Creamy Corn Chowder Potatoes (Printer-Friendly)

Comforting chowder with sweet corn, tender potatoes, and smoky accents for any cozy meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 cups fresh corn kernels (approx. 3 ears) or thawed frozen corn
02 - 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
03 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 1 medium carrot, diced
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Dairy

07 - 2 cups whole milk
08 - 1 cup heavy cream
09 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Broth & Seasoning

10 - 3 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
11 - 1 bay leaf
12 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
13 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
14 - Salt, to taste
15 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Optional Garnish

16 - 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (omit for vegetarian option)
17 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley

# How to Make It:

01 - Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, celery, carrot, and minced garlic, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Add diced potatoes, corn kernels, dried thyme, smoked paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to combine flavors.
03 - Pour in broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
04 - Remove bay leaf. Blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or standard blender until smooth, then return to pot for a creamy texture.
05 - Stir in whole milk and heavy cream. Warm over low heat without boiling until heated through.
06 - Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve garnished with crumbled bacon and chopped chives or parsley if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's a secret gem that hides a creamy richness beneath simple, fresh ingredients.
  • The blend of smoky bacon and sweet corn makes every spoonful feel like a cozy little celebration.
02 -
  • Don't rush the sautéing stage—the softened vegetables build the base flavor that makes this chowder stand out.
  • Pureeing part of the soup is a game changer; it thickens the chowder naturally while still keeping some chunkiness.
03 -
  • Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent scorching and ensure even cooking throughout.
  • Adding the dairy at the end and heating gently avoids curdling and keeps the chowder silky smooth.