Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of hearty slow cooker corn chowder that promises warmth and satisfaction.
Creamy, rich, and packed with sweet corn kernels, this chowder delivers a delightful meal for any season.
Tender potatoes and smoky bacon blend seamlessly with soft corn, creating a luxurious texture that melts in your mouth.
The slow cooker does all the hard work, infusing each spoonful with deep, soulful flavors that simmer gently throughout the day.
Fresh herbs and a touch of cream add brightness and depth to this classic comfort dish.
Home cooks and soup lovers will adore how effortlessly this chowder comes together with minimal preparation.
Let’s find out a bowl of pure, comforting deliciousness that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Calories: 230 kcal
Servings: 7
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Corn Chowder
For Base Vegetables:
Sweet Corn Kernels: Provides the chowder's signature sweet flavor and creamy texture, choose fresh or high-quality frozen kernels for best results.
Potatoes: Adds heartiness and helps thicken the chowder, select starchy varieties like Russet for smooth consistency.
Carrots: Brings vibrant color and subtle sweetness, pick firm and bright orange carrots for maximum nutrition.
Onion: Delivers deep, savory undertones that build complex flavor profile, choose firm yellow or white onions.
Celery: Contributes a light, fresh crunch and herbal notes, select crisp stalks with bright green color.
Garlic: Infuses rich, aromatic depth to the overall taste, opt for fresh cloves over pre-minced for more intense flavor.
For Liquid and Creamy Components:
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Creates the foundational liquid base, use low-sodium versions for better control of saltiness.
Cream or Half-and-Half: Provides luxurious richness and silky texture, organic options offer deeper flavor.
For Herbs and Seasonings:
Bay Leaf: Adds subtle herbal undertone and complexity, remove before serving.
Dried Thyme: Introduces earthy, slightly minty flavor that complements vegetables.
Salt and Pepper: Enhances and balances all ingredient flavors, use freshly ground black pepper.
Butter: Adds richness and helps develop deeper flavor layers.
For Optional Garnishes:
Crispy Bacon or Smoked Ham: Introduces smoky, salty crunch for extra texture.
Crockpot Tools for Slow Cooker Corn Chowder
Slow Cooker: Essential for slow, hands-off cooking of the chowder.
Immersion Blender: Perfect for partially blending the chowder to create creamy texture.
Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable chopping and dicing.
Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure broth and other liquid ingredients.
Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients in the slow cooker.
Ladle: Useful for serving the warm chowder into bowls.
How to Make Slow Cooker Corn Chowder
Kitchen Prep Gathering fresh, colorful vegetables and creating a warm cooking atmosphere transforms an ordinary day into something special. Select seasonal, ripe ingredients that will infuse your chowder with natural sweetness and depth.
Slow Cooker Magic placing all chopped vegetables and herbs into the slow cooker allows flavors to mingle and develop complex, rich notes. The gentle cooking process ensures each ingredient releases its unique essence without losing nutritional value.
Liquid Harmony combining broth with vegetables creates a harmonious base that will simmer and develop incredible depth. Herbs like thyme add subtle earthiness while creating an inviting kitchen aroma that welcomes family and friends.
Creamy Transformation removing bay leaf and partially blending the chowder introduces a luxurious texture. Adding cream and butter elevates the dish from simple soup to a comforting culinary experience that feels like a warm embrace.
Gorgeous Finishing touches like crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and fresh chives transform your chowder into a visually stunning meal that delights all senses. Each sprinkle adds another layer of flavor and excitement to the dish.
Corn Chowder Cooking Tips and Variations
Quick Tricks and Flavor Boosters
When summer corn is in season, use fresh kernels for an incredible burst of sweetness and natural flavor that canned or frozen corn can't match.
Want a thicker chowder? Mash some potatoes against the side of the slow cooker or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water during the last hour of cooking to create a richer, creamier consistency.
Transform this vegetarian dish into a hearty meal by adding cooked chicken, crispy bacon, or diced ham directly into the slow cooker during the final 30 minutes of cooking.
Kick up the heat with a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of smoked paprika, or some diced jalapeños for those who love a little extra excitement in their bowl.
This chowder freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and reheat gently, adding a splash of extra broth or cream to restore the perfect creamy texture.
Serving Slow Cooker Corn Chowder Comfortably
Cozy Bread Companions: Serve this hearty chowder alongside warm, crusty sourdough or cornbread slices that soak up the creamy broth perfectly.
Fresh Garnish Explosion: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits, sharp cheddar cheese, and chopped chives on top to add delightful texture and zesty flavor contrasts that make each spoonful exciting.
Comfort Meal Pairing: Create a complete dinner experience by adding a light mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette or serving the chowder as a starter before a simple roasted chicken main course for balanced nutrition.
Hearty Winter Warmup: Prepare this chowder on cold evenings when you crave something substantial and comforting, making it an ideal one-pot meal that feeds the soul and warms everyone at the table.
Storing and Reheating Corn Chowder
Smart Batch Cooking: Whip up double the recipe and freeze portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals. These portions stay delicious for 2-3 months when sealed properly.
Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store leftover chowder in sealed containers for 3-4 days. Always place the container in the coldest part of your refrigerator to maintain optimal taste and texture.
Reheating Magic: Warm chowder gently on stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of extra broth or cream to restore creamy consistency and prevent scorching at the bottom of the pot.
Ingredient Swap Trick: Keep the recipe flexible by substituting frozen corn when fresh isn't available. Consider using vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or experimenting with different herbs like rosemary or sage to customize flavor profiles.
Hearty slow cooker corn chowder delights with creamy richness and comforting flavors. Home cooks discover an easy, satisfying meal that warms hearts and pleases palates.
Ingredients
Scale
4 cups (946 ml) sweet corn kernels
4 medium potatoes
4 cups (946 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
2 carrots
1 medium onion
2 celery stalks
2 cloves garlic
1 bay leaf
1 cup (237 ml) cream or half-and-half
2 tbsps (30 ml) butter
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Chopped crispy bacon or smoked ham (optional)
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Chopped chives (optional)
Instructions
Vegetable Preparation: Precisely chop onions, dice carrots and celery, mince garlic, and cube potatoes. Carefully strip fresh corn kernels from cob using a sharp knife.
Slow Cooker Assembly: Layer all chopped vegetables into slow cooker. Pour broth, introducing dried thyme and bay leaf. Sprinkle kosher salt and black pepper to enhance flavor profile. Stir ingredients thoroughly to ensure comprehensive distribution.
Cooking Process: Cover with secure lid, selecting low temperature for 6-7 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours. Verify potato tenderness as primary doneness indicator.
Finishing Technique: Remove bay leaf. Use immersion blender to partially puree chowder, maintaining rustic texture. Fold in unsalted butter and heavy cream, creating silky, rich consistency. Adjust seasoning to personal preference.
Plating and Garnish: Transfer chowder into warm serving bowls. Embellish with crispy bacon fragments, crumbled smoked ham, sharp cheddar cheese shreds, and freshly chopped chives. Serve immediately for optimal flavor and temperature.
Notes
Precision Matters: Uniformly chopping vegetables ensures even cooking and consistent texture throughout the chowder.
Broth Selection: Choose low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth to control salt levels and enhance natural flavors.
Blending Technique: Use immersion blender sparingly to maintain some vegetable chunks, creating a rustic, hearty texture.
Garnish Wisely: Add crispy toppings just before serving to preserve their crunch and maximize flavor contrast.
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.
Michael Reynolds
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.