Easy corn chowder recipe with a classic combination of aromatic vegetables, sweet corn, chunks of tender potatoes, and smokey bacon. Pureeing some of the kernels creates a creamy texture without having to add any flour for thickening.
Dishing out big scoops of hot corn chowder will bring instant comfort to all those lucky enough to get a bowl of it. Chowders are typically a rich and chunky soup featuring a roux and cream base. For this recipe, I wanted to create a version that has a creamy texture that doesn’t rely on flour and butter as a thickening agent.
Blending a portion of the corn kernels breaks them down into tiny pieces, adding body to the soup. This also releases the natural corn starch for extra thickening and sweetness. Adding in some milk and cream right before serving creates a luscious texture all will enjoy.
Removing the corn kernels
When working with fresh corn, you want to remove the kernels from the cob and also scrape off the pulp. Simply place the bottom of the corn on a cutting board and securely hold the pointy end upright.
Use a chef’s knife to carefully cut down the ear of corn, removing most of the kernels. Then use a large spoon to scoop out the little pulpy bits remaining. My culinary school instructor said that there are starch and sugars in the pulp that will enhance the flavor of the chowder. Don’t let it go to waste!
How do you thicken corn chowder?
Traditionally, corn chowder is thickened with flour and butter, but I took a different approach to make the recipe gluten-free. A little more than half of the raw corn kernels are blended into a smooth puree with the chicken broth (or chicken stock).
This process adds extra thickening to the soup. A food processor can be used, however, I find that a countertop blender creates a finer texture.
How to make corn chowder
- Remove corn kernels from the cob.
- Use a spoon to extract the extra pulp remaining on the cob.
- Blend 4 cups of kernels and chicken broth until smooth.
- Saute the bacon pieces in a large pan over medium-high heat until crispy, remove and drain.
- Saute onions, carrots, and celery until tender.
- Add garlic and thyme, and cook until fragrant.
- Add remaining corn kernels, saute for 1 minute.
- Add potatoes, corn puree, milk, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Turn off the heat, and stir in the half-and-half and parsley.
- Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
Potato selection
There are many different types of potatoes that you can use for this corn chowder recipe. I recommend using a combination of mealy and waxy, that way you have intact chunks to grab with your spoon, and smaller pieces that easily crush and add extra body to the soup.
I use equal parts russet and red potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch pieces. Yukon gold potatoes are also an excellent choice as they have a buttery and creamy texture.
Bring on the flavor
To heighten the savory flavor and add depth to the dish, pieces of bacon are cooked first in the pan until crispy and then placed on a paper towel to drain the excess grease. I like to save a few bacon bits to add on top before serving. To elevate the aromatics in each bite, I add a classic mirepoix consisting of diced onions, carrots, and celery are sauteed in the pan, followed by garlic and thyme.
Can you use canned or frozen corn?
Yes, for convenience, canned or frozen corn will work for this recipe. Make sure to defrost any icy kernels before use. This can be done by adding the corn to a strainer with lukewarm water running over it until defrosted. You will need 7 cups of kernels.
What to serve this with
Why puree the kernels?
Pureeing the corn kernels does two things. It creates corn particles that suspend in the soup which elevates the creamy texture by physical means. It also releases more of the trapped cornstarch inside each kernel helps with thickening the soup.
Corn Chowder
Ingredients
- 6 cups corn kernels, about 7 cobbs, divided
- 3 cups chicken broth, or chicken stock, divided
- 4 slices bacon, ½-inch pieces
- 1 cup diced yellow onion, ¼-inch dice
- ¼ cup diced carrots, ¼-inch dice
- ¼ cup diced celery, ¼-inch dice
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon chopped thyme
- ½ pound russet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch dice
- ½ pound red potatoes, cut into ½-inch dice
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, as needed for seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ cup half-and-half
- 1 tablespoon minced parsley
Instructions
- Cut the kernels off the cob and then use a spoon to scrape the excess pulp. Transfer to a medium bowl.
- Add 4 cups of corn kernels and 2 cups chicken broth to a blender. Process until smooth, 1 minute on medium speed.
- Add bacon to a large dutch oven or pot. Heat the pot over medium heat, cook and stir bacon until crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until onions are translucent and vegetables are tender, 5 to 6 minutes.
- Add garlic and thyme, cook until fragrant, 30 seconds.
- Add the remaining 2 cups of corn kernels and saute for 1 minute.
- Add potatoes, corn puree, 1 cup of chicken broth, milk, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
- Bring soup to boil, and then reduce to a simmer. Stir every few minutes and cook until potatoes are fork-tender, about 20 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and discard bay leaf. Stir in the half-and-half and parsley.
- Taste and season with more salt and pepper as desired.
- Divide the soup into serving bowls. Top with crispy bacon and parsley.
Equipment
Notes
- Serving: 1 cup
Nutrition Facts
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000-calorie diet. All nutritional information is based on estimated third-party calculations. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.
Guy St Hilaire says
Love your recipes .Must try this one and might I suggest adding 1/4 teaspoon of dry sage and same for cumin to give that chowder taste ,that I personally love .
Jessica Gavin says
Thanks for the great suggestions!
Stephen J Goldberg says
The corn chowder is on the menu tonight with fillet mignon salads and a little dressing and that stuff has a high fat content. I went to went to culinary school after getting an MSEE and serving six tours in combat most of the time. Culinary school helped heal the brain damage so I could compartmentalize all the killing.
Now I can make many dishes and often use chemistry skills to make flavors marry,
Your corn chowder recipe version seems grand. All of your recipes seem grand!
You are a master even though I graduated and did internships. It is rare to find anyone that cooks. Everyone in my neighborhood is Chinese American. They text me want to eat. Nai-nai won’t be there for them in University. I teach them life skills including cooking, and grilling under my supervision
Kimberly says
Such a delicious & comforting soup! I made this for company & everyone raved about it! Definitely making again!!
Thank you for sharing your recipe!! : )
Jessica Gavin says
Great to hear! You’re welcome, Kimberly!
Pam says
What is half and half ?
Jessica Gavin says
Half-and-half is a premade mixture of half whole milk and half heavy cream. You can find it near the whipping cream in the refrigerated section. If they don’t have it, then just add 1/4 cup whole milk, and 1/2 cup heavy cream.
Carol says
Can I use frozen corn?
Jessica Gavin says
Yes, you can use frozen corn. I would defrost it first.
Rosie says
Very tasty and easy once vegetables are prepped. I will make again- thanks
Jessica Gavin says
Thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the corn chowder, Rosie!
Elisa says
Hi Jessica, I tried it and it was very tasty! I just left out the bacon and started by cooking carrots, celery and leek in some olive oil. I was wondering: which of the ingredients is/are mostly responsible for the sodium intake of this recipe?
Jessica Gavin says
Thank you! The bacon and chicken stock would be the main source of sodium.
Barbara says
Want to make this soup in large quantity – Can I freeze?
Jessica Gavin says
Yes, you can freeze but gently reheat the soup because you don’t want the cream to curdle.
Sabrina Franco says
Corn chowder was fabulous. My corn was super sweet so added 1/2 teaspoon of white vinegar to balance out the flavor!! This will be added to my cookbook for go too. I made homemade cheese bread to eat and dunk. Sooo good.
Jessica Gavin says
Great idea balancing the sweetness of the corn with some acid, you rock!
Jen Thomas says
Can I freeze this soup?
Lauren says
Can this be made ahead of time?
Jessica Gavin says
Yes, the soup can be made ahead of time and reheated. Gently simmer the soup if you add the half-and-half so it does not curdle, or add it right before serving instead.
Judy says
This is a fantastic recipe. I put it on Instagram along with your photo so they could see how a pro makes it look in the end. Also the Pork chop recipe was wonderful wonderful. Two recipes we will use again and again.
Anne Graham says
I tried it, and it’s a luscious but not too heavy chowder. The only change I will make next time is to add the milk last, after the veg have cooked as it curdled while simmering, which did not affect the taste, just the look.
Cynthia Cook says
I will be making this in the next couple of days. However, I want to use my Instant Pot. What changes do I need to do? Probably just the cook time . HELP! Thanks
Jessica Gavin says
I would saute the ingredients as directed. Then add in everything except the milk and half and half. Cook in high pressure for 5 minutes, then carefully quick release. Add in the milk and half and half and saute until the soup is warm.
John says
Hi,
Look forward to trying this.
What type of bacon do you recommend considering how many different types and cuts of bacon there are these days?
Cheers,
John
Jessica Gavin says
Hi John- I usually use regular cut bacon (it won’t say the thickness) that nitrate free. Really any brand and flavor will work, what’s your favorite? If you choose thicker cut bacon it will just take a few minutes longer to cook.
Judy says
I definitely have to make this for my husband. I have the Ninja blender and use it for everything.