Corn Chowder

Featured in Warm and Comforting Bowls.

This cozy Corn Chowder offers a lighter, healthier twist on the classic recipe without sacrificing any of the creamy comfort. Fresh corn kernels are the star, supported by a mix of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, celery, and potatoes that add texture and depth. Instead of heavy cream, we use Greek yogurt to create that signature chowder creaminess while adding a subtle tanginess and protein boost. The soup starts with aromatic vegetables softened in olive oil and butter, then builds flavor with herbs and smoked paprika. Some of the soup gets blended with Greek yogurt to create a silky base while leaving plenty of tender vegetables and corn kernels for texture. It's a satisfying one-pot meal that's perfect for any season, especially when fresh corn is at its peak.
A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Sat, 18 Jan 2025 19:01:58 GMT
Corn Chowder pin it
Corn Chowder | myhomemaderecipe.com

A hearty bowl of Corn Chowder combines sweet corn kernels with tender vegetables in a velvety broth that's lightened up with Greek yogurt. This cozy soup bridges the gap between comfort food and healthy eating, making it perfect for both summer days when corn is at its peak and chilly evenings when you crave something warming.

One summer evening, I discovered that adding Greek yogurt instead of cream created a lighter yet still luxurious texture that my family actually preferred to the traditional version.

Essential Ingredients & Selection Tips

  • Corn: Fresh ears should have bright green husks and plump kernels
  • Potatoes: Waxy varieties hold their shape best in soup
  • Greek Yogurt: Full-fat provides the creamiest results
  • Bell Peppers: Choose any color for varied sweetness
  • Fresh Thyme: Adds subtle earthiness that complements corn

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base
Sweat vegetables slowly to release natural sweetness. Cook until onions are translucent but not browned. Add garlic just until fragrant. Let butter melt completely before adding flour.
Step 2: Create Your Roux
Sprinkle flour evenly over vegetables. Stir constantly to prevent lumps. Cook flour mixture for 2-3 minutes. Keep heat medium-low to prevent burning.
Step 3: Develop Your Broth
Add liquid gradually while stirring. Bring to gentle simmer, not rolling boil. Allow potatoes to cook slowly for best texture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Perfect The Consistency
Test potato doneness with fork. Blend portion of soup carefully while hot. Add yogurt to blended portion. Stir back into pot gradually.
Step 5: Finish With Style
Adjust seasoning to taste. Add fresh herbs last. Garnish with extra corn kernels. Drizzle with olive oil.
Easy Creamy Corn Chowder with Greek Yogurt pin it
Easy Creamy Corn Chowder with Greek Yogurt | myhomemaderecipe.com

My grandmother taught me that the key to perfect chowder lies in patience - allowing each layer of flavor to develop fully before moving to the next step.

The Texture Balance

Creating the perfect balance between creamy and chunky textures makes each spoonful interesting and satisfying.

The Corn Chronicles

Understanding corn's natural sweetness helps you adjust seasoning properly - fresher corn needs less help than frozen.

Creamy Corn Chowder Recipe pin it
Creamy Corn Chowder Recipe | myhomemaderecipe.com

Through years of making this chowder, I've learned that it's more than just soup - it's a celebration of seasonal ingredients transformed into pure comfort in a bowl.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen corn works great in this recipe. No need to thaw it first - just add it directly to the soup and it may need a few extra minutes to cook.
→ How do I stop the yogurt from curdling?
Make sure your Greek yogurt is at room temperature before adding it, and blend it with part of the hot soup as directed in the recipe. This helps it incorporate smoothly.
→ Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! The soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days and the flavors actually improve over time. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
→ How can I make this gluten-free?
Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the soup.
→ Can I freeze this chowder?
While you can freeze it, dairy-based soups can sometimes separate when thawed. If freezing, do so before adding the yogurt and stir it in after reheating.

Creamy Corn Chowder Recipe

A lighter take on classic corn chowder made creamy with Greek yogurt - comforting, fresh and full of corn flavor!

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Soups & Stews

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Vegetables and aromatics

01 1 large onion, diced
02 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
03 2 celery stalks, diced
04 3 garlic cloves, minced
05 1 pound potatoes, diced
06 4 cups corn kernels (about 4 large corn on the cob)

→ Base ingredients

07 1 tablespoon olive oil
08 2 tablespoons salted butter
09 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
10 4 cups low sodium vegetable broth

→ Seasonings

11 ½ teaspoon dried thyme
12 1 bay leaf
13 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
14 1 ½ teaspoon salt
15 1 teaspoon black pepper

→ For finishing

16 1 ½ cups Greek yogurt, room temperature
17 Green onions, chopped, for serving

Instructions

Step 01

Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Cook onion, bell pepper, and celery for 8-10 minutes until soft. Add garlic and butter, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 02

Stir in flour to coat vegetables. Add broth, potatoes, corn, thyme, bay leaf, smoked paprika, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer and cook uncovered for 25 minutes until potatoes are tender.

Step 03

Remove bay leaf. Blend about 3 cups of soup with the Greek yogurt until smooth. Return to pot and stir well to combine.

Step 04

Ladle into bowls and top with chopped green onions and an extra dollop of Greek yogurt if desired.

Notes

  1. Take care when blending hot liquids as they will expand in the blender
  2. You can use an immersion blender instead of a regular blender
  3. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days

Tools You'll Need

  • Large heavy-bottom pot or Dutch oven
  • High-speed blender or immersion blender

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter, Greek yogurt)
  • Contains gluten (all-purpose flour)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 274
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 44 g
  • Protein: 12 g