Creamy Cheesy Corn Chowder: The Ultimate Comfort Soup Recipe

Prepare to fall in love with this incredibly creamy and wonderfully veggie-packed cheesy corn chowder! It’s not just delicious and deeply comforting; it’s a bowl of pure happiness, especially on a crisp fall or cold winter day. The secret? We take a classic, hearty corn chowder and elevate it to new heights by stirring in generous amounts of rich, melt-in-your-mouth cheeses like sharp cheddar, nutty gouda, or smooth Monterey Jack. This addition transforms an already beloved soup into an unforgettable culinary experience that your whole family will crave.

In our home, corn chowder isn’t just a meal; it’s a cherished tradition during the cooler months. My husband, in particular, counts it as his absolute favorite! This soup offers everything you could want: it’s incredibly satisfying, a touch indulgent, and absolutely guaranteed to provide that warm, cozy feeling from the inside out. It’s the perfect antidote to chilly weather, providing both nourishment and comfort in every spoonful.

Over the years, I’ve meticulously refined this recipe, tweaking ingredients and techniques to ensure it’s the very best version you’ll ever make. I’m confident that you’ll adore it as much as we do. This recipe is also perfect for meal prepping; make a generous batch, and you can savor the delightful leftovers all week long. In fact, many believe this chowder tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld and deepen.

Table of Contents

• Why you’ll love this cheesy corn chowder
• Ingredients you’ll need
• How to make cheesy corn chowder
• Optional: use fresh corn cobs to boost flavor
• More cozy soups to love
• Get the recipe

Why You’ll Adore This Cheesy Corn Chowder

• Effortlessly Homemade in Under 30 Minutes: Forget complicated recipes or long hours in the kitchen. This creamy corn chowder comes together quickly, completely from scratch, allowing you to enjoy a wholesome, homemade meal even on busy weeknights. The simplicity of the steps makes it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
• A Bounty of Fresh Vegetables: This chowder isn’t just about the corn; it’s packed with a medley of garden goodness. Generous amounts of sweet corn, tender potatoes, and aromatic onions not only bulk up the soup, making it incredibly hearty and filling, but also contribute essential nutrients and vibrant flavors to every spoonful.
• The Irresistible Richness of Cheese: The star of this chowder, cheese, plays a pivotal role. Melting in the shredded goodness of cheddar, Gouda, or Monterey Jack doesn’t just add a fantastic flavor dimension; it also infuses the soup with an unparalleled creaminess and luxurious richness. The cheese creates a velvety texture that makes this chowder truly decadent.
• Savory Bacon Perfection: Bacon isn’t just an optional topping here; it’s a must-have ingredient that adds a crucial layer of flavor. The crispy, salty bits of bacon, whether stirred directly into the soup for bursts of smoky flavor or served on the side as a crunchy garnish, complement the sweetness of the corn and the creaminess of the cheese beautifully. It’s the perfect savory counterpoint.

Essential Ingredients for Your Cheesy Corn Chowder

Crafting the perfect cheesy corn chowder starts with high-quality, fresh ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component is vital for creating a truly sensational soup:

• Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for the best flavor and texture. It renders delicious fat that forms the flavorful base of your chowder, and the crispy bits add a wonderful smoky, salty crunch.
• Yellow Onion: A staple aromatic, yellow onions provide a sweet and pungent depth when sautéed, mellowing beautifully into the soup and building foundational flavor.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds an irresistible fragrance and a warm, savory note that complements the other ingredients perfectly. Don’t skimp on the fresh stuff for the best taste!
• All-Purpose Flour: This is your thickening agent. When whisked with the bacon grease and aromatics, it creates a roux that gives the chowder its desirable creamy, hearty consistency without being overly heavy.
• Vegetable or Chicken Broth: The liquid base for your soup. Use good quality broth – chicken broth adds an extra layer of savory richness, while vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian-friendly (just omit the bacon).
• Milk (Any %): Whole milk will yield the creamiest, most luxurious chowder, but feel free to use 2% or even skim milk if you prefer a lighter consistency. The milk contributes to the classic chowder texture and richness.
• Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work wonderfully here. Dice them into small, even pieces so they cook consistently and become tender, adding body and a comforting starchiness to the soup.
• Corn (Fresh on the Cob or Frozen): The star of the show! If fresh corn is in season, it’s highly recommended for its vibrant sweetness. Otherwise, high-quality frozen corn kernels are a fantastic and convenient substitute, offering great taste year-round.
• Fresh Rosemary: A sprig of fresh rosemary, finely chopped, introduces an earthy, slightly piney aroma and flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet corn and savory bacon. If fresh isn’t available, a smaller amount of dried rosemary can be used.
• Shredded Cheese (Cheddar, Gouda, or Monterey Jack): This is where the “cheesy” magic happens! Sharp cheddar offers a tangy, robust flavor, Gouda provides a creamy, slightly sweet, and nutty profile, and Monterey Jack delivers a mild, buttery melt. Feel free to mix and match for a personalized blend.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning! Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper are crucial for bringing out all the flavors and balancing the sweetness of the corn and the richness of the cheese. Taste and adjust to your preference.

For serving, enhance your cozy meal with homemade baked goods! Try my famous buttermilk biscuits, soft white dinner rolls, or a slice of wholesome multigrain bread. These accompaniments are perfect for soaking up every last drop of this incredible chowder.

Simple Steps to Crafting Delicious Cheesy Corn Chowder

Making this hearty and cheesy corn chowder is simpler than you might think! Follow these easy steps to create a comforting and flavorful meal that everyone will adore. Each step is designed to build layers of flavor, ensuring a rich and satisfying result.

1. Crisp the Bacon: Begin by chopping your bacon into small pieces. Place these in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook the bacon, stirring occasionally, until it’s perfectly crispy and all the fat has rendered, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the crispy bacon bits to a paper-towel-lined plate, reserving them for later. Leave about 1-2 tablespoons of the flavorful bacon grease in the pot—this will be the foundation for your roux and soup base.
2. Sauté Aromatics and Bloom Flour: Reduce the heat to low. Add your chopped yellow onion to the pot with the reserved bacon grease. Cook gently until the onions are softened and translucent, but not browned, which should take approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute more until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the softened onions and garlic. Stir continuously for another minute or two, ensuring the vegetables are well-coated and the flour cooks slightly, removing any raw flour taste. This step creates a flavorful roux that will thicken your chowder.
3. Incorporate Liquids, Potatoes, and Corn: Gradually pour the vegetable or chicken broth into the pot, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and ensure the flour is fully incorporated. Follow with the milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth. Add your chopped potatoes and the corn kernels (whether fresh or frozen). Stir in the fresh chopped rosemary, coarse salt, and ground black pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine.
4. Simmer to Perfection: Increase the heat and bring the soup mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. The exact simmering time will depend on the size of your potato pieces, so check them regularly to avoid overcooking. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
5. Melt in the Cheese: Once the potatoes are cooked and tender, remove the pot from the heat. Gradually add the shredded cheese to the soup, stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the chowder is wonderfully smooth and creamy. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings (salt, pepper, or even a pinch more rosemary) as needed to suit your palate. The cheese adds incredible richness, so season carefully.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Just before serving, stir most of the crispy bacon bits directly into the chowder. Alternatively, you can keep the bacon on the side and offer it as a topping, allowing each person to customize their bowl. Ladle the hot, creamy cheesy corn chowder into bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, chives, or a few extra bacon bits for an appealing finish. Enjoy this comforting masterpiece!

Optional: Elevate Your Chowder with Fresh Corn Cobs for Deeper Flavor

If you’re making this cheesy corn chowder when fresh corn on the cob is in season, you have a fantastic opportunity to deepen the flavor even further! The cobs themselves hold a remarkable amount of milky, sweet corn essence that can be extracted to create a more profound corn flavor in your soup. This simple, optional step takes your chowder from delicious to truly extraordinary. Here’s how to incorporate this clever technique:

1. Simmer Corn Cobs for a Richer Broth: After you’ve cut the kernels off your fresh corn cobs, don’t discard them! Chop each corn cob in half or into thirds. Add these cob pieces to the pot along with the broth and milk (before adding the diced potatoes or the corn kernels). Bring the mixture to a simmer and let the corn cobs infuse the liquid for approximately 20 minutes. This process extracts additional sweetness and a complex corn flavor that you wouldn’t get from just the kernels alone.
2. Add Potatoes and Corn Kernels: After the cobs have simmered and imparted their flavor, carefully remove them from the pot using tongs. Now, proceed with adding the chopped potatoes and the corn kernels to the flavored broth. Continue to simmer the soup as directed in the main recipe, allowing the potatoes to cook through until they are tender.
3. Remove Cobs Before Finishing: Ensure all corn cob pieces are removed from the pot before you stir in the shredded cheese and prepare to serve the soup. The cobs are purely for flavor infusion and are not meant to be eaten. This technique is a secret weapon for amplifying the natural sweetness and depth of your homemade corn chowder, making it even more irresistible.

More Heartwarming Soups to Enjoy

If you loved this cheesy corn chowder, you’re in for a treat! Here are a few more of our favorite cozy soup recipes perfect for warming up any day:

• Easy Weeknight Chili: A classic, robust chili that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
• Lemon Chicken Farro Soup: A lighter, yet equally comforting soup with tender chicken, chewy farro, and a bright lemon zest.
• Sausage, Broccoli Potato Soup: A hearty and flavorful soup combining savory sausage, nutritious broccoli, and creamy potatoes.
• Ham and Lentil Soup: A wholesome and filling soup, rich with the flavors of smoky ham and earthy lentils.

Get the Full Recipe Details

This recipe was originally published in January 2015 and has been updated with enhanced details and improved instructions for an even better cooking experience.