Warm, comforting Creamy Corn Chowder loaded with sweet corn, tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and rich cream. This easy homemade soup is thick, cozy, and packed with flavor—perfect for chilly days, fall dinners, and comfort food cravings. Made with simple pantry ingredients and ready in under an hour, it’s ideal for weeknight meals, family dinners, and meal prep. Serve with crusty bread for the ultimate cozy soup recipe.
Ingredients
4 slices bacon, chopped (optional but classic)
1 tbsp butter
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups potatoes, peeled & diced (Yukon gold or russet)
3 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned & drained)
3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
1 cup milk
½ tsp salt, adjust to taste
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp paprika (optional)
¼ tsp thyme (optional)
Garnish (optional)
Crispy bacon bits
Chopped green onions or chives
Fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Cook bacon
In a large pot, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside. Leave about 1 tbsp bacon fat in the pot.
2. Sauté aromatics
Add butter, onion, and garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant.
3. Add potatoes & corn
Stir in potatoes and corn. Cook 2–3 minutes.
4. Simmer
Pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 12–15 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
5. Make it creamy
Add milk, cream, salt, pepper, and spices. Simmer gently 5 minutes (do not boil).
6. Thicken (optional)
For thicker chowder, mash some potatoes against the side of the pot or blend 1–2 cups and return to pot.
7. Finish & serve
Stir in bacon. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with garnishes.
Tips & Variations
Cheesy: Add ½ cup shredded cheddar
Spicy: Add cayenne or diced jalapeño
Seafood: Add shrimp or crab at the end
Extra thick: Add 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water
