Corn Chowder
Classic Corn Chowder is a warm, creamy, and satisfying soup that combines sweet corn, tender Yukon Gold potatoes, and a luscious creamy base. Perfect for quick weeknight meals or comforting weekend lunches, this easy-to-make chowder offers hearty, vibrant flavors and endless variations to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
- Author: Sarah
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh corn kernels (or canned corn, drained)
- 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream or milk
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled (or 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for smoky flavor)
- Fresh herbs (thyme or parsley), chopped for garnish
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop onions and garlic finely. Peel and cut the Yukon Gold potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Remove corn kernels from fresh cobs or drain canned corn. Prep fresh herbs and measure seasonings.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat butter or oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and cook until softened and translucent, releasing their fragrant aroma and building the flavor base.
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Stir in the diced potatoes. Pour in the broth to cover the potatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes, allowing them to soak up the savory broth.
- Incorporate Corn and Cream: Add the corn kernels along with the cream or milk of your choice. Continue cooking gently so the chowder thickens and the flavors meld together, about 5-10 minutes.
- Season and Finish: Season the chowder with salt, freshly ground pepper, and chopped herbs. If using, add crumbled bacon or smoked paprika now to infuse smoky depth. Stir gently, taste, and adjust seasoning before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh corn if possible for the best natural sweetness and vibrant flavor.
- Season in layers by adding salt at each cooking stage to develop deep, well-rounded flavors.
- Simmer gently on low heat to avoid curdling the cream and to maintain a smooth texture.
- For texture variation, partially blend the chowder using an immersion blender, leaving some chunks intact.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavors just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: corn chowder, creamy corn soup, potato and corn soup, comfort food, gluten free soup, easy corn chowder, chowder recipe