Description
This comforting Slow Cooker Corn Chowder is a creamy, hearty soup featuring a medley of fresh corn, potatoes, and vegetables simmered to perfection. Perfect for cozy meals, it delivers a rich texture and balanced flavors, enhanced with optional crispy bacon and fresh herbs. Easy to prepare and ideal for slow cooking, it’s a delicious and satisfying choice for any season.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 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
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Dairy and Thickening
- 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: Add corn, potatoes, onion, celery, carrots, garlic, broth, salt, pepper, and thyme into the slow cooker. Stir them together thoroughly, cover with the lid, and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until all the vegetables are tender.
- Prepare Cream Mixture: While the chowder cooks, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, and all-purpose flour (if using) in a small bowl until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Incorporate Cream Mixture: Stir the cream mixture into the slow cooker and continue cooking on high for an additional 20 to 30 minutes. This allows the chowder to become creamy and slightly thickened.
- Optional Blending: For an even creamier texture, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup directly in the slow cooker. Alternatively, transfer 1 to 2 cups of the chowder to a blender, puree until smooth, then stir it back in.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot chowder into bowls and garnish with the cooked crumbled bacon and chopped parsley or green onions if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth and omit the bacon.
- Use coconut milk in place of dairy for a dairy-free chowder.
- Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños to introduce extra flavor and color.
