Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step 1 — Sauté the vegetables
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large soup pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, celery, and carrots.
- Cook 6–8 minutes, until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Step 2 — Add flour
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables.
- Stir well for 1–2 minutes to create a thick base that will help the chowder thicken naturally.
Step 3 — Add broth, potatoes & seasoning
- Slowly pour in the broth while stirring.
- Add potatoes, corn, thyme, paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
Step 4 — Simmer
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer 20–25 minutes, or until potatoes are soft and flavors blend together beautifully.
Step 5 — Add cream
- Lower heat to medium-low.
- Stir in the heavy cream.
- Let the chowder warm through without boiling.
Step 6 — Adjust thickness
- If you prefer thicker chowder, mash a portion of the potatoes or blend 1 cup of the soup and return it to the pot.
Step 7 — Taste & serve
- Adjust seasoning.
- Remove bay leaf.
- Ladle into bowls and add toppings if desired.
Notes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator Store up to 4 days Chowder thickens over time—add broth or milk when reheating Freezer Best frozen before adding cream Add cream after reheating for best texture Reheating Warm gently over low heat Avoid boiling to prevent curdling 🥄 Variations
1. Cheesy Corn Chowder Add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. 2. Spicy Version Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño. 3. Mexican-Style Add cumin, cilantro, and lime juice. 4. Smoky Version Add smoked paprika or fire-roasted corn. 5. Protein Boost Add shredded chicken or chickpeas. 6. Veggie-Packed Add zucchini, bell peppers, kale, or spinach. 7. Lightened-Up Version Use milk instead of heavy cream. 8. Vegan Version Use coconut milk and vegetable broth. 9. Herb-Packed Add fresh thyme, parsley, or basil. 10. Extra Thick Chowder Blend half the soup or mash extra potatoes. ❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use frozen corn? Yes—frozen corn works perfectly and adds great sweetness. 2. Can I make this dairy-free? Yes—use coconut milk or almond milk for creaminess. 3. Can I use canned corn? Absolutely—just drain and rinse first. 4. What potatoes work best? Yukon golds hold their shape, while russets create thicker chowder. 5. Can I add chicken? Yes—add 2 cups cooked shredded chicken for extra protein. 6. How do I thicken the chowder naturally? Mash some potatoes or blend part of the soup. 7. Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes—add everything except cream and cook on LOW 6 hours.
Stir in cream at the end. 8. Can I make it gluten-free? Replace flour with cornstarch. 9. How do I keep chowder from becoming grainy? Avoid boiling after adding the cream. 10. Should I peel the potatoes? Peeling is optional—Yukon gold skins are thin and soft. 🏁 Conclusion This Best Corn Chowder brings together sweet corn, tender potatoes, aromatic vegetables, and a creamy broth that feels like pure comfort. Each bowl is warm, rich, and satisfying—perfect for chilly nights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry family. With customizable variations and simple ingredients, this chowder becomes a reliable go-to recipe anytime you need a cozy, delicious meal. Whether you serve it with crusty bread, fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of cheese, this corn chowder will quickly become one of your most-loved soup recipes.
Refrigerator Store up to 4 days Chowder thickens over time—add broth or milk when reheating Freezer Best frozen before adding cream Add cream after reheating for best texture Reheating Warm gently over low heat Avoid boiling to prevent curdling 🥄 Variations
1. Cheesy Corn Chowder Add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. 2. Spicy Version Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño. 3. Mexican-Style Add cumin, cilantro, and lime juice. 4. Smoky Version Add smoked paprika or fire-roasted corn. 5. Protein Boost Add shredded chicken or chickpeas. 6. Veggie-Packed Add zucchini, bell peppers, kale, or spinach. 7. Lightened-Up Version Use milk instead of heavy cream. 8. Vegan Version Use coconut milk and vegetable broth. 9. Herb-Packed Add fresh thyme, parsley, or basil. 10. Extra Thick Chowder Blend half the soup or mash extra potatoes. ❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use frozen corn? Yes—frozen corn works perfectly and adds great sweetness. 2. Can I make this dairy-free? Yes—use coconut milk or almond milk for creaminess. 3. Can I use canned corn? Absolutely—just drain and rinse first. 4. What potatoes work best? Yukon golds hold their shape, while russets create thicker chowder. 5. Can I add chicken? Yes—add 2 cups cooked shredded chicken for extra protein. 6. How do I thicken the chowder naturally? Mash some potatoes or blend part of the soup. 7. Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes—add everything except cream and cook on LOW 6 hours.
Stir in cream at the end. 8. Can I make it gluten-free? Replace flour with cornstarch. 9. How do I keep chowder from becoming grainy? Avoid boiling after adding the cream. 10. Should I peel the potatoes? Peeling is optional—Yukon gold skins are thin and soft. 🏁 Conclusion This Best Corn Chowder brings together sweet corn, tender potatoes, aromatic vegetables, and a creamy broth that feels like pure comfort. Each bowl is warm, rich, and satisfying—perfect for chilly nights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry family. With customizable variations and simple ingredients, this chowder becomes a reliable go-to recipe anytime you need a cozy, delicious meal. Whether you serve it with crusty bread, fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of cheese, this corn chowder will quickly become one of your most-loved soup recipes.