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Corn Chowder Recipe Easy

Looking for a cozy soup recipe that’s simple to make? Wait until you try this flavorful corn chowder recipe that’s super easy to make!

This easy corn chowder recipe takes less than an hour to prepare and tastes so good. From the creamy freshness of the corn to the bits of bacon and spicy jalapenos, this soup has a slight kick with layers of yummy flavor.


Way back in the day, we used to gather with my husband’s family in Long Beach Island every summer.

All of my husbands siblings would gather with their spouses and kids under one roof to reconnect at the beach and make memories.

One year, we decided to do a chowder competition where several of us made some version of chowder and the family taste tested each dish.

While some made different versions of clam and seafood chowder, I made this simple recipe for corn chowder and it was a huge hit!

So I think you’ll love it too.

It’s a great year round soup that is also perfect for a cozy night.

Wait until you taste this light corn chowder recipe!

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Why Is It Called Chowder?

Interestingly, the word “chowder” comes from the word “calderia” which sounds a lot like cauldron doesn’t it?

It’s Latin for a place to warm things, like a pot.

The term evolved over time where the French referred to it as “chaudiere.” And I’ve read that it may also derive from an old English word that referring to a fish peddler, called “jowter.”

cutting fresh corn off the ears to make recipe for corn chowder

What Makes It a Chowder?

While similar to a stew or soup, chowder is usually made with milk or cream and thickened with a roux, crackers, or biscuits.

This soup is made with a light roux.

It doesn’t really need crackers or biscuits but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy them with it.

What’s the Difference Between Corn Soup vs. Corn Chowder?

Soups tend to be lighter and thinner. Whereas chowders are usually thickened with potatoes, corn, and/or seafood.

As much as I love a hearty bowl of thick and creamy chowder, this recipe for corn chowder is a little thicker than a soup bur lighter than a chowder.

And I love it that way.

What Makes This Corn Chowder Recipe So Easy?

Preparing this corn chowder recipe is pretty easy and takes little time.

The great thing about it, is the forgiveness of the recipe so you can tweak it and make adjustments to your own taste.

You can do more or less work if you want, but I prefer to keep soups on the simple side of preparation.

And while I don’t make mine super thick, you can’t beat the light, creamy flavor of this recipe for corn chowder.

Chopping up bacon to make corn chowder recipe easy
I use bacon in this recipe for corn chowder but you don’t have to if you prefer it without!

How to Make Corn Chowder Recipe Easy?

After dicing the veggies up, it’s a one pot meal with minimal clean up.

However, if you prefer a thicker chowder, you can puree some frozen corn in a food processor to add to the soup.

I don’t make it that way because I think that creates a powerful corn flavor to the soup.

Where I prefer it be a little more balanced.

chopped carrots and celery on wood cutting board with knife -best recipe for homemade chicken soup
Chopping fresh vegetables to make the base

Corn Chowder Recipe Ingredients

This recipe for corn chowder uses minimal ingredients, all of which you can keep stocked in your pantry.

Here’s what you need to make this version of corn chowder recipe easy.

  • onion
  • carrots
  • celery
  • bacon
  • corn
  • jalapeno or other spicy pepper
  • garlic
  • flour
  • fresh corn
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • vegetable or chicken stock
  • half and half
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • scallions (optional)
  • cilantro (optional)
  • shredded cheddar (optional)
  • bacon (optional)

When I make this corn chowder recipe, I offer a few different toppings to enjoy. So don’t feel like you have to use all of the options if you don’t want to.

cooking the corn chowder recipe over the stove

Directions to Make This Easy Corn Chowder Recipe

Cut up three slices of bacon.

Heat a dutch oven or stock pot over medium heat with 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.

While the bacon is cooking, dice the onion, carrots, celery, and pepper. (Omit the spicy pepper and go with green pepper if you want it less spicy.)

Then add another tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil to the pot.

Add the onions, carrots, and celery and cook down for roughly 7-10 minutes until soft.

Offer a variety of toppings when serving corn chowder easy recipe that is shown here in ramekins and bowls with a close up of the chowder

Mince one clove of garlic.

Add the minced garlic and saute until it releases that garlicky smell (about 30 seconds-1 min).

To make the roux and thicken it up, add 1-2 tablespoons of flour and mix it in well. I prefer mine a little lighter, so I usually go with 1 tablespoon. And you can also use corn starch in lieu of flour if you prefer.

Next add the vegetable or chicken stock and bring to a boil.

Cook over medium heat until the base boils, then add fresh corn.

Turn down the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes.

Add half and half to bump up the creaminess and heat for 5 minutes stirring constantly. You can also use heavy cream if you want. I usually don’t have that on hand so I use half and half.

Serve with shredded cheddar, bacon, scallions, and cilantro.

corn chowder recipe easy with sides of cheese, scallions and bacon

Variations of This Recipe for Corn Chowder

There are other versions of this recipe with potatoes added. I don’t make mine with potatoes because it adds a few extra steps with peeling the skins and dicing them up.

But if you want to add them in, feel free.

If you do though, cut them up into bite-size pieces and cook them in the soup covered for 45 minutes on medium with the corn and before adding the cream.

And if you prefer to make this dish without the bacon, feel free to omit it. The bacon adds more flavor but if you are vegetarian or want a little less fat, it’s OK to exclude it.

Sometimes if I have leftover cooked chicken breast, I’ll shred that up and toss that in with the cream just to heat it through and then serve immediately.

Enjoy!

close up of corn chowder recipe easy in a yellow bowl ready to eat
corn chowder recipe easy with sides of cheese, scallions and bacon

Corn Chowder Recipe Easy

Looking for a cozy soup recipe that's simple to make? Wait until you try this flavorful corn chowder recipe that's super easy to make!
5 from 3 votes
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 35 mins
Total Time 40 mins
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 5 Servings
Calories 182 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Dutch Oven or stock pot

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Cut up three slices of bacon.
    Chopping up bacon to make corn chowder recipe easy
  • Heat a stock pot over medium heat with 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
  • While the bacon is cooking, dice the onion, carrots, celery, and pepper.
    chopped carrots and celery on wood cutting board with knife -best recipe for homemade chicken soup
  • Then add another tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
  • When it’s heated, add the onions, carrots, and celery and cook down for 7-10 minutes until soft.
    sauteeing diced celery, carrots and onions in dutch oven with wood spoon -recipe for chicken soup homemade
  • Mince one clove of garlic.
  • Add the minced garlic and saute until it releases that garlicky smell (about 30 seconds-1 min).
  • To make the roux and thicken it up, add 2 tablespoons of flour and mix it in well.
  • Then add the vegetable or chicken stock.
  • Cook over medium heat until the base boils, then add the bay leaf and corn.
  • Turn down the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
    cooking the corn chowder recipe over the stove
  • Add half and half to bump up the creaminess and heat for 5 minutes stirring constantly.
  • Remove the bay leaf before serving.
  • Serve with shredded cheddar, bacon, scallions, and cilantro.
    corn chowder recipe easy with sides of cheese, scallions and bacon

Notes

You can make this recipe with diced potatoes too. I love it with Yukon. Toss them in with the corn and cook for at least 45 minutes until they are cooked through.
If you prefer to skip the bacon, feel free. I add it for extra flavor but it’s not needed if you don’t want the extra fat.
If you have cooked chicken breast leftover, feel free to toss that in at the end with the dairy to heat it up but not overcook it.
Here are a few other cozy soups to try:
 
 

Nutrition

Calories: 182kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 8gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 507mgPotassium: 170mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 4358IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 126mgIron: 0.5mg
Keyword Corn Chowder Recipe Easy
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Looking for More Great Soup Recipes?

I love a good cozy soup recipe that is easy to make and feels like a hug in a bowl.

Wait until you try these soup recipes!

corn chowder recipe easy with sides of cheese, scallions and bacon
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Stacy Ling

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Recipe Rating




24 Comments

  1. Can’t wait to try this recipe! Am excited to share it with my followers in my weekend round up post tomorrow!

  2. Wow, Stacy! This sounds so good! I’ll bet the bacon really adds something special. And I love the idea of serving it with all those different toppings! Can’t wait to give it a try. Pinned!

  3. How much corn do you put in? I don’t see that n the recipe! Can you use frozen or canned corn once the season is over?

    1. Hi! I will correct that in the recipe but you can totally use a whole frozen bag of corn or 5 ears of fresh corn. I haven’t made it with canned – I don’t think it would be the same.

  4. 5 stars
    Stacy, I made your easy corn chowder & it was a huge hit!! I left out the jalapenos though. (I’m wimpy!) I’ve been sharing your recipe with several friends. I will certainly make it again. Thanks!

  5. 5 stars
    Was delicious! I added 6 slices of bacon instead of 3! Why not!!! Everyone loved it. I had frozen corn this past summer in 2 cup measurements so it worked out fabulous-Ly! It warmed us up on this cold evening. I Will definitely add this to our winter menu.

    1. I bet – who doesn’t love bacon!!! Love the tweak! It’s so good right? It’s so easy to make and tastes delish I’m so glad you tried it Deanna!