I still remember the first time I made corn chowder in a crockpot. It was a game-changer—not only because of how easy it was, but also because the flavors came together perfectly with minimal effort. This recipe has since become a staple in my kitchen, and I’m thrilled to share it with you today.
Whether you’re a bacon lover or a fan of creamy, hearty soups, this corn chowder is sure to become a favorite. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends and can easily be paired with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Crockpot Corn Chowder is more than just a recipe—it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying to eat. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your dinner table:
Effortless Preparation
This recipe is perfect for busy schedules. With minimal chopping, stirring, and prep work, the slow cooker takes over, allowing you to go about your day while it works its magic. It’s a true “set-it-and-forget-it” meal that delivers big on flavor with little hands-on time.
Rich and Creamy Texture
Cornstarch and heavy whipping cream create a luscious, velvety texture that defines classic chowder. Unlike recipes that rely on heavy flour-based roux, this chowder achieves a perfectly thick consistency while keeping the flavors light and natural.
Packed with Flavor
Bacon is the star ingredient, infusing every bite with smoky, savory goodness. Add to that the herby aroma of thyme, the depth of chicken broth, and the subtle sweetness of corn, and you have a chowder that tastes like it simmered all day in a gourmet kitchen.
Family-Friendly Appeal
This is a dish that brings everyone to the table. From picky eaters to seasoned foodies, its balance of creamy, hearty, and savory notes is a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s customizable: adjust the spices, leave out the jalapeños for a milder taste, or top with extra bacon for a kid-approved crunch.
Tools and Appliances You’ll Need
Having the right tools makes this recipe even easier to execute. Here’s what you’ll need to bring your chowder to life:
Essential Appliances
- Crockpot or Slow Cooker: The heart of this recipe, a slow cooker ensures even cooking and allows flavors to meld beautifully over time. A standard 6-quart model works perfectly.
- Microwave or Stove (Optional): If you’re cooking bacon from scratch, you’ll need a microwave or a skillet to crisp it before adding it to the crockpot.
Utensils and Tools
- Cutting Board: A sturdy, non-slip board for dicing onions, potatoes, and bacon.
- Chef’s Knife: For chopping vegetables and bacon into small, even pieces.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements of broth, cream, and seasonings.
- Ladle: Perfect for portioning out the chowder when serving.
- Mixing Bowl: To dissolve cornstarch in heavy whipping cream for thickening the soup.
- Whisk or Fork: To mix the cornstarch and cream thoroughly without lumps.
Optional Add-Ons
- Veggie Chopper: Speeds up chopping onions and potatoes, saving time and ensuring uniform pieces.
- Soup Bowls or Bread Bowls: To serve the chowder in a cozy, visually appealing way.
- Silicone Spatula: For stirring and scraping the slow cooker to get every last bit of goodness.
Having these tools ready ensures a smooth cooking process from start to finish. This recipe is a reminder that delicious, wholesome meals don’t require complex techniques or fancy gadgets—just a little preparation and the magic of your crockpot!
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The Easiest, Most Flavorful Crockpot Corn Chowder Recipe
- Total Time: 5 to 6 hrs
- Yield: 6–8 Servings 1x
Ingredients
2 cans (15 oz each) of corn: 1 whole kernel (drained) and 1 cream-style
6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled (reserve some for garnish)
2 russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1/2 white onion, diced
1 tbsp minced garlic
1/2 tsp dried thyme leaves (or substitute with oregano or Italian seasoning)
1 bay leaf
4 cups chicken broth (or bouillon cubes with water)
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tbsp cornstarch
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Add both cans of corn to your crockpot. Drain the liquid from the whole kernel corn, but pour the cream-style corn directly in.
Crumble your cooked bacon and add it to the crockpot. If you prefer crispy bacon, reserve some to sprinkle on top when serving.
Dice the potatoes into small, bite-sized pieces and add them to the pot. For a chunkier chowder, leave them slightly larger; for a smoother texture, dice them smaller.
Add the diced onion, minced garlic, thyme, bay leaf, and chicken broth to the crockpot.
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch into the heavy whipping cream until smooth. Remove the bay leaf from the chowder, then stir the cream mixture into the crockpot. Cover and cook for another 30 minutes on low or 15 minutes on high, until thickened.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind the saltiness of the bacon and chicken broth.
- Prep Time: 15–20 Min
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food.
Serving Suggestions
This corn chowder is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad, warm crusty bread, or cornbread. Garnish each bowl with extra bacon crumbles for added flavor and crunch.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing like the smell of a creamy, hearty soup simmering away in the crockpot. This recipe for corn chowder is as easy as it is delicious, and it’s sure to become a new favorite in your home.
If you give this recipe a try, let us know how it turns out! Visit our website or leave a comment on the video to share your thoughts.
Happy cooking!
Crock Pot Corn Chowder FAQ
Q: Can I use fresh or frozen corn instead of canned corn?
A: Yes, you can substitute canned corn with frozen or fresh corn. Use about 1 ½ cups of each to replace the canned whole kernel and creamed corn.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra vegetables like carrots or celery for more flavor.
Q: How can I thicken the chowder without cornstarch?
A: You can use flour as an alternative thickener. Mix 2 tablespoons of flour with water or milk until smooth, then stir it into the chowder. Alternatively, blend a portion of the soup to create a naturally creamy texture.
Q: Can I prepare this in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare all the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. In the morning, simply add everything to the crockpot and start cooking.
Q: What are some good toppings or sides for this chowder?
A: Top your chowder with extra bacon, shredded cheese, fresh parsley, or green onions. Pair it with crusty bread, cornbread, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, this chowder freezes well! Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to preserve its creamy texture.
Q: Can I use a regular slow cooker instead of a multi-cooker?
A: Absolutely! Any slow cooker will work for this recipe. The multi-cooker just offers additional functions like sautéing, which aren’t necessary for this dish.
Q: How do I adjust cooking time for a smaller batch?
A: If making a half batch, the cooking time should remain similar. Monitor the potatoes and adjust the time as needed until they are tender.
Q: What can I use instead of heavy cream?
A: You can use half-and-half, evaporated milk, or a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk or cashew cream. These options may slightly alter the flavor or consistency.
Q: Can I add protein to make it more filling?
A: Yes, cooked shredded chicken, diced ham, or even cooked sausage are great protein options to add to this chowder!
About the Author
Hi, I’m Nikki! I specialize in creating simple, flavorful recipes that bring people together around the table. Follow me for more tips and tricks to simplify your cooking and elevate your meals. Keep things simple, flavorful recipes that bring people together around the table. Follow me for more tips and tricks to simplify your cooking and elevate your meals.