Cozy Kitchen Classic: Heartwarming Corn Chowder Recipe

Creamy soups spark comfort on chilly days, and this silky homemade corn chowder recipe delivers warmth in every spoonful.

Sweet kernels dance through a velvety base, creating a symphony of flavors that whispers nostalgia.

Rich cream mingles with tender vegetables, promising a hearty meal that satisfies deeply.

Corn takes center stage, lending its natural sweetness and vibrant color to this classic dish.

Each ingredient brings its own character, transforming simple components into a delightful culinary experience.

Fresh herbs and a touch of seasoning elevate this chowder from ordinary to extraordinary.

You’ll want to ladle this soup into deep bowls and savor every comforting bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredient List For Hearty Homemade Corn Chowder

• Bacon: Adds smoky, rich flavor and crispy texture to the chowder, providing a delightful crunch and depth. Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and best crispy results.

• Onion, Celery: Create a flavorful aromatic foundation for the chowder, offering subtle sweetness and earthy undertones. Select fresh, firm vegetables with no soft spots.
• Garlic: Brings intense, warming flavor that amplifies the overall taste profile. Pick firm, plump cloves without green sprouts.
• Corn: Delivers natural sweetness and vibrant texture to the chowder. Use fresh or frozen kernels for best results.
• Potatoes: Provides creamy, hearty substance and helps thicken the soup naturally. Choose starchy varieties like Russet or Yukon Gold.

• Chicken Broth: Forms the liquid base, adding rich, savory depth to the chowder. Opt for low-sodium versions to control salt levels.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance and highlight other ingredients. Use freshly ground black pepper for maximum impact.
• Smoked Paprika, Thyme: Introduce complex, layered flavors with subtle smoky and herbal notes. Select high-quality, fresh dried herbs.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky texture and adds richness. Look for high-fat content cream for best results.
• Cheddar Cheese: Contributes sharp, tangy flavor and creamy consistency. Select aged cheddar for more pronounced taste.
• Cornstarch: Acts as a natural thickening agent to achieve desired soup consistency.

What You Need For Hearty Homemade Corn Chowder

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking bacon and building soup base.
• Slotted spoon: Perfect for removing crispy bacon without excess grease.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping bacon, onion, celery, and green onions.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable and ingredient preparation.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing soup ingredients.
• Ladle: Helps serve soup smoothly into individual bowls.

Step-By-Step Instructions For Hearty Homemade Corn Chowder

• Crisp Up Bacon

Start by transforming bacon into golden, crunchy bits in a large pot over medium heat. Once perfectly crispy, remove and set aside, leaving behind those delectable bacon drippings.

• Awaken Aromatic Vegetables

Toss chopped onions and celery into the bacon-infused pot. Let them dance and soften for a few minutes, then welcome minced garlic for a quick 30-second flavor boost.

• Build Robust Soup Base

Pour in sweet corn kernels, diced potatoes, savory broth, and a sprinkle of seasonings. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then gently simmer until potatoes become tender and perfectly cooked.

• Create Luxurious Creaminess

Swirl in rich cream and melty cheese, allowing them to blend seamlessly into the soup. Want extra thickness? Quickly whisk cornstarch with water and stir into the chowder.

• Elevate and Serve

Ladle the steaming chowder into waiting bowls. Crown each serving with crispy bacon bits, freshly chopped green onions, and an optional cheese sprinkle. Pair with warm bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

Extra Tips And Variations For Hearty Homemade Corn Chowder

• Bacon Swap Magic: Skip bacon for a vegetarian version by using smoked salt or liquid smoke to maintain that deep, smoky flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a rich, velvety texture that's completely lactose-free.
• Texture Trick: Want an extra-creamy chowder? Use an immersion blender to partially puree some potatoes and corn, creating a thicker, more luxurious base.
• Spice It Up: Transform the classic recipe by adding diced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne, or roasted green chiles for a southwestern-inspired twist that brings serious heat and excitement to your bowl.
• Make-Ahead Miracle: This chowder freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Cool completely, store in airtight containers, and reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to maintain its creamy consistency.

Serving Hearty Homemade Corn Chowder The Cozy Way

• Cozy Bread Companions: Serve alongside warm, crusty sourdough or buttermilk biscuits to soak up the creamy chowder goodness.
• Topping Explosion: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, extra sharp cheddar cheese, and a light dash of smoked paprika for incredible flavor layers.
• Hearty Meal Upgrade: Transform this chowder into a complete dinner by adding grilled chicken strips or crispy shredded rotisserie chicken on top for extra protein.
• Seasonal Side Kick: Pair with a fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy soup and create a perfectly balanced meal.

Plan Ahead And Store Hearty Homemade Corn Chowder Easily

• Chowder Cool-Down Strategy: Transfer leftover corn chowder to airtight containers, ensuring a tight seal to maintain freshness and prevent flavor leakage. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking to keep ingredients safe and delicious.
• Refrigerator Lifespan Magic: Store soup in the fridge for 3-4 days maximum. Enjoy the best taste and texture during the first two days after preparation, when flavors remain most vibrant and ingredients stay perfectly tender.
• Freezing Friendly Technique: Pour cooled chowder into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 2-3 months. Pro tip: Separate cream-based portions if possible to maintain optimal texture upon thawing.
• Reheating Revival Trick: Thaw frozen chowder overnight in the refrigerator. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creamy consistency if the soup appears too thick. Avoid boiling, which can break down cream and separate ingredients.

Silky Homemade Corn Chowder Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

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

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Description

Simple corn chowder celebrates summer’s bounty with creamy richness and robust corn flavor. Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a comforting meal that warms souls and satisfies hunger.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 3 cups corn (fresh, frozen, or canned & drained)
• 3 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and diced
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 6 slices bacon, chopped (or 2 tbsps butter for a vegetarian version)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
• 2 tbsps cornstarch + 3 tbsps 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. Bacon Infusion: Heat a spacious pot over medium flame, rendering bacon until golden and crisp. Remove bacon pieces with a slotted spoon, preserving the flavorful grease. If bacon-free, substitute with butter for comparable depth.
2. Aromatic Base: Sauté diced onions and celery in bacon drippings until softened and translucent. Quickly introduce minced garlic, stirring to release its essence without scorching.
3. Flavor Fusion: Combine sweet corn kernels, diced potatoes, chicken broth, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme. Bring to a robust boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, allowing potatoes to become tender and ingredients to harmonize.
4. Creamy Transformation: Fold in heavy cream and optional cheddar cheese, stirring until fully incorporated. Whisk cornstarch with cool water to create a thickening slurry, gently blending into the simmering chowder to achieve desired consistency.
5. Elegant Presentation: Ladle into warm bowls, crowning with crispy bacon bits, freshly chopped green onions, and an additional cheese sprinkle. Serve alongside rustic bread or warm biscuits for a soul-warming culinary experience.

Notes

• Bacon Selection: Choose thick-cut bacon for richer flavor and better texture, ensuring crispy pieces for garnishing and maximum taste depth.
• Corn Quality Matters: Use fresh or frozen corn kernels for optimal sweetness; avoid canned corn to maintain the chowder’s authentic, vibrant taste profile.
• Potato Preparation: Cut potatoes into uniform, small cubes to ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
• Cream Temperament: Add heavy cream at the end and avoid boiling to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, silky consistency in the chowder.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg