Discover the ultimate comfort food with our irresistible slow cooker corn chowder recipe. This hearty and creamy dish blends sweet corn with the rich flavors of bacon, potatoes and aromatic herbs. Perfect for chilly evenings or any time you’re craving a bowl of warmth and flavor. Our recipe promises a simple yet deeply satisfying soup.
The best part is, your slow cooker does all the work. Combine and refrigerate the ingredients for the corn chowder the night before, then pour the mixture into your crockpot and turn it on in the morning. When you come home from work, a hot, tasty meal awaits.
Ingredients for Slow-Cooker Corn Chowder
- Milk: Milk is the main binder for this chowder. Its combination with the creamy soup creates a velvety base for the rest of the ingredients. You’ll need 2-1/2 cups of 2% milk but you can use 1% or reduced fat if that’s all you have.
- Creamed corn: We’re not gatekeeping our secret to the creamiest corn chowder—it’s a can of cream-style corn.
- Cream of mushroom soup: Condensed cream of mushroom soup also imparts lots of earthy, savory flavor and amps up the creamy factor in this slow-cooker chowder.
- Frozen corn: Two types of corn add to the chunky nature of this chowder. We also used a bag of frozen kernels but canned or fresh would work too.
- Hash brown potatoes: Traditional chowders usually involve onions and potatoes but we went one step further in the comfort food department with a cup of frozen shredded hash brown potatoes. It is a total game-changer in this soup.
- Fully cooked ham: Ham and corn are a flavor-enhancing combination and sneak some protein into this chowder, too.
- Onion: Sauteed onion bits add some sweetness to the soup and the chunky texture.
- Parsley: A peppery herbaceous finish in the form of dried (or fresh) parsley flakes is the right move.
- Butter: For an extra silky, buttery chowder, you’ll need 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Bacon: Although optional, crispy crumbled bacon is the ultimate topper for chowder.
Directions
Step 1: Add ingredients to the slow cooker
Plug in a 3 quart slow cooker and add all ingredients to the base except for the bacon.
Step 2: Simmer the corn chowder
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for six hours.
Step 3: Garnish and serve
For the final step, transfer the chowder to bowls and garnish with crispy bacon crumbles and minced fresh or dried parsley.
How to Store Slow-Cooker Corn Chowder
Since this soup is heavy on dairy, you definitely don’t want to leave it sitting out in the sun for long periods or it can spoil. Be sure to keep it in a shady spot and place the base of the slow cooker covered with the lid back in the fridge until you’re ready for a second bowl.
How long does corn chowder last?
This savory soup will stay fresh in the refrigerator for three to four days. After that, it may get runny and separate. So enjoy those leftovers while you can!
Can you freeze corn chowder?
Unfortunately, dairy-based soups and chowders do not freeze well. If you are planning ahead, make one of these cozy freezer-friendly soups instead.
Slow-Cooker Corn Chowder Tips
How can enhance slow-cooker corn chowder?
Give it a smoky flavor with fresh grilled corn on the cob. Instead of hash browns, use fresh or frozen cubed potatoes (even sweet potatoes work)! Or add your favorite seasoning blend to give it a signature flavor.
How can you make corn chowder thicker?
If your corn chowder is a little thin after six hours, whisk together a quick slurry. This instant thickener can be made by dissolving a teaspoon of cornstarch or arrowroot powder in water or broth. Then, slowly add it to the slow cooker until your chowder is the consistency you desire.
What can you serve with slow-cooker corn chowder?
Serve this hearty chowder with a light salad or a dunkable hot sandwich. It also goes great with homemade biscuits or cornbread.
