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
Scale
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.
