Corn Chowder Recipe

Comforting sweet corn chowder balances creamy richness with smoky bacon and tender potato chunks for a hearty soup that satisfies with every spoonful.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
35 mins
Serves:
6 servings
An overhead shot of a rustic ceramic bowl filled with golden corn chowder, steam gently rising from its surface. The textured soup reveals visible kernels of corn, diced potatoes, and small pieces of bacon throughout its creamy base. Garnished with fresh chives and a swirl of cream, the bowl sits on a weathered wooden table alongside a chunk of crusty sourdough bread. Natural window light casts a warm glow that highlights the velvety texture and buttery yellow color of the soup, while scattered corn husks and fresh herbs frame the composition, suggesting farm-fresh ingredients and homemade comfort.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">150g bacon, diced</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large onion, finely diced</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 celery stalks, finely diced</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 red bell pepper, diced</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">3 garlic cloves, minced</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">500g potatoes, peeled and cubed into 1cm pieces</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">4 ears fresh corn (about 500g kernels) or 500g frozen corn kernels</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 litre chicken stock</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">250ml whole milk</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">200ml heavy cream</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 bay leaves</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp dried thyme</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp all-purpose flour</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp butter</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Fresh chives, chopped for garnish</li> </ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Immersion blender (optional)</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Corn kernel stripper (optional)</li> </ul>

Equipment for this recipe

Already own suitable equipment? Use yours.

corn-chowder-recipe
No items found.

Helpful equipment

Editorially selected equipment that may help with this recipe. Already own suitable equipment? Use yours.

corn-chowder-recipe
italian-meringue-method-macarons-with-temperature-controlled-shell-recipe

Digital candy thermometer

Precise syrup temperature is part of this recipe. If you already own an accurate candy thermometer for this range, use it.

Primary pick

ThermoWorks ChefAlarm

Alternative

tulumba-syrup-soaked-fried-phyllo-recipe

Candy/deep-fry thermometer

The frying temperature is outcome-sensitive. If you already own an accurate thermometer suitable for hot oil, use it.

Primary pick

ThermoWorks ChefAlarm

Alternative

ginger-smores-sandwich-cookies-recipe

Digital candy thermometer

This recipe calls for measured sugar temperature. Use an accurate candy thermometer you already own if it is suitable.

Primary pick

ThermoWorks ChefAlarm

Alternative

earl-grey-tea-infused-cream-pie-with-pulled-sugar-decoration-recipe

Digital candy thermometer

Pulled-sugar work depends on accurate temperature. An existing suitable candy thermometer is completely fine.

Primary pick

ThermoWorks ChefAlarm

Alternative

coconut-macarons-recipe

Oven thermometer

Useful for checking actual oven temperature when baking temperature-sensitive macarons.

Primary pick

ThermoWorks Square DOT

Alternative

vegan-scalloped-potatoes-recipe

High-speed blender

A high-powered blender is called for here to achieve the intended smooth texture. Already own a capable one? Use yours.

Full-size default and compact alternative; choose based on batch size and your kitchen.

Primary pick

Vitamix 5200

Alternative

Vitamix Propel 510
vegan-enchilada-casserole-recipe

High-speed blender

The cashew cream step explicitly calls for a high-speed blender. If yours can produce the same smooth texture, use it.

Full-size default and compact alternative; either is appropriate when the batch fits.

Primary pick

Vitamix 5200

Alternative

Vitamix Propel 510
green-goddess-smoothie-recipe

High-speed blender

This smoothie explicitly calls for a high-powered blender. A capable blender you already own is all you need.

Full-size default and compact alternative; choose based on capacity and counter space.

Primary pick

Vitamix 5200

Alternative

Vitamix Propel 510
tim-hortons-copycat-chili-recipe

Dutch oven

A durable covered pot for the recipe's long simmer; use your own suitable heavy pot if you already have one.

Primary pick

Le Creuset 5.3 L Round Dutch Oven

Alternative

green-goddess-smoothie-recipe

High-powered blender

The recipe explicitly calls for high-powered blending for a smooth texture.

Full-size and compact high-speed options serve different batch-size and space needs.

Primary pick

Vitamix 5200

Alternative

Vitamix Propel 510
keto-cloud-bread-recipe

Electric mixer

The recipe allows either a stand mixer or hand mixer for whipping.

Stand or hand mixer both satisfy the recipe; choose based on workload and space.

Primary pick

KitchenAid Artisan 5-qt Tilt-Head Stand Mixer

Alternative

Breville Handy Mix Scraper
copycat-pf-changs-dynamite-shrimp-recipe

Frying thermometer

Accurate oil-temperature monitoring helps keep frying consistent and safe.

Primary pick

ThermoWorks ChefAlarm

Alternative

copycat-parkers-pretzel-chicken-strips-recipe

Food processor

A convenient route for crushing pretzels; the recipe also allows a bag and rolling pin.

Primary pick

Cuisinart Custom 14 Food Processor

Alternative

tanghulu-recipe

Candy thermometer

Sugar temperature is outcome-sensitive in tanghulu.

Primary pick

ThermoWorks ChefAlarm

Alternative

ginger-smores-sandwich-cookies-recipe

Candy thermometer

The marshmallow/sugar work depends on measured temperature.

Primary pick

ThermoWorks ChefAlarm

Alternative

lemon-blueberry-whoopie-pie-sandwich-cookies-recipe

Electric mixer

The recipe allows stand or hand mixing for the batter and filling.

Stand and hand mixers are both valid routes for this recipe.

Primary pick

KitchenAid Artisan 5-qt Tilt-Head Stand Mixer

Alternative

Breville Handy Mix Scraper
blue-lagoon-mocktail-cake-recipe

Digital kitchen scale

Accurate gram measurements improve repeatability for the layer cake.

Primary pick

Escali Primo P115 Digital Scale

Alternative

watermelon-margarita-cocktail-cupcakes-recipe

Electric mixer

The recipe permits either a stand mixer or hand mixer.

Two valid mixer formats are kept inside one equipment need.

Primary pick

KitchenAid Artisan 5-qt Tilt-Head Stand Mixer

Alternative

Breville Handy Mix Scraper
copycat-five-guys-bacon-cheeseburger-recipe

Instant-read thermometer

Fast internal-temperature checks help verify burger doneness.

Primary pick

ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE

Alternative

high-protein-lentil-vegetable-soup-with-parmesan-recipe

Dutch oven

A heavy covered pot is well suited to the soup's simmering workflow.

Primary pick

Le Creuset 5.3 L Round Dutch Oven

Alternative

Affiliate purchase links appear only after separate commerce approval.

BAKE SMARTER

Kitchen Converter

Quickly switch between common baking units without leaving the recipe.

Convert
Result—

Volume uses US cups, tablespoons, and teaspoons. Converting weight to volume depends on the ingredient.

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Heat your Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crisp and golden brown, about 5-6 minutes. The fat rendering from the bacon will create a flavorful foundation for your chowder. Remove half the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside for garnish, leaving the remaining bacon and rendered fat in the pot. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Add the diced onion, celery, and bell pepper to the pot with the bacon fat. Sauté until the vegetables are softened but not browned, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. The aromatic vegetables will build the flavor base of your chowder. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. This creates a roux that will help thicken your chowder. Add the butter and stir until melted and incorporated with the flour mixture. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> If using fresh corn, cut the kernels from the cobs by standing each ear on its end and carefully slicing downward with a sharp knife. After removing the kernels, run the back of your knife down the cobs to extract the sweet corn milk, adding this to the pot for extra flavor. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Add the diced potatoes, three-quarters of the corn kernels (reserving the rest), bay leaves, and dried thyme to the pot. Pour in the chicken stock and stir well, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a simmer. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are just tender when pierced with a fork. Be careful not to overcook - the potatoes should hold their shape rather than dissolve into the soup. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> For a creamier texture, remove the bay leaves and use an immersion blender to partially blend some of the soup, or transfer about one-third of the soup to a standard blender, blend until smooth, and return to the pot. This creates a thicker base while still maintaining chunks of vegetable for texture. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Add the milk, heavy cream, and remaining corn kernels to the pot. Return to a gentle simmer (do not boil, as this can cause the dairy to separate) and cook for an additional 5 minutes. The fresh corn added at this stage will maintain its sweet flavor and slight crunch. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4> Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember that the intensity of flavors in soups develops over time, so if possible, let your chowder rest for about 15 minutes before serving for the best taste experience. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4> Serve hot in warmed bowls, garnished with the reserved crispy bacon pieces and freshly chopped chives. For a complete meal, accompany with a slice of crusty bread for dipping. The chowder will thicken upon standing and can be thinned with additional stock or milk if needed. </li> </ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving
🔥 Calories: 325 calories
🥑 Fat: 18 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 9 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 35 g
🍭 Sugar: 8 g
🍗 Protein: 10 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 55 mg
🧂 Sodium: 680 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Can I make corn chowder ahead of time?

Yes, corn chowder actually improves with time as flavours meld. Make it up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk if it's thickened too much. The flavours will be even more developed.

What's the secret to making creamy soup without it splitting?

The key is maintaining gentle heat after adding dairy. Never boil cream-based soups—keep them at a bare simmer. Using a roux (flour and fat) early in the cooking process helps stabilise the mixture. Adding room temperature rather than cold dairy also prevents curdling and splitting.

What can I use instead of bacon for a vegetarian version?

For a vegetarian corn chowder, replace bacon with 1-2 tablespoons of butter or oil plus 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika for smokiness. Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce or miso paste to replace the umami depth that bacon provides. Vegetable stock works perfectly in place of chicken stock.

Want to try something else in ...

More recipes you might like

Keep exploring with more recipes from What's Baking.