There’s nothing more comforting than a warm, creamy bowl of chowder on a cold day, and this Slow Cooker Potato Corn Chowder brings that cozy, homemade comfort in every spoonful. It blends tender potatoes, sweet corn, savory aromatics, and a velvety cream base that turns simple ingredients into a rich and satisfying soup. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of creamy texture, hearty vegetables, and subtle sweetness from the corn, making it a dish that feels both soothing and filling.
The magic of this chowder lies in how effortless it is. With basic ingredients and the help of your slow cooker, you can create a silky, flavorful chowder that tastes like it simmered all day—because it did. Whether you’re craving a comforting dinner, prepping for a busy week, or warming up on a chilly evening, this chowder fills your home with inviting aroma and your bowl with delicious, creamy goodness.
If you enjoy cozy, hearty soups that deliver maximum comfort with minimal effort, this Slow Cooker Potato Corn Chowder will quickly become one of your cold-weather favorites. It’s rich, creamy, and absolutely irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Potato Corn Chowder
✔ Creamy, velvety broth with rich flavor
✔ Tender potatoes and sweet corn in every bite
✔ Slow cooker method makes it effortless
✔ Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or cozy nights
✔ Budget-friendly ingredients
✔ Easy to customize with bacon, ham, or veggies
✔ Leftovers taste even better the next day
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This chowder transforms pantry staples into a warm, creamy soup that feels comforting and filling. The potatoes break down into a smooth, thick base, the corn adds sweetness, and the aromatics build deep flavor as everything simmers. It’s the perfect balance of hearty and creamy without being too heavy. Whether you need a simple weeknight meal or a comforting bowl on a cold day, this chowder delivers flavor, warmth, and homestyle goodness with very little prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chowder Base
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 cups corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 large carrots, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Finish
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour (optional for extra thickness)
Optional Add-Ins
• Crispy bacon
• Diced ham
• Green onions
How to Make Slow Cooker Potato Corn Chowder (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Add Vegetables to the Slow Cooker
Place diced potatoes, corn, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic into the slow cooker.
Step 2: Add Broth and Seasonings
Pour in chicken or vegetable broth. Add thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine everything.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the vegetables are soft.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
In a small bowl, whisk flour with a splash of warm broth to make a slurry. Stir it into the chowder. Add heavy cream, butter, and cheese. Mix until smooth.
Step 5: Simmer
Let the chowder cook for an additional 20–30 minutes so it thickens and becomes silky.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Taste and adjust seasonings. Garnish with green onions, cheese, bacon, or herbs. Serve warm.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Potato Corn Chowder
✔ Dice potatoes small for faster cooking
✔ Use heavy cream for extra richness
✔ Add cheese at the end for a smooth melt
✔ Use fresh corn when available for sweeter flavor
✔ Thicken with a slurry if you want a richer chowder
✔ Add bacon or ham for smoky, salty depth
✔ Stir gently at the end to keep potatoes intact
Variations & Substitutions
• Swap potatoes for sweet potatoes
• Add jalapeños for a spicy version
• Use coconut milk for a dairy-free chowder
• Replace cheese with pepper jack for extra flavor
• Add canned green chiles for Tex-Mex style
• Add shrimp for a seafood twist
• Stir in spinach or kale at the end
What to Serve With Slow Cooker Potato Corn Chowder
• Garlic bread or crusty rolls
• Cheddar biscuits
• Side salad
• Grilled cheese
• Cornbread
• Roasted vegetables
• Crackers or oyster crackers
This chowder pairs perfectly with anything warm and buttery.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Adding cream too early — it may curdle
• Over-salting before the chowder reduces
• Using pre-shredded cheese — it doesn’t melt smoothly
• Lifting the lid too often — slows cooking
• Adding peas or greens early — they get mushy
• Using too much broth — chowder should be thick
Storing Tips for the Recipe
To Store
Refrigerate for 3–4 days in airtight containers.
To Freeze
Freeze before adding dairy for best texture. Add cream and cheese after reheating.
To Reheat
Warm on the stovetop or microwave, stirring gently. Add broth if needed to loosen consistency.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Potato Corn Chowder is creamy, hearty, and full of delicious flavor. With tender potatoes, sweet corn, and a rich, velvety broth, it’s the perfect comfort meal for cold days or busy weeks. Simple, satisfying, and always comforting — this is a chowder you’ll want to make again and again.
Recipe FAQ’s
1. Can I make this without dairy? Yes, use coconut milk or dairy-free cream.
2. Can I add bacon? Absolutely — it adds smoky flavor.
3. Can I use canned corn? Yes, drain it first.
4. What potatoes work best? Yukon Gold or Russet.
5. How can I thicken the chowder? Add a flour slurry or mash some potatoes.
6. Can I add chicken? Yes, cooked shredded chicken works well.
7. Can I use evaporated milk? Yes, it works great in chowders.
8. Why is my chowder thin? Cook longer or add slurry at the end.
9. Can I double the recipe? Yes, if your slow cooker is large enough.
10. Can I add cheese substitutes? Yes, but melting will vary by brand.