Cozy Sweet Corn Chowder Recipe: Homemade Comfort in a Bowl

Crafting this hearty sweet corn chowder brings comfort right to your kitchen table.

Kernels bursting with summer sweetness dance through a creamy landscape of flavor.

Farm-fresh ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a soul-warming dish that whispers memories of countryside picnics.

Rich and velvety, each spoonful tells a story of simple culinary magic.

Unexpected herbs and a hint of smoky depth elevate this classic recipe beyond ordinary expectations.

Regional traditions inspire every carefully chosen ingredient, promising a meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

Ladle this golden goodness into bowls and watch faces light up with pure, delicious anticipation.

Sweet Corn Chowder FAQ Guide

• Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn?

Yes, frozen corn works perfectly. Just thaw and drain it before adding to the chowder.

• Is this chowder gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free broth and replace regular cornstarch with a gluten-free version to make it safe for gluten-sensitive diners.

• How can I make this chowder vegetarian?

Simply substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and skip the bacon. Use plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast for extra flavor if desired.

• What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Yukon gold or red potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and have a creamy texture when cooked in the chowder.

Sweet Corn Chowder: Why You’ll Keep Coming Back

• Perfect Corn Chowder Perks
• Whips up in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy families craving delicious comfort food without extensive cooking time.
• Easily customizable with optional ingredients like bacon or different cheese types, allowing home cooks to personalize the recipe to their taste preferences.
• Delivers warm, creamy satisfaction perfect for chilly evenings, providing a hearty meal that feels like a culinary hug from your kitchen.
• Uses affordable, accessible ingredients that transform simple vegetables and pantry staples into a restaurant-quality soup everyone will love.

Everything You’ll Need for Corn Chowder

• Butter, Olive Oil: Rich base for sautéing vegetables with delicious flavor depth.
• Onion, Garlic, Celery: Classic aromatic vegetables for foundational soup flavor.

• Potatoes: Hearty vegetable adding thickness and substance to the chowder.
• Sweet Corn: Main star ingredient providing sweet and fresh corn flavor, fresh or frozen work well.

• Broth: Provides essential liquid and background flavor, chicken or vegetable broth recommended.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings for balanced taste.
• Smoked Paprika, Thyme: Warm spices adding complexity and depth to the chowder.

• Milk, Cornstarch: Creates smooth thickening texture for the soup.
• Heavy Cream, Cheese: Adds luxurious richness and creamy consistency, optional but recommended.

• Fresh Parsley, Crumbled Bacon: Bright herb and crispy protein for final touch and extra flavor.

How to Cook Sweet Corn Chowder Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare Base Flavors

• Onion
• Garlic
• Celery

Cook until vegetables become soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.

Step 2: Introduce Hearty Ingredients

• Diced potatoes
• Sweet corn kernels

Stir to combine with sauteed vegetables.

Step 3: Build Soup Foundation

• Vegetable or chicken broth
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Dried thyme

Bring mixture to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 15 minutes until potatoes become tender.

Step 4: Create Creamy Texture

Whisk together milk and cornstarch to create a smooth slurry. Pour into soup and simmer for additional 5 minutes until chowder thickens.

Step 5: Optional Blending

For richer consistency, use immersion blender to partially puree soup. Leave some chunks for texture.

Step 6: Final Enrichment

• Heavy cream
• Shredded cheese

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 7: Present and Garnish

• Fresh chopped parsley
• Crispy bacon crumbles

Serve piping hot and enjoy!

Chowder Tips for Creaminess Without Heaviness

• Swap Butter for Healthier Options: Use olive oil or coconut oil instead of butter to reduce saturated fat and add unique flavor profiles.
• Customize Corn Selection: Choose fresh corn kernels in summer or high-quality frozen corn during off-season for consistent sweetness and texture.
• Boost Protein Power: Add diced chicken, crispy bacon bits, or plant-based protein like white beans to transform this chowder into a more substantial meal.
• Control Soup Consistency: Adjust thickness by adding more broth for a lighter soup or increasing cornstarch slurry for a thicker, creamier texture.
• Accommodate Dietary Needs: Make this chowder gluten-free by using cornstarch and checking broth ingredients, or create a dairy-free version with coconut milk and nutritional yeast.

Storing Sweet Corn Chowder for the Week

• Store leftover chowder in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Let the soup cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled chowder into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dairy-based soups, as they may separate.
• Warm chowder over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or milk to restore creamy consistency and prevent scorching.
• Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature before serving to ensure thorough warming.

What Complements Corn Chowder at the Table

• Grab a warm, artisan sourdough or rustic peasant bread to dip into the creamy chowder. These bread varieties soak up the rich soup beautifully, adding delightful texture and complementing the corn's sweetness.
• Select a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay that mirrors the corn's buttery notes. The wine's bright acidity cuts through the chowder's creaminess, creating a balanced and refreshing dining experience.
• Add grilled chicken or crispy bacon bits as a topping. These protein additions bring smoky depth and provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the soup's smooth consistency.
• Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. The peppery greens and tangy dressing offer a fresh counterpoint to the chowder's rich, comforting flavors.

Flavor Variations for Chowder Fans

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace milk, heavy cream, and cheese with coconut milk, almond milk, or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
• Vegetable Medley: Add diced carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrition and color. Swap corn with seasonal vegetables like butternut squash or pumpkin.
• Protein Power: Incorporate cooked chicken, crispy tofu, or white beans for added protein. Top with grilled shrimp or crispy bacon bits for extra flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use cornstarch as a thickener and ensure broth is gluten-free. Replace traditional wheat-based ingredients with gluten-free alternatives to make the chowder safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Sweet Corn Chowder Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy sweet corn chowder brings summer’s golden harvest to your bowl, blending rich kernels with velvety broth. Hearty spoonfuls promise comfort and warmth, inviting you to savor each delicious moment of this classic American comfort dish.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Vegetables:

• 3 cups (450g) sweet corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Base Liquids:

• 3 cups (720 milliliters) vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk or half-and-half
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)

Seasonings and Extras:

• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water, for thickening)
• ½ cup (60 grams) shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra richness)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• 2 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional topping)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium flame, melting butter or oil until shimmering. Add finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced celery, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
2. Incorporate cubed potatoes and sweet corn kernels into the aromatic vegetable mixture, stirring to distribute evenly.
3. Pour vegetable or chicken broth into the pot, seasoning with salt, freshly ground black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Increase heat to bring contents to a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
4. Allow the chowder to bubble softly for approximately 15 minutes, ensuring potatoes become fork-tender and flavors meld together.
5. Whisk milk with cornstarch to create a smooth slurry, then gradually pour into the simmering chowder. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens and develops a luxurious consistency.
6. For enhanced creaminess, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, maintaining some textural chunks of vegetables and corn.
7. Introduce heavy cream and optional shredded cheese, stirring until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed to balance flavors.
8. Ladle the hot chowder into serving bowls, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley and optional crispy bacon crumbles for added texture and flavor.

Notes

• Select starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold for the best creamy texture and natural thickening.
• Use fresh corn during summer for maximum sweetness, but frozen corn works perfectly year-round.
• Control soup consistency by adjusting cornstarch slurry thickness – add more for thicker chowder or less for a lighter broth.
• Toast spices briefly before adding liquid to enhance their depth and release more complex flavors.
• For dairy-free version, substitute coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and cheese.
• Customize protein by adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or keeping vegetarian with plant-based protein like diced tofu.
• Make ahead and store refrigerated for 3-4 days, noting soup might thicken when chilled – simply thin with extra broth when reheating.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 285
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 30mg