Corn Chowder Recipe

This delicious Corn Chowder is ready to serve and devour in 45 minutes!

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This creamy and hearty corn chowder is a perfect meal for cozy nights, and it’s ready in just 45 minutes! With ingredients you likely already have on hand, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to whip up. While it may sound like a lot of ingredients at first, this corn chowder features everyday items like bacon, butter, onions, garlic, and, of course, sweet corn, that come together quickly to create a rich, comforting soup.

One of the nice things about this recipe is that if you’re missing one component, chances are you have a substitute for it. Of course, if you don’t have any corn, we’d have to talk about making something else! Otherwise, you can swap out the chicken broth, half-and-half, vegetables, and fresh thyme (use dried)—more on the possible alternatives below.

This soup is so delicious, you might find yourself reaching for a second (or third) bowl. The combination of sweet corn and creamy broth is just irresistible!

Is Corn Chowder Healthy?

Corn chowder is packed with nutrients, thanks to its abundance of vegetables. Corn itself is rich in fiber and a great source of vitamins A, B9, and C. To lessen the sodium or lighten things up, try using low-sodium broth or turkey bacon instead. Pairing a bowl with a fresh salad makes for a well-balanced, nutrient-dense meal.

Customize Your Bowl: Endless Swaps & Flavor Twists

You can make a dairy-free version of this soup by using unsalted plant-based butter or olive oil to sauté the vegetables and replacing the half-and-half with an equal amount of unsweetened, unflavored plant-based milk, cream, or coconut milk. Personally I enjoy the thickness and richness of coconut milk with the corn. Using milk substitutes can cause the soup to be thinner, so you may want to thicken it (see below for some ways to do that!).

Add some red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or Cajun spice to the pot if you want a spicier version. Zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, and colorful bell peppers are great additions to this chowder. Alternatively, chunks of cooked ham, turkey, chicken, or seafood can make it a hearty meal in a bowl. Vegetable broth can replace the chicken broth, if desired. However, I don’t recommend using beef broth, as the flavor is too strong and can overwhelm the delicate sweetness of corn.

FAQs & Tips

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Let your soup come to room temperature, then refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 5 days. While I don’t recommend freezing chowder due to texture changes in the potatoes and the potential separation of the creamy broth, you can freeze it for up to 3 months if needed. Just be sure to defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently over low heat on the stove.

Corn Chowder VS. Corn Bisque: What’s The Difference?

Chowders are hearty, chunky soups loaded with vegetables, while bisques are smooth and velvety, typically blended to a silky consistency. Corn bisque is especially rich and creamy, delivering an intense corn flavor in every spoonful.

What Is The Best Way To Thicken Corn Chowder?

To thicken the soup, mix a little cornstarch, tapioca starch, or arrowroot flour with a bit of water to create a slurry and stir it in toward the end of cooking. For an even better method, blend some of the cooked potatoes with a bit of broth, then return the blended potatoes to the pot for a naturally creamy texture. (If you have an immersion blender, this would be a great time to use it!)

Serving Suggestions

A crusty baguette or rustic bread is always a great match for chowder. But if you have extra corn on hand, why not think outside the box and whip up this Mexican Cornbread Casserole for a hearty, satisfying meal? For a lighter pairing, try serving the soup with a fresh Spring Salad, Vegan Salad, or Strawberry-Walnut Salad. No matter what you choose, you will surely enjoy every mouthful of this soul-warming soup.