americansoup
New England Corn Chowder
Creamy corn chowder with bacon, potatoes and fresh herbs.
Prep
15 min
Cook
25 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
★★★★★
4.6(2,400 ratings)#corn#chowder#soup#new england
About This Recipe
A lighter cousin of clam chowder, this silky corn soup celebrates sweet summer corn. Bacon adds smokiness, potatoes provide heartiness, and fresh thyme ties it all together.
Ingredients
Serves 4
- 4 cupscorn kernels(fresh or frozen)
- 2 mediumpotatoes(diced)
- 4 slicesbacon(chopped)
- 1 mediumonion(diced)
- 2 clovesgarlic(minced)
- 3 cupschicken broth
- 1 cupheavy cream
- 2 tbspbutter
- 1 tspfresh thyme
- salt and pepperto taste
Instructions
- 1
Cook bacon
Fry bacon until crispy. Remove and chop. Reserve 1 tbsp fat.
- 2
Sauté aromatics
In bacon fat, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- 3
Add vegetables
Add potatoes and broth. Simmer 15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- 4
Add corn and cream
Stir in corn, cream, butter and thyme. Simmer 5 minutes. Season to taste.
- 5
Serve
Top with bacon and fresh herbs. Serve hot.
Pro Tips
- →
Use fresh corn in summer for best flavor.
- →
Don't overcook the potatoes — they should hold their shape
- →
Bacon fat is essential for authentic flavor
Variations
- •
Add roasted red peppers for sweetness.
- •
Stir in fresh basil or dill at the end.
- •
Make it vegan with vegetable broth and coconut milk.
- •
Add clams for New England clam chowder variation.
Storage
Keeps 3 days refrigerated.
History & Origin
New England Corn Chowder evolved from clam chowder traditions brought by European settlers. This lighter version celebrates the abundant summer corn of the American Northeast, becoming a beloved comfort dish that bridges maritime and agricultural traditions. The combination of corn, potatoes, and bacon reflects classic Americana.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between corn chowder and clam chowder?
Corn chowder uses fresh or frozen corn kernels as the main ingredient, while clam chowder uses littleneck clams. Both share the creamy, hearty broth base with potatoes and bacon.
Can I use frozen corn?
Absolutely! Frozen corn works great and is often more consistent in quality. Add it near the end of cooking to prevent overcooking.
How do I make this vegan?
Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth, use olive oil instead of bacon fat, and replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Chowder actually improves when made a day ahead as flavors meld. Store in the fridge and reheat gently. Add fresh herbs when serving.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (350g / 12.3 oz) · 4 servings total
Calories380kcal
Protein12g
Carbohydrates42g
Fat20g
Fiber3g
Protein12g
Carbs42g
Fat20g
Time Summary
Prep time15 min
Cook time25 min
Total time40 min
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