Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood over the stove, a flicker of warmth filled the kitchen, teasing me with the rich scent of sautéing onions and smoky bacon. There’s something undeniably inviting about a creamy one-pot corn chowder on a chilly evening, isn’t there? This comforting bowl brings together tender vegetables and sweet corn, creating a heartwarming dish that’s perfect for cozy nights. Best of all, it’s completely customizable to match your taste—craving a kick of spice or a dairy-free version? No problem! You can whip up this chowder in no time, giving you more moments to savor with loved ones. Isn’t it time to indulge in a bowl of something that feels like a warm hug? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe together! Why is One-Pot Corn Chowder a Must-Try? Simplicity at its Finest: This one-pot corn chowder requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights while still delivering a satisfying meal. Rich, Creamy Texture: With a blend of fresh corn and creamy ingredients, it offers a delightful mouthfeel that comforts you from the inside out. Customizable Delight: Prefer it spicy or creamier? This recipe allows you to adjust seasonings and dairy options to match your personal palate. Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves a good chowder! It’s a versatile dish that can please even the pickiest eaters at your table. Time-Saving Treasure: Whip it up in just under 30 minutes, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy it with crusty bread or alongside a crisp salad. Don’t forget to check out our Creamy Corn Chowder Comfort for more cozy inspiration! One-Pot Corn Chowder Ingredients For the Chowder Base • Bacon – Provides smoky flavor and richness; can be skipped or replaced with diced ham or smoked sausage. • Onion – Adds savory depth and sweetness; no substitutions required. • Carrot – Contributes sweetness and color; no substitutions required. • Celery – Offers a crunchy texture and slight bitterness; no substitutions required. • Potatoes – Helps thicken chowder and adds substance; use any waxy variety; adjust quantity based on desired thickness. • Frozen Corn Kernels – The star ingredient, offering sweetness; fresh corn can be used; if using fresh, cut kernels directly from the cob. For the Seasoning • Fresh Thyme – Adds herbal notes and freshness; dried thyme can be substituted (use less as it’s more concentrated). • Paprika – Provides warmth and color; no substitutions required. • Red Pepper Flakes – Adds optional heat; omit if you prefer milder flavor. • Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning; use to taste. For the Broth and Creaminess • Chicken Broth – Forms the base of the chowder; vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option. • Milk – Contributes creaminess; use plant-based milk for a dairy-free alternative. • Heavy Cream – Enhances richness; substitute with additional milk for a lower-fat option. To Thicken the Chowder • Cornstarch – Thickens the soup; mix with water to form a slurry; adjust amount for desired thickness. Embrace the cozy vibes with this one-pot corn chowder that’s as easy to make as it is delicious! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for One-Pot Corn Chowder Step 1: Cook the Bacon In a large Dutch oven, heat the pot over medium-high heat and add the bacon. Cook the bacon pieces until they become crispy, which should take about 6–8 minutes. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, allowing the excess fat to drain. Keep the rendered bacon fat in the pot, as it will enhance the flavors of your chowder. Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables Add diced onion, carrot, and celery to the hot bacon fat in the Dutch oven. Sauté the mixture for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent. You’ll know they’re ready when the aroma fills your kitchen, inviting you to the stove. This savory base will elevate the creamy one-pot corn chowder. Step 3: Incorporate Potatoes and Spices Next, add the diced potatoes along with fresh thyme, paprika, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Stir everything well to combine, allowing the spices to evenly coat the vegetables. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to awaken their flavors, enhancing the overall warmth of the chowder before moving on to the next step. Step 4: Add Broth and Cream Pour in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream to the Dutch oven, stirring to mix everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, allowing it to bubble softly for about 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are fork-tender, and the chowder is infused with rich, creamy goodness. Step 5: Thicken the Chowder Create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with a couple of tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Slowly pour this mixture into the simmering chowder while stirring constantly for about 5 minutes. The chowder will thicken to your desired consistency, providing that comforting richness every bowl of one-pot corn chowder deserves. Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Once thickened, taste your chowder and season it with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the hot corn chowder into bowls, generously garnishing with the crispy bacon you set aside earlier. Serve this deliciously creamy one-pot corn chowder straight away for the best experience, and watch your family come back for seconds! How to Store and Freeze One-Pot Corn Chowder Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Gently reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to maintain creaminess. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooled chowder in portions using freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Airtight Guidance: Ensure containers are properly sealed to prevent freezer burn, which can affect the chowder’s creamy texture. Reheating: When reheating frozen chowder, do so over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally, and adjust consistency with milk as needed. One-Pot Corn Chowder Variations Ready to put your own spin on this delightful one-pot corn chowder? Customize it with these fun variations to suit your flavor preferences! Dairy-Free: Swap regular milk and heavy cream with your favorite plant-based milk and coconut cream for a deliciously creamy texture. Hearty Veggie Boost: Toss in some diced bell peppers or zucchini for added color, nutrition, and delightful crunch. It’s a great way to sneak in more veggies! Spice Lover’s Delight: Crank up the heat by adding diced jalapeños or a splash of sriracha for a lively kick. It adds an exciting twist that spice enthusiasts will love! Herb Magic: Experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. A sprinkle right before serving can brighten the flavors beautifully. Smoky Twist: For an impromptu flavor party, substitute the bacon with smoked paprika and a dash of liquid smoke, creating a smoky essence that sparks joy. Creamy Mushroom Addition: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the onions for an earthy depth and a delightful texture that pairs wonderfully with corn. Savory Sausage Option: Replace bacon with diced andouille sausage for a delightful smoky and spicy flavor that takes your chowder to the next level. Pair your favorite variation with some of our Creamy Corn Chowder Comfort or our Cheesy Corn Fritters for a meal that radiates warmth and comfort! Make Ahead Options These One-Pot Corn Chowder preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during hectic weeknights! You can chop the vegetables—onion, carrot, and celery—up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. The corn and diced potatoes can also be measured out and kept refrigerated. When you’re ready to finish the chowder, simply sauté the prepped veggies in the bacon fat, follow the remaining steps, and enjoy your warm, comforting bowl just like it was freshly made. Preparing these components in advance allows you to enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort, making it a delightful option for weeknight dinners! What to Serve with One-Pot Corn Chowder As you prepare to enjoy a bowl of this creamy delight, consider pairing it with complementary flavors and textures to create a heartwarming meal. Crusty Bread: A warm, crunchy loaf is the perfect vessel for soaking up the chowder’s rich broth, adding a rustic element to your dining experience. Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette balances the creaminess of the chowder, offering a crisp contrast. Garlic Breadsticks: These buttery, garlicky indulgences provide a delightful crunch, perfect for dipping into your creamy one-pot corn chowder. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or carrots enhance the dish with earthy flavors and vibrant colors, making your plate visually appealing. Cheesy Cornbread: Pairing sweet cornbread with savory chowder creates a comforting duo, perfect for soaking up every last spoonful of chowder. Sparkling Water or Cider: A refreshing drink like sparkling water or an apple cider gives a lightness that cuts through the richness, making each bite even more enjoyable. Apple Crisp: For dessert, a warm apple crisp brings a sweet finish to your meal, harmonizing beautifully with the savory chowder. Herbed Quinoa: This fluffy, nutty side adds a nutritious twist and is a fantastic option for those looking to include more whole grains in their meal. Pickled Vegetables: A small dish of pickled veggies adds zing and acidity, providing a welcome contrast to the creamy richness of the chowder. Expert Tips for Creamy One-Pot Corn Chowder Crispy Bacon Essential: Ensure your bacon is cooked until crispy to avoid a chewy texture that can overpower the chowder’s creaminess. Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thinner one-pot corn chowder, start with less cornstarch in the slurry, and add more as needed for your desired consistency. Blend for Smoothness: For a creamier finish, blend a portion of the soup after cooking and then mix it back in with the chunky bits. Season Gradually: Add salt and pepper to taste during the cooking process, tasting as you go to create balanced flavors in your chowder. Spice It Up: If you enjoy heat, increase the red pepper flakes or try a swirl of your favorite hot sauce right before serving. One-Pot Corn Chowder Recipe FAQs What type of corn should I use for my One-Pot Corn Chowder? Absolutely! Fresh corn is ideal for this chowder when in season, but frozen corn kernels work beautifully too and provide sweetness and convenience. If using fresh, simply cut the kernels directly off the cob to add right before simmering. How long can I store One-Pot Corn Chowder in the fridge? Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I suggest gently warming it on the stovetop and adding a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture. Can I freeze One-Pot Corn Chowder? Yes! For freezing, allow the chowder to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it on low heat, stirring occasionally. What if my chowder is too thick? No worries! If your One-Pot Corn Chowder turns out thicker than you like, just stir in a bit of chicken broth or milk while reheating to achieve your desired consistency. It’s all about finding that perfect texture! Is this recipe suitable for dietary restrictions? Definitely! The One-Pot Corn Chowder can easily be made dairy-free by using plant-based milk and omitting heavy cream. You can also substitute the chicken broth for vegetable broth to make it vegetarian-friendly, ensuring everyone at the table can indulge. Can I add other vegetables to my chowder? Very! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach. Just be sure to adjust your cooking times to ensure everything is tender and flavorful, making your chowder even more nutritious and colorful. One-Pot Corn Chowder: Creamy Comfort in Every Bite One-Pot Corn Chowder is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings, featuring sweet corn and tender vegetables. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 bowlsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? Chowder Base4 slices Bacon Provides smoky flavor and richness; can be skipped or replaced with diced ham or smoked sausage1 medium Onion Adds savory depth and sweetness; no substitutions required1 medium Carrot Contributes sweetness and color; no substitutions required1 stalk Celery Offers a crunchy texture and slight bitterness; no substitutions required2 medium Potatoes Helps thicken chowder and adds substance; use any waxy variety2 cups Frozen Corn Kernels The star ingredient, offering sweetness; fresh corn can be usedSeasoning1 teaspoon Fresh Thyme Adds herbal notes and freshness; dried thyme can be substituted1 teaspoon Paprika Provides warmth and color; no substitutions required1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Adds optional heat; omit if you prefer milder flavorto taste Salt Essential for seasoning; use to tasteto taste Pepper Essential for seasoning; use to tasteBroth and Creaminess4 cups Chicken Broth Forms the base of the chowder; vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option1 cup Milk Contributes creaminess; use plant-based milk for a dairy-free alternative1/2 cup Heavy Cream Enhances richness; substitute with additional milk for a lower-fat optionThickening Agent2 tablespoons Cornstarch Thickens the soup; mix with water to form a slurry Equipment Dutch oven Method Cooking StepsIn a large Dutch oven, heat the pot over medium-high heat and add the bacon. Cook the bacon pieces until they become crispy, which should take about 6–8 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and keep the rendered bacon fat in the pot.Add diced onion, carrot, and celery to the hot bacon fat. Sauté for about 6 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent.Add diced potatoes along with fresh thyme, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes.Pour in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream, stirring to mix. Bring to a gentle simmer and allow it to bubble softly for about 15 minutes.Create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with a couple of tablespoons of water. Slowly pour this into the simmering chowder while stirring constantly for about 5 minutes until thickened.Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with the crispy bacon. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 580mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 180mgIron: 2mg NotesFor a creamier finish, blend a portion of the soup after cooking and then mix it back in with the chunky bits. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
