The Best Homemade Corn Chowder Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade corn chowder is a cozy, comforting dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. Made with simple ingredients, it’s easy to whip up and customize to your taste.
- Creamy and rich without being too heavy, thanks to the blend of fresh corn, potatoes, and a touch of cream.
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want something hearty.
- Versatile and customizable—add bacon, shrimp, or your favorite herbs to make it your own!
Recipe
Homemade Corn Chowder is a creamy, comforting soup perfect for any season. Made with fresh corn, potatoes, and a rich, flavorful broth, this dish is both hearty and satisfying. It’s simple to prepare and uses wholesome ingredients, making it a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 6 ears of fresh corn, kernels cut off (or 4 cups frozen corn)
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pot.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Add the diced potatoes, corn kernels, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with the reserved crispy bacon and chopped parsley.
Notes:
- For a smokier flavor, you can use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
- If you prefer a thicker chowder, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot before adding the cream.
Equipment:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
4-6 servings
Nutrition
This homemade corn chowder recipe provides a comforting and nutritious meal. Below is a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving.
| Nutrition | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 30mg |
| Sodium | 800mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 8g |
| Protein | 10g |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my corn chowder with warm, crusty bread for dipping, but a crisp salad on the side adds a fresh contrast. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette works wonders, or you can toss in some cherry tomatoes for extra color. Trust me, these pairings make the meal feel complete without stealing the spotlight from the chowder.
Crusty Bread Pairing
Because corn chowder’s creamy, hearty texture begs for something to soak up every last bit, I always reach for a loaf of crusty bread to serve alongside it. A rustic sourdough or chewy baguette works best—their sturdy crusts hold up against the soup, while the soft inside soaks up all that rich flavor. For grain choices, I love whole wheat or seeded options for extra texture. Don’t forget soup toppings! A drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of flaky salt on the bread takes it to the next level. Trust me, you’ll want every last bite.
Fresh Salad Options
While corn chowder’s richness takes center stage, a fresh salad can balance the meal perfectly, adding brightness and crunch. I love using seasonal ingredients like crisp cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or peppery arugula—whatever’s fresh at the market. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette works wonders, but don’t be afraid to mix it up! Try a citrus dressing for zing or a creamy ranch for richness. Adding toasted nuts or seeds brings extra texture, and a handful of cheese never hurts. It’s all about creating contrast, making each bite of soup and salad feel like a little celebration.
