Creamy Corn Chowder Recipe for Thanksgiving

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of a creamy corn chowder. This classic soup is a perfect blend of sweet corn, tender vegetables, and velvety broth. Whether enjoyed as a comforting meal on a chilly evening or as a delightful starter, this creamy corn chowder is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

My love for corn chowder began during a family vacation to the countryside. We stumbled upon a charming little diner that served the most incredible corn chowder I had ever tasted. Since then, I've been on a quest to recreate that same comforting experience in my own kitchen. After numerous trials and errors, I've finally perfected my own version of this beloved soup.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Substitutions
• Variations
• Dietary Restrictions
• Equipment
• Storage and Reheating
• Pro Tips
• Creamy Corn Chowder Recipe for Thanksgiving
• Comments

Ingredients

• Butter — 4 tablespoons
• Onion — Finely chopped, 1 medium
• Celery — Finely chopped, 2 stalks
• Carrots — Finely chopped, 2 medium
• Potatoes — Peeled and diced, 2 medium
• Fresh or frozen corn kernels — 4 cups
• All-purpose flour — ¼ cup
• Chicken or vegetable broth — 4 cups
• Heavy cream — 1 cup
• Fresh thyme leaves — 1 tablespoon
• Salt — 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper — ½ teaspoon
• Chopped fresh parsley — For garnish

Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.

2. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.

3. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat.

4. Add the diced potatoes, corn kernels, and thyme leaves. Stir to combine.

5. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.

6. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

7. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree about half of the soup until smooth. This will help thicken the chowder while still leaving some texture.

8. Return the pureed soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream.

9. Season with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste.

10. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

11. Serve the creamy corn chowder hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Substitutions

• Heavy cream — For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk. However, keep in mind that the cream adds richness and creaminess to the chowder.

• Thyme leaves — If you don't have fresh thyme, you can use dried thyme. Use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme instead of the tablespoon of fresh thyme.

• Vegetarian version — To make this chowder vegetarian, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. The flavors will still be delicious and satisfying.

Variations

• Seafood chowder — For a delightful twist, add cooked seafood such as shrimp, crab, or clams to the chowder. The combination of sweet corn and seafood creates a heavenly flavor.

• Spicy corn chowder — If you enjoy a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chowder. The subtle spiciness will add an exciting kick to the creamy base.

• Bacon and corn chowder — Fry crispy bacon until golden brown and crumble it over the chowder just before serving. The smoky and salty bacon complements the sweetness of the corn beautifully.

Dietary Restrictions

• Gluten-free — This creamy corn chowder is naturally gluten-free, as it does not contain any gluten-containing ingredients. However, always double-check the labels of store-bought broth to ensure it is gluten-free.

• Vegetarian — To make this chowder vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Ensure that the other ingredients, such as the butter and cream, align with your vegetarian dietary preferences.

• Dairy-free — To make this chowder dairy-free, substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative, such as olive oil or vegan butter. Replace the heavy cream with a non-dairy milk, such as coconut milk or almond milk.

Equipment

• Large pot

• Knife and cutting board

• Immersion blender or regular blender

• Stirring spoon

Storage and Reheating

• Allow the chowder to cool completely before storing.

• Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate.

• The creamy corn chowder can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Pro Tips

• Fresh corn — If fresh corn is in season, use it for the best flavor. Simply cut the kernels off the cob and add them to the chowder.

• Garnish with flair — Elevate the presentation of your creamy corn chowder by topping it with a sprinkle of crispy bacon, a drizzle of truffle oil, or a handful of grated cheddar cheese.

• Texture variation — For a chunkier chowder, reserve some of the corn kernels and add them back into the soup after pureeing. This will provide a delightful contrast in texture.

• Make it ahead — Prepare the chowder in advance and let it cool before refrigerating. The flavors will continue to develop, resulting in an even more delicious soup.