What makes this chowder special is its simplicity. There’s no need to fuss with peeling potatoes, and you can throw everything into the slow cooker in no time at all. The combination of tender Yukon Gold potatoes, sweet corn, and smoky bacon in a creamy broth is just irresistible. And absolutely anyone can whip up this chowder, no matter their cooking expertise—or lack thereof.
So, if you’re looking for something that’s easy to prepare and bound to be a crowd-pleaser, this Slow Cooker Corn Chowder is gonna be your new best friend. Trust me, your family and friends will thank you for it! Whether you’re having a laid-back family dinner or inviting friends over for a cozy evening, this chowder is bound to become a staple in your recipe collection. Why not give it a try? Grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and prepare to enjoy the best bowl of soul-soothing chowder!
How to Make Slow Cooker Corn Chowder
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Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes (unpeeled, diced into 1/2 inch pieces)
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 32 ounces frozen corn (or 8 cobs of corn, kernels removed)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup heavy cream
Directions
- Add the diced onion, frozen corn, minced garlic, diced potatoes, thyme, bay leaves, kosher salt, and black pepper to your slow cooker.
- Pour in the chicken stock, cover, and let it cook on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours.
- When you’re ready to serve, fry the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove it and set aside, then whisk the flour into the bacon drippings, forming a roux.
- Gradually mix in the heavy cream, ensuring the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Pour the creamy mixture into the slow cooker, mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed before serving hot.
Ingredient Tweaks for Your Pantry
If you’re out of heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half for a lighter version. Need to make it vegetarian? Omit the bacon and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. For a gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour.
Preserving Slow Cooker Corn Chowder for Later
Leftover chowder can easily be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the chowder in batches for up to 3 months. Simply reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Perfect Pairings for Slow Cooker Corn Chowder
To complement this chowder, serve it alongside crusty bread—perfect for dipping—or a light, fresh side salad. A glass of crisp white wine or a warm apple cider can also elevate the meal to a whole new level.
Tips for Perfecting Corn Chowder
To enhance the chowder’s flavor, roast the corn kernels before adding them to the slow cooker. This extra step can bring out a deeper, caramelized sweetness. Also, let the chowder sit for a bit after cooking—this allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Adapting Corn Chowder for Any Time of Year
For a summer twist, use fresh corn straight off the cob. When fall arrives, try adding diced sweet potatoes for an autumnal take. In the winter months, a sprinkle of cayenne or smoked paprika can add warmth and spice to the dish.
FAQs:
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh corn kernels, cut right off the cob, make a deliciously sweet addition to this chowder. It might take a bit longer to prep, but the fresh taste is well worth it, especially when corn is in season. You’ll roughly need kernels from about 8 cobs for this recipe.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock to maintain a rich flavor profile. Consider adding smoked paprika or a bit of liquid smoke to capture the smokiness that bacon provides.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chowder up to two days in advance. Make the chowder according to the instructions, allow it to cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stove when you’re ready to serve.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half, any plant-based milk for a lighter option, or coconut milk to add a different flavor dimension. Just keep in mind, switching the cream can slightly alter the chowder’s texture and richness.
How do I thicken the chowder?
If your chowder isn’t as thick as you’d like, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a couple of tablespoons of water and stir it into the chowder. Cook for an extra 15-20 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. The roux made from bacon drippings also contributes to thickening.
Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
Definitely! This recipe can easily be doubled to serve more guests. Just make sure your slow cooker can handle the extra volume. You might need to add a bit more cooking time, but it shouldn’t be a significant increase.
Slow Cooker Corn Chowder
Equipment
- slow cooker
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes unpeeled, diced into 1/2 inch pieces
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 32 ounces frozen corn or 8 cobs of corn, kernels removed
- 1 small onion diced
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
For Chowder Preparation:
- In a slow cooker, combine diced onion, frozen corn, minced garlic, diced potatoes, dried thyme, bay leaves, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken stock and mix well. Cover the cooker and let it simmer on low heat for 6 to 8 hours.
For Bacon Mixture:
- In a skillet, fry the bacon until it becomes crispy. Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet, and using the remaining grease, whisk in the flour to form a smooth paste. Gradually stir in the heavy cream until the mixture is creamy and well blended.
- Pour this creamy mixture into the slow cooker, stirring until all ingredients are fully combined. Taste the chowder and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if desired. Serve hot, and enjoy this comforting dish!
