Slow Cooker Creamy Corn Chowder

Slow Cooker Creamy Corn Chowder is a comforting and hearty soup, perfect for cooler weather. The combination of crispy bacon, tender potatoes, sweet corn, and creamy broth creates a rich and satisfying dish. Best of all, it’s made effortlessly in a slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. This chowder is a great choice for family dinners or meal prep and will leave you craving more with every spoonful.

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups frozen corn
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker. Add the cooked bacon, corn, diced potatoes, chicken broth, thyme, and paprika. Stir to combine.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
5. Once cooked, stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (on low) or 3-4 hours (on high)
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (on low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (on high)

Variations

1. Vegetarian option: Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of this soup.
2. Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the slow cooker for a spicy kick.
3. Extra creamy: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter, but still creamy, version.
4. Cheese: Stir in some shredded cheddar cheese for an extra layer of richness and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover corn chowder in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, or in the microwave in intervals, stirring in between. You may need to add a little extra broth or cream to restore its creamy texture.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
   • Yes, you can use fresh corn. Just make sure to cook it first, then cut the kernels off the cob and add it to the slow cooker.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   • Absolutely! This chowder is a great make-ahead meal. You can prepare it the night before and refrigerate it, then reheat when ready to serve.
3. Can I freeze corn chowder?
   • Yes, corn chowder freezes well. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
4. How can I make this chowder thicker?
   • If you prefer a thicker chowder, you can mash some of the potatoes in the soup once it’s done cooking, or add a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken the broth.
5. Can I use another type of broth?
   • Yes, you can use vegetable broth or even cream-based soups like cream of celery if you’d like to customize the flavor.
6. Is this soup spicy?
   • This recipe is not spicy, but you can add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to make it spicy.
7. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
   • While milk can be used, it won’t give the soup the same creamy richness that heavy cream provides. For a similar result, you can also use half-and-half.
8. What can I serve with this chowder?
   • This soup pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even a grilled cheese sandwich.
9. Can I use red potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
   • Yes, red potatoes work perfectly in this recipe and can hold their shape well in the slow cooker.
10. Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of in a slow cooker?

• Yes, you can make this soup on the stovetop by cooking the bacon, onion, garlic, and other ingredients in a large pot, then simmering them together until the potatoes are tender.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Creamy Corn Chowder is a wonderfully easy and flavorful dish that brings comfort with every spoonful. The combination of bacon, potatoes, corn, and creamy broth makes it the perfect soup for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a chilly day or prepping for a family dinner. With minimal prep and the slow cooker doing most of the work, this chowder is as convenient as it is delicious. Enjoy the creamy, savory goodness in every bowl!

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