Oh, friends, let’s talk comfort food! And what’s more comforting than a big bowl of creamy chowder on a chilly evening? I’m seriously obsessed with this Crockpot Corn Chowder recipe – it’s like a warm hug in a bowl, and honestly, who doesn’t need that? Especially when it’s so ridiculously easy to make.

I mean, seriously, this is a dump-and-go kind of deal. Perfect for those crazy busy days when you just don’t have time to stand over the stove. You just toss everything in the crockpot, set it, and forget it! Come home to the most amazing aroma and a ready-to-eat dinner. Trust me, your house will smell incredible!

I remember the first time I made this. It was a particularly gloomy Sunday, and I was craving something hearty but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. This Crockpot Corn Chowder saved the day! Now it’s a regular in our rotation, and I can’t wait for you to try it. I know you’ll love how simple and delicious it is!

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Corn Chowder

Easy and Convenient Crockpot Corn Chowder

Seriously, this is the easiest thing ever! Just dump everything in the crockpot and let it do its thing. Hello, hands-off dinner!

Creamy and Comforting Crockpot Corn Chowder

That creamy texture? The sweet corn flavor? Total comfort in a bowl. My favorite part is curling up with a big bowl on a cold night.

Customizable Crockpot Corn Chowder

Don’t be afraid to get creative! Throw in some extra veggies, maybe some spices… make it YOUR chowder!

Perfect for Meal Prep

Make a big batch on Sunday and you’ve got lunch for days! This Crockpot Corn Chowder is just as good (or even better!) the next day.

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Crockpot Corn Chowder Ingredients

The Corn

Alright, let’s talk corn! You’ll need 4 cups of corn kernels for this recipe. Fresh or frozen works great – honestly, I usually go with frozen because it’s just so easy. But if you’ve got some fresh corn on the cob, shuck it and throw it in! It’ll be a tad sweeter, which is always a good thing, right? Now, canned corn… I’m not a huge fan in this chowder, but if that’s all you have, drain it really well before adding it.

The Broth

4 cups of vegetable broth are what you’re after here. It gives a nice, clean flavor to the Crockpot Corn Chowder. Now, if you’re not vegetarian, you *could* use chicken broth. It’ll add a bit more richness, but I prefer the veggie broth myself. It really lets the corn shine!

The Vegetables

We’re going to dice up about a cup of potatoes. I like using Yukon Gold because they get super creamy, but Russets work too! Then, you’ll need about half a cup each of diced onion and celery. These form the flavor base of our chowder, so don’t skip ’em! Oh, and if you’re feeling fancy, throw in some diced carrots or bell peppers. They add a nice pop of color and flavor. Just about a 1/2 cup of each would be perfect.

The Dairy

Okay, here’s where the creaminess comes in! You’ll need 1 cup of milk and about a 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Now, if you’re watching your waistline (I usually am… until chowder!), you can use a lower-fat milk, but trust me, the heavy cream really makes a difference. You could even use half-and-half! Just don’t skimp too much or you’ll lose that amazing richness.

The Thickener

To get that perfect chowder consistency, we’re making a little roux! You’ll need 1/4 cup of butter and 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. The roux is just a fancy way of saying we’re melting the butter and whisking in the flour to create a smooth paste. This will thicken up our chowder beautifully. Make sure to cook it for a minute or two to get rid of that raw flour taste!

The Seasoning

Keep it simple with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy! Seasoning is key to a flavorful Crockpot Corn Chowder. I usually start with about a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of pepper, then adjust from there.

Optional Garnishes

Okay, this is the fun part! Cooked bacon is my absolute favorite garnish for this chowder. Everything’s better with bacon, right? But you could also sprinkle on some fresh chives or a dollop of sour cream. A little bit of shredded cheese would also be delicious! Get creative and make it your own!

How to Make Crockpot Corn Chowder: Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Crockpot Corn Chowder Base

Alright, let’s get this party started! Grab your crockpot (a 6-quart size works best, but a 4-quart will do in a pinch – just don’t overfill it!), and dump in the corn, vegetable broth, diced potatoes, onion, and celery. That’s it! So easy, right?

Cooking the Crockpot Corn Chowder

Now comes the hard part… waiting! Pop the lid on the crockpot and cook it on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. I usually go with low because I like letting the flavors really meld together. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are nice and tender. Just poke ’em with a fork to check. If they’re still a little firm, give it some more time!

Making the Cream Sauce for Crockpot Corn Chowder

While the veggies are getting all cozy in the crockpot, let’s whip up that cream sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it’s melted and bubbly, whisk in the flour until it forms a smooth paste. This is our roux! Cook it for about a minute, stirring constantly, until it’s lightly golden. This gets rid of that raw flour taste, trust me. Now, gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Don’t rush it! Whisk, whisk, whisk! We don’t want any lumps!

Combining and Finishing the Crockpot Corn Chowder

Okay, almost there! Pour that creamy milk mixture into the crockpot with the veggies. Stir it all together gently. Then, stir in the heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Give it another good stir to make sure everything’s combined. Now, put the lid back on and cook for an additional 30 minutes to let everything heat through. Make sure you keep an eye on it though, as milk can burn!

Serving Your Crockpot Corn Chowder

Ta-da! You’ve made Crockpot Corn Chowder! Ladle it into bowls and serve it up hot. And don’t forget the garnishes! A sprinkle of cooked bacon is always a winner in my book. But you could also add some fresh chives, a dollop of sour cream, or even a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Get creative and enjoy! Seriously, dig in and tell me what you think! I bet you’ll love it!

Tips for the Best Crockpot Corn Chowder

Achieving the Perfect Consistency

Okay, so you want that *perfectly* creamy chowder, right? Here’s my secret weapon: an immersion blender! Just stick it right in the crockpot and pulse a few times until it’s smooth (but still has some chunks, we don’t want baby food!). If it’s too thick, just add a splash more milk or broth. Too thin? A little more cream will do the trick!

Enhancing the Flavor

Don’t be afraid to play with the flavors! Throw in some roasted red peppers for a smoky kick, or maybe a pinch of chili powder for a little heat. And seriously, use good quality broth! It makes a HUGE difference. I love using a low-sodium vegetable broth so I can control the salt myself.

Preventing Burning

Alright, listen up! That last 30 minutes of cooking? Keep an eye on things! Milk can scorch easily, and nobody wants burnt chowder. Just give it a stir every now and then to make sure nothing’s sticking to the bottom. It’s a small thing, but it can save your whole batch!

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Crockpot Corn Chowder Variations

Spicy Crockpot Corn Chowder

Feeling a little feisty? Kick up the heat with a pinch of cayenne pepper. Or, if you’re like me and love a good vinegary kick, a dash of your favorite hot sauce will do the trick! Just a little bit goes a long way, so start small and taste as you go!

Cheesy Crockpot Corn Chowder

Oh, cheese… is there anything you can’t make better? Stir in a cup or two of shredded cheddar cheese right before serving for a super melty, cheesy chowder. Trust me, the kids (and the adults!) will go crazy for this one!

Hearty Crockpot Corn Chowder

Wanna make it a full meal? Add some cooked sausage or diced ham! Brown it up in a pan before tossing it into the crockpot for extra flavor. Kielbasa is amazing in this chowder, or even some leftover ham from Sunday dinner! Yum!

Serving Suggestions for Your Crockpot Corn Chowder

Bread

You *gotta* have some bread with this! I’m talking crusty sourdough, soft dinner rolls… or even better, some cornbread! My family goes nuts for it!

Salad

Want something a little lighter on the side? A simple green salad is perfect. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, a salad with grilled chicken adds some extra protein!

Storing and Reheating Your Crockpot Corn Chowder

Storage Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Just let the Crockpot Corn Chowder cool down a bit, then pop it in an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Perfect for lunch!

Reheating Instructions

Reheating is a breeze! You can either gently warm it up on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or zap it in the microwave. Just be sure to use a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in intervals, stirring in between, so it doesn’t explode! Oops, been there!

Nutritional Information for Crockpot Corn Chowder

Okay, so you’re probably wondering about the nutritional info, right? Here’s a rough estimate for one serving (about 1.5 cups) of this delicious Crockpot Corn Chowder:

Calories: Approximately 300
Fat: Around 15g (Saturated Fat: 8g, Unsaturated Fat: 6g, Trans Fat: 0g)
Cholesterol: About 40mg
Sodium: Roughly 500mg
Carbohydrates: Around 35g
Fiber: About 5g
Sugar: About 10g
Protein: Around 8g

Keep in mind, these are just estimates! They can vary depending on the exact ingredients you use (like if you use low-fat milk or add extra bacon!). But hey, it’s all about balance, right? Enjoy your yummy Crockpot Corn Chowder!

Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Corn Chowder

Can I use frozen corn in Crockpot Corn Chowder?

Absolutely! Frozen corn is my go-to, honestly. It works great, and you don’t even have to thaw it first. Just toss it right in the crockpot! So easy, right?

Can I make Crockpot Corn Chowder ahead of time?

You betcha! This is a fantastic make-ahead meal. Just whip it up, let it cool, and stash it in the fridge. It’s even better the next day, I swear! Perfect for busy weeknights.

How do I thicken Crockpot Corn Chowder?

Okay, so if your chowder isn’t quite as thick as you’d like, don’t panic! You’ve got options. You can either add a little more flour to the roux next time you make it, or you can whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to make a slurry, then stir that into the chowder during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Easy peasy!

Can I add meat to Crockpot Corn Chowder?

Heck yeah! Cooked bacon, sausage, or ham are all amazing additions. Just brown them up in a pan before adding them to the crockpot for extra flavor. Seriously, bacon makes everything better, right?

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Enjoy Your Homemade Crockpot Corn Chowder!

There you have it! I hope you love this Crockpot Corn Chowder as much as my family does! Leave a comment, rate the recipe, and share it with your friends! Happy cooking!