If you’re craving comfort food that’s easy to make, you’ll love this Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Corn Chowder. With simple ingredients like potatoes, corn, and rich cream, you can whip up a bowl of warmth with little effort. I’ll guide you through each step, from preparing the ingredients to perfecting the flavors. Join me as we create a delicious meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
Ingredients
Complete List of Ingredients
– 4 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
– 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free version
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
To make my Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Corn Chowder, you need simple, fresh ingredients. First, the potatoes are key to giving the chowder its texture. I like to use medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced. They become soft and creamy during cooking.
Next, corn adds sweetness and a nice pop of color to the dish. You can use fresh, frozen, or canned corn. All options work well.
Onion and garlic are essential for flavor. I chop one medium onion and mince two cloves of garlic. Sautéing them brings out their sweetness, which enhances the chowder.
For the liquid base, I use four cups of vegetable broth. It gives depth and richness to the dish. Then, I add one cup of heavy cream or coconut cream if you prefer a dairy-free option. This adds a rich, creamy texture.
Seasonings like dried thyme and smoked paprika elevate the flavor. I use one teaspoon of each, along with salt and pepper to taste.
Olive oil is used for sautéing the onion and garlic. It adds a smooth richness to the base.
Lastly, I love garnishing with fresh parsley or chives. They add a pop of color and freshness to finish the dish. Each ingredient brings its own special touch to this chowder, making it comforting and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Ingredients
Sautéing Onion and Garlic
First, grab a skillet and set it over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil warms, add 1 medium onion, chopped. Cook the onion for about 3-4 minutes. You want it to turn translucent. Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for another minute until it smells great. This adds a lot of flavor to your chowder.
Preparing Potatoes and Corn
While the onion and garlic cook, peel and dice 4 medium-sized potatoes. It’s best to cut them into small pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Now, measure out 2 cups of corn kernels. You can use fresh, frozen, or canned corn. Set these aside.
Cooking Directions
Combining Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
In your slow cooker, add the diced potatoes and corn kernels. Next, pour in the sautéed onion and garlic from the skillet. Then, add 4 cups of vegetable broth. This broth gives the chowder its base flavor. Stir in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well to coat all the ingredients in the broth.
Cooking Times for Low and High Settings
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on low for 6-7 hours. If you’re short on time, you can set it to high for 3-4 hours. The potatoes should be tender when done.
Finishing Touches
Mashing or Blending the Chowder
After cooking, you have a choice to make. Use a potato masher to roughly mash the potatoes in the chowder. This will thicken the chowder nicely. If you prefer a smooth texture, use an immersion blender. Blend a portion of the chowder until creamy.
Adding Cream and Adjusting Seasoning
Now, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream or coconut cream if you want a dairy-free option. After adding the cream, taste your chowder. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Let it cook for another 15-20 minutes on low. This allows all the flavors to blend together. Your chowder is now ready to serve!
Tips & Tricks
Tips for the Best Chowder
– Choosing the Right Potatoes
For a tasty chowder, I like to use yellow or red potatoes. They hold their shape well and add a nice creaminess. Avoid starchy potatoes like russets; they can break down too much.
– Enhancing Flavor with Seasonings
Seasonings make your chowder sing. I love using dried thyme and smoked paprika. They bring warmth and depth. You can also add a pinch of cayenne for some heat. Don’t forget to taste and adjust salt and pepper.
Perfecting Texture
– How to Achieve Creaminess
To achieve that dreamy creaminess, I blend part of the chowder. After cooking, use a potato masher or an immersion blender. This gives you a thick, velvety base. For a richer taste, stir in heavy cream or coconut cream at the end.
– Adjusting Thickness
If your chowder is too thick, add more vegetable broth or cream. Mix it in slowly until you reach your desired thickness. If it’s too thin, mash up more potatoes or let it simmer longer without the lid. This will help it thicken naturally.

Variations
Dairy-Free Options
Using Coconut Cream
If you want a dairy-free chowder, coconut cream is a great choice. It adds a rich and creamy texture. To use it, simply swap the heavy cream for one cup of coconut cream. This change keeps the chowder thick while adding a hint of sweetness.
Alternative Creamy Ingredients
You can also try other dairy-free options. Cashew cream or almond milk can work well too. For cashew cream, soak cashews in water overnight. Blend them with a bit of water until smooth. Then stir it into the chowder for creaminess.
Additional Ingredients to Consider
Protein Additions
To make your chowder heartier, you can add protein. Diced cooked chicken or crispy bacon bits blend nicely into the flavors. Just stir in about one to two cups of your chosen protein during the last hour of cooking. This will infuse the chowder with extra taste and texture.
Vegetable Variations
Feel free to get creative with your vegetables. Diced carrots, bell peppers, or celery can add color and crunch. You can also use frozen peas or green beans for a pop of freshness. Just remember to chop them into small pieces for even cooking.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your chowder fresh, you can store leftovers easily. First, let the chowder cool down. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to label it with the date so you remember when you made it.
If you want to store it longer, freezing is a great option. Pour the cooled chowder into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top, as liquids expand when frozen. You can freeze it for up to 3 months.
Reheating Tips
When you want to enjoy your chowder again, reheating is simple. The best method is to use the stove. Pour the chowder into a pot and heat it over medium heat. Stir it often to keep it from sticking.
If you prefer the microwave, place the chowder in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in short bursts, about 1-2 minutes at a time. Stir in between to ensure even heating.
To keep the chowder creamy, avoid boiling it. High heat can change the texture. If you find it too thick, add a splash of broth or cream while reheating. This will help restore its smoothness.
FAQs
Common Questions About Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Corn Chowder
Can I use frozen corn?
Yes, you can use frozen corn in this recipe. It saves time and is easy to use. Just add it directly to the slow cooker. Frozen corn cooks well and tastes great in chowder.
How long does the chowder last in the fridge?
The chowder lasts for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Reheat it on the stove or microwave when you’re ready to eat.
Can I make this chowder ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it ahead of time. Cook it and let it cool before storing it. This chowder also tastes better the next day as the flavors blend.
Is it possible to make it vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this chowder vegan. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Also, make sure to use vegetable broth for a full vegan option.
This chowder recipe is a delightful mix of potatoes, corn, and seasonings. You learned how to prepare the ingredients and cook them in a slow cooker. Tips on texture and flavor enhance your chowder experience. You can also explore variations to suit your taste.
In the end, this dish is easy to make and great to share. Enjoy the warmth and comfort that comes from each bowl!
