rich corn stock, bring to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
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Season and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish each serving with the crispy bacon bits and fresh chives for a delicious finish.
Optional: Drizzle with a touch of lime juice for a zesty kick!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Corn Chowder
- Fridge: Store leftover Corn Chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
- Freezer: If you want to save it for later, freeze the chowder in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To best preserve texture, consider omitting the bacon before freezing.
- Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw the chowder in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, and add a splash of milk for extra creaminess.
- Avoid Overheating: To keep the corn tender and avoid a gummy texture, reheat until just warmed through and don’t allow it to boil.
Expert Tips for Corn Chowder
- Fresh Corn Advantage: Use fresh corn if available, as it provides the sweetest flavor. Avoid overcooking to maintain its tenderness.
- Creamy Texture: For a richer consistency, blend a portion of the chowder before serving, then mix it back in for that perfect, creamy Corn Chowder experience.
- Bacon Alternatives: If you prefer a vegetarian option, replace bacon with smoked paprika to impart a similar depth of flavor without the meat.
- Adjusting Thickness: Add more liquid (milk or broth) if the chowder becomes too thick. This ensures it stays creamy and enjoyable without being overly heavy.
- Sautéing Essentials: Sauté your vegetables until they’re soft to maximize flavor development; this enhances the base of your Corn Chowder beautifully.
What to Serve with Corn Chowder?
Creating a delightful meal is all about balance, and the perfect pairings can elevate your Corn Chowder experience to new heights.
- Warm Homemade Biscuits: These flaky delights are perfect for dipping, soaking up the creamy soup with each delicious bite.
- Fresh Garden Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette will refresh your palate between spoonfuls of chowder.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Golden and crispy, this classic companion adds a fun, gooey texture that contrasts beautifully with the smooth chowder.
- Roasted Veggies: Toss seasonal vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers in olive oil and herbs for a savory side that complements the sweetness of the chowder.
- Cornbread Muffins: Their slightly sweet flavor pairs charmingly with the chowder, creating a comforting Southern-inspired meal that delights the senses.
- Chardonnay or Light Beer: A chilled glass of Chardonnay or a refreshing, light beer helps to balance the richness of the chowder, making every bite even more enjoyable.
- Lemon Sorbet: End on a refreshing note with a scoop of lemon sorbet. Its tangy sweetness cleanses the palate and completes the meal beautifully.
- Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado spread on hearty bread offers a modern twist, marrying well with the classic flavors of your corn chowder.
- Pickled Vegetables: Their tangy crunch adds a delightful contrast and enhances the overall presentation of the meal.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: For a sweet finish, indulge in warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies that promise a happy ending to your chowder feast.
Make Ahead Options
These creamy Corn Chowder bowls are perfect for meal prep lovers! You can prepare the vegetables and corn stock up to 24 hours in advance, storing them all in the refrigerator. Chop your onion, celery, carrot, and corn, then refrigerate them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. If you want to take it a step further, you can also cook the bacon up to 3 days ahead and store it separately. When it’s time to enjoy your chowder, simply heat the corn stock in a pot, add the prepped veggies and any remaining ingredients, and let it simmer until everything is warmed through. This method ensures you’ll have the same delicious taste with minimal effort!
Corn Chowder Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with your Corn Chowder and take it in new delicious directions tailored to your taste!
- Dairy-Free: Replace milk and heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a rich, dairy-free option that still delivers creaminess.
- Vegetarian Delight: Omit bacon and enhance flavor with smoked paprika and a bit of liquid smoke for a savory, plant-based twist.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrients and texture, creating a colorful, garden-fresh variation. Enjoy the burst of flavors!
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pot for a delightful heat that elevates the chowder’s flavor profile.
- Cheesy Goodness: Mix in some shredded cheddar cheese as a finishing touch for an extra layer of richness that cheese lovers will adore.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley, adding them towards the end of cooking for a delightful aroma and fresh taste.
- Bright Citrus: A squeeze of lime or lemon juice right before serving will brighten up the flavors and add a refreshing touch to your chowder.
- Protein Packed: For a heartier option, mix in cooked diced chicken or shrimp, making your corn chowder a complete meal that’s even more satisfying!
With these variations, your corn chowder can become a canvas for culinary creativity!
Corn Chowder Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best corn for this chowder?
Absolutely! When selecting fresh corn, look for ears with bright green husks and silks that are slightly sticky and not dry. The kernels should be plump, glossy, and tightly packed. Avoid corn with dark spots or dried-out husks for the best sweetness and flavor.
How should I store leftover corn chowder?
To store leftover Corn Chowder, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it has fully cooled before sealing, as this keeps the texture and flavor intact. Always give it a good stir before reheating!
Can I freeze corn chowder, and if so, how?
Very! To freeze Corn Chowder, first allow it to cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. For best texture, I suggest omitting the bacon before freezing. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
What should I do if my chowder feels too thick?
No worries! If your chowder ends up too thick, simply add more liquid. You can stir in a bit of broth or milk while reheating until you reach your desired consistency. Remember, it’s meant to be creamy, so don’t hesitate to adjust according to your taste.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Absolutely! This Corn Chowder can be made dairy-free by substituting the milk and cream with almond milk or oat milk, while vegetable broth easily substitutes for chicken broth. For those with bacon allergies, simply omit it and add smoked paprika for that lovely flavor boost. Always remember to adjust seasoning as needed to accommodate dietary preferences.
Delicious Corn Chowder Recipe: Creamy Summer Comfort Awaits
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cut the Corn: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the kernels from the cobs, ensuring to reserve the stripped cobs for flavor infusion.
- Prepare the Stock: In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream along with the reserved corn cobs. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 20 minutes.
- Remove Cobs: After simmering, carefully remove the corn cobs and discard them.
- Cook the Bacon: In a Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until browned and crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 7-8 minutes until the onion is soft.
- Add Potatoes and Corn: Introduce the diced Yukon potatoes, corn kernels, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper into the pot. Pour in the corn stock, bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Ladle chowder into bowls and garnish with crispy bacon bits and fresh chives.