Name: Easy Corn Chowder Recipe: 35 Minute Comfort Crush
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups corn kernels, fresh or frozen; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup diced potatoes; 1/2 cup diced onion; 1/4 cup diced celery; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 cup milk; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: chopped chives for garnish

Jump to Recipe

Oh, corn chowder. Just hearing the name makes me want to curl up on the couch with a big bowl! There’s just something so incredibly comforting about it, isn’t there? And this easy corn chowder recipe? Trust me, it’s a lifesaver on those crazy weeknights when you need something quick, easy, and totally satisfying.

I started making this years ago when my kids were little and I was *always* short on time. They’re grown now, but they *still* ask for it! The best part? It tastes like you spent hours slaving over the stove, but really, it’s ready in under 40 minutes. We’re talking creamy, dreamy, corn-filled goodness that the whole family will devour. It’s the perfect balance of sweet corn, savory broth, and just the right amount of seasoning. You HAVE to try it!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Corn Chowder Recipe

Okay, so why *this* corn chowder recipe? Let me tell you, it’s not just because I say so! Here’s the deal:

Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal

Seriously, from start to finish, you’re looking at maybe 35 minutes. That’s faster than ordering takeout! And the steps? Super simple. Even a beginner cook can nail this, I promise!

Creamy and Comforting

Oh, the *texture*! It’s like a warm hug in a bowl. The creamy broth coats every spoonful of sweet corn and tender potatoes. It’s pure comfort food, plain and simple.

Packed with Flavor

We’re not talking bland, boring soup here. The combination of sweet corn, savory broth, and aromatic veggies creates a flavor explosion! Each spoonful is a little bit of heaven.

Vegetarian Delight

Yep, no meat needed! This easy corn chowder recipe is naturally vegetarian, making it a perfect option for meatless Mondays (or any day, really!). Plus, it’s super easy to make it vegan with a few simple swaps – more on that later!

Ingredients for Your Easy Corn Chowder Recipe

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing easy corn chowder recipe. Don’t worry if you don’t have *exactly* everything – we can talk substitutions later. But for the best results, try to stick to this list:

4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen – either works great!)
4 cups vegetable broth (low sodium is my go-to)
1 cup diced potatoes (I like Yukon Gold, but Russets work too!)
1/2 cup diced onion (yellow or white, your call)
1/4 cup diced celery (adds a nice little crunch and flavor)
2 tablespoons butter (the *real* stuff, please!)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening things up)
1 cup milk (any kind you like – I usually use 2%)
Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy!)
Chopped chives for garnish (optional, but they look so pretty!)

See? Nothing too crazy. Most of this stuff you probably already have in your pantry! Now, let’s get cooking!

How to Make This Easy Corn Chowder Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Don’t worry if you’re not a seasoned chef. I’ve broken down this easy corn chowder recipe into super simple steps. Just follow along, and you’ll have a pot of creamy deliciousness in no time!

Sauté the Vegetables

First, grab a large pot or Dutch oven. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted and shimmering (mmm, that buttery smell!), add your diced onion and celery. Cook them until they’re softened, about 5 minutes. You want them to be tender and fragrant, but *don’t* let them brown! That’s key for a nice, clean flavor.

Create the Base

Now, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the softened veggies. Stir it in really well and cook for about 1 minute. This step helps thicken the chowder, so don’t skip it! Next, slowly whisk in 4 cups of vegetable broth. Do it gradually, whisking constantly to avoid any lumps. Trust me, nobody likes a lumpy chowder!

Simmer the Chowder

Alright, almost there! Add 1 cup of diced potatoes and 4 cups of corn kernels (fresh or frozen, whatever you’ve got!). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are nice and tender. Stir it occasionally, just to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom.

Finish and Season

Time for the creamy goodness! Stir in 1 cup of milk. Heat it through gently, but *do not* let it boil! Boiling the milk can make it curdle, and we definitely don’t want that. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be afraid to add a generous pinch – it really brings out the flavors!

Serve and Garnish

Finally, the best part – serving! Ladle your easy corn chowder recipe into bowls and garnish with chopped chives, if you’re feeling fancy. And trust me, it’s *amazing* served hot with a side of crusty bread for dipping. Mmm, perfection!

Tips for the Best Easy Corn Chowder Recipe

Want to take your easy corn chowder recipe from good to *amazing*? Here are a few of my favorite tricks!

Achieving the Perfect Consistency

The thickness of chowder is a personal thing, right? If you like it thinner, add a little more milk. For a thicker chowder, simmer it uncovered for a bit longer to let some of the liquid evaporate. Or, for a *super* creamy texture, carefully blend 1-2 cups of the soup with an immersion blender (or in a regular blender, but be careful – hot soup can explode!).

Adding Extra Flavor

Okay, this is where you can really get creative! Crispy cooked bacon or diced ham adds a smoky, savory kick. A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce can also take things up a notch. My favorite? A sprinkle of fresh thyme – it’s SO good!

Using Fresh vs. Frozen Corn

Honestly, both work great in this easy corn chowder recipe! Fresh corn is amazing when it’s in season – the flavor is just unbeatable. But frozen corn is a fantastic option year-round. Just make sure to thaw it a bit before adding it to the soup. And hey, don’t toss that corn cob! Simmering it in the broth adds extra corn flavor. Just remove it before serving!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Easy Corn Chowder Recipe

Let’s talk swaps! This easy corn chowder recipe is super flexible. Don’t have something on hand? No sweat! Here are a few of my go-to ingredient notes and substitutions:

Vegetable Broth Options

I usually grab low-sodium vegetable broth – it lets the other flavors shine. But honestly, any kind of vegetable broth works! If you’re feeling fancy, homemade broth is amazing. Even chicken broth works in a pinch if you’re not strictly vegetarian – just adds a slightly different flavor profile.

Milk Alternatives

Dairy-free? No problem! Almond milk, soy milk, or even cashew milk are great substitutes for regular milk in this easy corn chowder recipe. Just be sure to use unsweetened, so it doesn’t mess with the flavor. Coconut milk adds a really interesting sweetness too, if you’re feeling adventurous!

Potato Varieties

Yukon Golds are my fave ’cause they’re creamy and hold their shape well. But Russets work great too – they get a little softer and add a bit more thickness to the chowder. Red potatoes are another good option – they have a slightly waxy texture that I really like. Honestly, use whatever you’ve got!

Frequently Asked Questions About This Easy Corn Chowder Recipe

Got questions? I got answers! Here are a few of the most common things people ask about this easy corn chowder recipe. If you’re still scratching your head, drop a comment below – I’m happy to help!

Can I freeze this Easy Corn Chowder Recipe?

Good question! Yes, you *can* freeze this chowder, but the texture might change a bit. Dairy doesn’t always freeze perfectly, so it might be a little grainier when you thaw it. My tip? Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and gently reheat it on the stovetop. You might need to add a splash of milk to get it back to that creamy consistency.

How long does this Easy Corn Chowder Recipe last in the fridge?

This easy corn chowder recipe will happily hang out in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s stored in an airtight container. It actually tastes even better the next day, after the flavors have had a chance to meld! Just give it a good stir before reheating.

Can I make this Easy Corn Chowder Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! It’s super easy to make this chowder completely plant-based. Just swap the butter for olive oil or vegan butter, and use your favorite plant-based milk (almond, soy, or cashew all work great!). Double-check your vegetable broth to make sure it’s vegan-friendly, too. Boom! Vegan easy corn chowder recipe, ready to go!

Can I use cream instead of milk in this Easy Corn Chowder Recipe?

Oh, you *could*, but it’ll make it *super* rich! If you’re feeling indulgent, go for it! Just keep in mind that cream has a higher fat content, so it’ll definitely bump up the calories. I’d recommend using half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a slightly lighter option. But hey, it’s your chowder – do what makes you happy!

Serving Suggestions for Your Easy Corn Chowder Recipe

Okay, so you’ve got your creamy, dreamy easy corn chowder recipe all ready to go. But what should you serve with it? Here are a couple of my go-to ideas!

Bread and Crackers

A MUST, if you ask me! Crusty bread is *perfect* for dipping into that flavorful broth. Think sourdough, a baguette, or even some yummy garlic bread. Crackers are also great – oyster crackers are classic, but saltines or even Ritz crackers work in a pinch!

Salad Pairings

Want something a little lighter? A simple salad is the way to go! A basic green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a nice contrast to the richness of the chowder. Or, for something a bit more substantial, try an autumn chopped salad with veggies and a light dressing.

Nutritional Information for Easy Corn Chowder Recipe

Okay, a quick note: the nutrition info can vary *a lot* depending on the exact ingredients you use (brands, fresh vs. frozen, etc.). So, the numbers below are just an estimate, okay?

Enjoyed This Easy Corn Chowder Recipe?

Woohoo! I hope you loved this easy corn chowder recipe as much as my family does! If you did, pretty please, do me a favor? Leave a comment below and let me know what you think! Rating the recipe helps other folks find it too. And if you’re feeling extra generous, share it on social media – spread the chowder love!