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Loaded with corn, potato and ham this corn chowder comes together in under an hour and is the perfect weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
It’s flexible. You can use what you have on hand. You can use fresh, frozen or canned corn, whatever kind of potato is in your pantry. The soup is delicious with ham but is also delicious without it. You can substitute bacon for the ham also. So many possibilities.
It’s comfort food. A warm filling corn chowder full of potatoes, ham, corn and lots of delicious flavor. Nothing eats a warm filling bowl of soup for good old fashioned comfort food.
It’s quick and easy. You can have dinner ready in under an hour!
Ingredients Needed
- Butter. I use salted butter
- Onion. Use white or yellow onion
- Garlic. If you don’t have fresh garlic use 1 tsp of garlic powder.
- Flour. This is used as a thickener. You can also substitute cornstarch or arrow root if you need it to be gluten free.
- Chicken Broth
- Milk. I use whole milk but if you want a creamier soup use heavy cream.
- Corn. I used canned corn, drained but you could also use fresh corn or frozen corn.
- Carrots
- Potatoes. I used a peeled russet potato. You could also use yukon gold potatoes. You want a potato that will hold it’s shape.
- Ham. I used leftover diced ham.
- Seasoning. Thyme, Rosemary
- Bacon. Used as a garnish but could also be used as a substitute for the ham.
How to Make Corn Chowder
- In a skillet, cook bacon until brown and crispy. Remove to a paper towel and set aside.
- In a dutch oven or large soup pot, add butter, garlic and onion over medium heat. Cook until onions are soft and translucent.
- Add in flour and stir to combine. About 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and milk. Whisk until slightly thickened.
- Add in carrots and potatoes.
- Bring to a boil and then turn down to a simmer until potatoes and carrots are fork tender.
- Add in ham and seasoning. Salt and pepper to taste.
- Add additional milk or chicken broth If chowder is too thick for your taste.
- Serve with crispy bacon on top.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make corn chowder thicker?
This recipe is not a thick chowder. It is thicker than a soup but not as thick as some chowders. If you would like it thicker use more flour when making the roux. The potatoes will also break down while cooking which will help to thicken the soup.
What makes chowder a chowder?
Chowder is a thick soup. It is made with milk or cream and usually contains vegetables.
Can I make corn chowder in the crockpot?
In a slow cooker combine all ingredients except ham, flour, milk and garnish.
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours (or high for 3-4 hours), or until potatoes and carrots are tender.
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together milk (or cream) and flour until smooth.
Add mixture to the slow cooker. Cover and cook an additional 15-20 minutes until thickened and heated through.
Add in ham and season with salt and pepper before serving. Garnish with bacon and green onion.
Tips from Leigh Anne
- You can use fresh corn, frozen or canned. If using fresh corn, cut off the cob with a sharp knife and be sure and remove all the silk. For frozen corn you can add it frozen or thawed. With canned corn, drain the liquid.
- If you are looking for a vegetarian corn chowder, leave out the ham and bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Garnish with some grated cheese if desired. I like to use cheddar cheese
Pair Corn Chowder with:
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Corn Chowder
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 tsp garlic minced
- 1 cup onion diced
- 1 1/2 cups corn kernels
- 1 cup carrots diced
- 2 Tbsp flour
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk whole
- 1 1/2 tsp rosemary dried
- 1 1/2 tsp thyme dried
- 2 cups potatoes peeled and diced
- 2 cups ham diced
- 4 slices bacon diced and crispy for garnish
- 2 green onions garnish
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook bacon until brown and crispy. Remove to a paper towel and set aside.
- In a Dutch oven or large soup pot, add butter, garlic and onion over medium heat. Cook until onions are soft and translucent.
- Add in flour and stir to combine, about 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and milk. Whisk until slightly thickened.
- Add in carrots and potatoes
- Bring to a boil and then turn down to a simmer until potatoes and carrots are fork tender.
- Add in ham and seasoning. Salt and pepper to taste.
- Add additional milk or chicken broth if chowder is too thick for your taste.
- Serve with crispy bacon and chopped green onion on top.
Tips & Notes:
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours (or high for 3-4 hours), or until potatoes and carrots are tender.
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together milk (or cream) and flour until smooth.
Add mixture to the slow cooker. Cover and cook an additional 15-20 minutes until thickened and heated through.
Add in ham and season with salt and pepper before serving. Garnish with bacon and green onion.
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Nutrition Facts:
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