Creamy Corn Potato Chowder (Printable)

Velvety chowder with sweet corn, tender potatoes, and smoky bacon for cozy, flavorful meals.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 2 celery stalks, diced
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
06 - 3 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
07 - 1 carrot, diced

→ Liquids

08 - 4 cups vegetable broth
09 - 1 cup whole milk
10 - 1/2 cup heavy cream

→ Seasonings

11 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
12 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
13 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
14 - 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

→ Optional Garnishes

15 - 3 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (omit for vegetarian)
16 - 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped

# Directions:

01 - Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, celery, and carrot; sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add diced potatoes, corn kernels, kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Mix well to combine.
04 - Pour in vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
05 - Remove about 2 cups of the chowder and blend until smooth using a blender or immersion blender. Return purée to the pot to enhance creaminess.
06 - Stir in whole milk and heavy cream. Simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes without boiling. Adjust seasoning as needed.
07 - Ladle into bowls and garnish with crumbled bacon and chopped chives if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • This chowder feels like a secret comfort, velvety and rich without being heavy, perfect for sharing on cozy nights.
  • The combination of potatoes and sweet corn creates a harmony of textures that quickly made this my go-to for chilly evenings.
02 -
  • The blending step is what turns this from a chunky soup to a creamy chowder — don't skip it, even if you like texture.
  • Using smoked paprika instead of bacon adds a subtle smoky flavor and is a game changer for vegetarian versions.
03 -
  • Always cook the vegetables slowly to bring out their sweetness before adding liquids.
  • The blended portion of the soup creates that velvety texture that sets this chowder apart from ordinary soups.

Return