Homemade Corn Chowder Recipe

If you’re looking for a bowl of warmth and comfort on a chilly day, this Homemade Corn Chowder Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s creamy, hearty, and bursting with the sweet flavor of fresh corn and tender veggies. This chowder has been a family favorite for years, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings around the table.

What I love most about this recipe is how it brings everyone together. It’s easy to prepare, making it ideal for those evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Just imagine ladling this chowder into bowls, garnishing it with fresh herbs, and enjoying it alongside warm, crusty bread. Doesn’t that sound wonderful?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: This chowder comes together quickly, so you can enjoy a comforting meal without the hassle.
• Family-friendly: Kids love the creamy texture and sweet corn, making it a hit with everyone at the dinner table.
• Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers in the fridge or freeze them for later. It tastes even better the next day!
• Customizable: You can easily adjust ingredients to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Homemade Corn Chowder Recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting dish:

For the Chowder

• 4-1/2 cups corn (see note 1)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
• 1-1/2 cups diced yellow onion (about 1 onion)
• 1 cup diced carrot (about 3 large carrots)
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 3 cups diced baby gold potatoes (unpeeled, about 19 ounces)
• 2 cups chicken broth (or stock)
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 large bay leaf
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (see note 2)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• Fresh herbs (such as parsley or thyme, optional for serving)

Variations

What I love about this chowder is its flexibility; you can mix things up based on your taste or what’s in your pantry! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers or zucchini for extra color and nutrition.
• Make it spicy: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños for a kick.
• Go vegetarian: Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and skip the bacon; you’ll still have an amazing flavor!
• Creamy swap: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free option that adds a tropical twist.

How to Make Homemade Corn Chowder Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Corn

To start, if you’re using fresh corn, cut the kernels off the cobs until you have about 4-1/2 cups. Don’t throw away those bare cobs; they’ll add flavor to our chowder! If using frozen corn, just set out 4-1/2 cups to thaw while you get everything else ready.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Next, dice your bacon into small pieces and toss them into a large pot over medium-high heat. Cook until they’re golden brown and crispy—this will add a wonderful smoky flavor to our chowder. Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate but leave all that flavorful fat in the pot!

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

Lower the heat to medium and add in your butter along with the diced onion, carrot, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Sautéing these veggies will bring out their natural sweetness and make your kitchen smell divine! Cook them for about 5–7 minutes until the onions are soft and golden.

Step 4: Thicken It Up

Sprinkle flour over your sautéed vegetables while stirring constantly—this helps thicken our chowder! Next, add in those beautiful gold potatoes along with Italian seasoning and thyme. Stir everything together before continuing to cook for another 30 seconds; this ensures all those flavors meld beautifully.

Step 5: Add Liquids & Simmer

Slowly pour in your chicken broth while scraping up any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pot—those bits pack tons of flavor! After that, stir in milk and toss in your reserved corn cobs along with a bay leaf. Bring everything up to a simmer on medium-high heat before lowering it back down to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it gently simmer away for about 20–25 minutes until thickened and tender.

Step 6: Final Touches

Remove the lid and discard both corn cobs and bay leaf—no one wants those in their bowl! Stir in your fresh corn kernels now; let them cook until tender which should take about another 5–7 minutes. Now stir in heavy cream adjusting seasonings to taste—this is where your chowder really gets that rich creaminess!

Step 7: Serve It Up!

Finally, mix half of your crispy bacon back into the chowder along with any finely chopped fresh herbs if you like. Ladle generous portions into bowls, topping each serving with more bacon and additional herbs for garnish. Pair it with some warm bread—it’s pure comfort!

Enjoy every delicious spoonful of this Homemade Corn Chowder Recipe!

Pro Tips for Making Homemade Corn Chowder Recipe

Making the perfect corn chowder can be a delightful experience, and a few handy tips can elevate your dish to the next level!

• Use fresh corn when possible: Fresh corn adds a natural sweetness and crunch that frozen corn can’t match. If you can get it, go for local and in-season corn for the best flavor.
• Don’t skip the bacon (or its alternative): The smoky flavor from bacon is essential for depth in this chowder. If you’re avoiding bacon, consider using smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic that rich flavor.
• Adjust the thickness: If you prefer a thicker chowder, let it simmer longer. Alternatively, if it’s too thick for your liking, add a splash more milk or broth until you reach your desired consistency.
• Season as you go: Tasting and adjusting seasonings throughout the cooking process ensures balanced flavor. Don’t forget to taste at every stage to make sure it’s just right!
• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the chowder to sit for 15-30 minutes after cooking enhances the flavors. Just reheat gently before serving, and you’ll notice how much richer it tastes!

How to Serve Homemade Corn Chowder Recipe

Serving homemade corn chowder is all about presentation and creating an inviting atmosphere around your meal. Here are some ideas to help you serve it up beautifully!

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Chopped parsley or chives add a pop of color and freshness that brightens up each bowl.
• Croutons: Crispy croutons provide an enjoyable crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy texture of the chowder.
• Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheese (like cheddar or Monterey Jack) melts beautifully into hot chowder, enhancing its richness.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread pairs perfectly with corn chowder, perfect for dipping and soaking up that delicious broth.
• Simple green salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy chowder.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like zucchini or bell peppers bring additional texture and nutrients to your meal while complementing the flavors in the chowder.
• Cornbread: Slightly sweet cornbread makes an excellent accompaniment; its crumbly texture adds another layer of comfort alongside your rich soup.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your homemade corn chowder will not only taste incredible but also look stunning on any table! Enjoy every comforting spoonful!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Homemade Corn Chowder Recipe is perfect for meal prepping! You can easily make a big batch ahead of time, ensuring you have hearty comfort food ready to go when you need it. Here’s how to store and enjoy your chowder later.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chowder to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• If possible, keep the bacon separate until serving to maintain its crispness.

Freezing

• Let the chowder cool completely.
• Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

• To reheat on the stovetop, gently warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• For microwave reheating, use a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious chowder.

What makes this Homemade Corn Chowder Recipe special?

This Homemade Corn Chowder Recipe stands out due to its rich and creamy texture combined with fresh ingredients like sweet corn and tender veggies. The addition of crispy bacon adds a delightful smokiness that elevates the dish!

Can I make this Homemade Corn Chowder Recipe without bacon?

Absolutely! You can simply omit the bacon or substitute it with smoked tempeh or mushrooms for that smoky flavor while keeping it meat-free. The chowder will still be delicious!

How can I make this chowder healthier?

To lighten up this recipe, consider using low-fat milk instead of whole milk, and reduce or skip the heavy cream. You can also increase the vegetable content by adding more carrots or bell peppers.

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh in this chowder recipe?

Yes! Frozen corn works beautifully in this Homemade Corn Chowder Recipe. Just measure out the same amount as fresh corn, and you’re good to go!

What should I serve with my corn chowder?

This chowder pairs well with crusty bread, a simple salad, or even some homemade cornbread. It’s comforting on its own but complements these sides perfectly!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Homemade Corn Chowder Recipe as much as I do! It’s a warm hug in a bowl that brings joy and comfort to any meal—not to mention it’s incredibly versatile for your kitchen adventures. So gather your ingredients and dive into this cozy concoction; I’m sure you’ll love every bite!