If you’re craving a comforting bowl that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Slow Cooker Corn Chowder Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s an easy-to-make, cozy soup that combines the sweetness of corn with hearty potatoes and a creamy broth, all slowly simmered to perfection. Whether you’re new to slow cooker meals or a seasoned pro, this recipe delivers rich flavors and a velvety texture that’s impossible to resist on chilly days or when you just want a simple, satisfying meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Slow Cooker Corn Chowder Recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully without any fuss. Each component adds a special touch, from the natural sweetness of corn to the creamy blend of milk and cream that gives the chowder its luxurious texture.
- Corn kernels (4 cups): Fresh, frozen, or canned, they provide the star sweet flavor and vibrant yellow color.
- Potatoes (3 medium, peeled and diced): These add heartiness and help thicken the chowder naturally as they cook down.
- Onion (1 medium, diced): Brings a subtle savory depth that balances the sweetness.
- Celery stalks (2, chopped): Adds a mild crunch and earthy undertones.
- Carrots (2, peeled and chopped): Contributes sweetness and a pleasant texture contrast.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): Infuses a mellow aromatic kick.
- Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (4 cups): The flavorful base that holds everything together without overpowering.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors just right.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle warmth and subtle spice.
- Dried thyme (½ teaspoon): Lends a hint of herbal complexity.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): For that rich, silky finish in every spoonful.
- Whole milk (1 cup): Lightens the texture while keeping it creamy.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons, optional): Helps thicken the chowder if you like it a bit more substantial.
- Cooked and crumbled bacon (½ cup, optional): Adds a smoky, crispy contrast for those who want some savory flair.
- Fresh parsley or green onions (¼ cup, chopped): Brightens the dish with a fresh, vibrant finish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Corn Chowder Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients
Start by tossing the corn, potatoes, onion, celery, carrots, garlic, broth, salt, pepper, and dried thyme directly into your slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to combine the flavors right from the start. Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The key here is patience, as this slow simmer allows the flavors to meld together and the veggies to soften perfectly.
Step 2: Add the Creamy Mixture
As the cooking time winds down, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, and flour (if you are using it) in a small bowl until smooth. Pour this luscious mixture into the slow cooker and switch the heat to high for another 20 to 30 minutes. This step thickens the chowder and brings a velvety smoothness that makes each bite irresistible.
Step 3: Blend for Creaminess (Optional)
If you prefer your chowder extra creamy, use an immersion blender right in the slow cooker to puree a portion of the soup. Alternatively, you can transfer 1 to 2 cups of the chowder to a blender, puree it until smooth, and stir it back into the pot. This technique elevates the chowder’s texture without sacrificing the lovely chunks of vegetables you’ll want to savor.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Corn Chowder Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Slow Cooker Corn Chowder Recipe is where you can get creative and add personal touches. Sprinkle on some crispy crumbled bacon and fresh parsley or chopped green onions. These little extras elevate the flavor, add a pop of color, and create a delightful contrast in texture.
Side Dishes
This chowder pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables also complement the creamy corn base beautifully, rounding out the meal with light freshness or an additional vegetable boost.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your chowder in rustic bread bowls for an eye-catching presentation that doubles as edible serving ware. Another fun idea is to ladle the chowder into small mason jars for a charming, portable option perfect for casual gatherings or packed lunches. For a touch of elegance, drizzle a little herb-infused olive oil or a dash of smoked paprika on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Slow Cooker Corn Chowder Recipe keeps beautifully for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the leftovers even tastier the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save some chowder for later, freeze it in dedicated freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Remember to leave some space at the top as the chowder will expand when frozen. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the chowder gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of milk or broth while reheating can help restore its creamy consistency if it thickens up too much in the fridge or freezer.
FAQs
Can I make this Slow Cooker Corn Chowder Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken broth for vegetable broth and skip the bacon. This chowder still has plenty of hearty flavor and creaminess without the meat.
What’s the best type of corn to use?
You can use fresh corn when it’s in season for the best flavor, but frozen or canned corn works perfectly well year-round. Just make sure to drain canned corn before adding.
Can I use dairy-free alternatives?
Yes! Swap out the heavy cream and milk for coconut milk or your favorite plant-based milks. The chowder will still be creamy and delicious with a subtle twist in flavor.
How do I thicken the chowder without flour?
Potatoes are natural thickeners, so cooking the chowder until the potatoes get soft and partially mash into the broth helps thicken it. You can also blend a portion of the soup to thicken it without adding flour.
Can I add other vegetables to this chowder?
Definitely! Bell peppers, jalapeños, or even small diced zucchini can add more flavor and color to the chowder. Just adjust the cooking time so everything softens properly.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Corn Chowder Recipe is a true kitchen gem that brings comfort and joy with every spoonful. Its simplicity and rich flavor profile make it an ideal go-to for busy days or when you want to impress family and friends with minimal effort. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of this creamy, hearty chowder to brighten up your meal time!
Print
Slow Cooker Corn Chowder Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes (low) or 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty Slow Cooker Corn Chowder featuring tender potatoes, sweet corn, and a creamy broth infused with herbs. This easy-to-make chowder is perfect for a cozy meal, offering optional bacon for added flavor and versatile substitutions for vegetarian or dairy-free diets.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 4 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Broth and Seasonings
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Dairy and Thickener
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
Optional Garnishes
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Add corn, potatoes, onion, celery, carrots, garlic, broth, salt, pepper, and thyme to the slow cooker. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
- Cook the Chowder: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the vegetables are tender and fully cooked through.
- Prepare Cream Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, and flour (if using) until smooth, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Thicken and Finish Cooking: Stir the cream mixture into the slow cooker. Continue cooking on high for another 20 to 30 minutes until the chowder becomes creamy and slightly thickened.
- Optional Blending for Creaminess: For a richer texture, use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the chowder directly in the slow cooker, or carefully transfer 1 to 2 cups to a blender, puree it, and stir it back in.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the chowder hot, garnished with crumbled bacon and chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth and omit bacon to make this recipe vegetarian.
- Substitute coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños to enhance flavor and add color.
