Amish Corn Chowder is a creamy, comforting soup that’s full of flavor, and the slow cooker makes it even easier to prepare. This recipe combines fresh corn with tender potatoes, celery, onions, and a rich, creamy broth to create a dish that is perfect for chilly days or any time you need something hearty and satisfying. The best part? You can set it and forget it while the slow cooker does all the work, and the result is a warm, comforting bowl of soup that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
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For the Chowder:
- 6 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (about 4-5 ears of corn if using fresh)
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (Yukon Gold or Russet work well)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 ½ cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
- 1 cup heavy cream (optional for extra richness)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, but it helps enhance the sweetness of the corn)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for a subtle smokiness)
For Garnishing (optional):
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Crumbled bacon (if you want a bit of crunch and smoky flavor)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by prepping all your ingredients. If you’re using fresh corn, carefully cut the kernels off the cob with a sharp knife. Peel and dice the potatoes into bite-sized cubes, chop the onion and celery, and mince the garlic. Measure out the rest of your ingredients to make the cooking process smoother.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker
Once everything is prepped, place all of the ingredients into your slow cooker. Add the corn, diced potatoes, chopped onion, celery, garlic, butter, thyme, smoked paprika (if using), and sugar. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and stir everything together.
Step 3: Cook the Chowder
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chowder is ready when the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Step 4: Blend the Chowder (Optional)
Once the chowder is done cooking, you can decide whether you’d like a smoother texture or a chunkier chowder. For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker and blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. If you prefer a chunkier chowder, you can use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes while leaving the rest intact for texture.
If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer about half of the soup to a regular blender, blend it, and return it to the slow cooker.
Step 5: Add Milk and Cream
After blending, stir in the milk and heavy cream (if using). Allow the chowder to heat through for another 15-20 minutes on low. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If the chowder seems too thick, you can add a bit more broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the chowder is ready, ladle it into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chives. You can also sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top for extra flavor or add crumbled bacon for a crunchy, smoky addition.
Serve your Slow Cooker Amish Corn Chowder with crusty bread or crackers on the side for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Amish Corn Chowder:
- Fresh vs. Frozen Corn: While fresh corn is always a great choice, frozen corn can be just as delicious and convenient, especially if you’re making the chowder outside of the corn season.
- Texture: If you want a smooth, velvety texture, feel free to blend all of the soup. For a more rustic chowder, leave it chunky by mashing a few potatoes and letting the rest stay in pieces.
- Extra Creaminess: For an extra indulgent version of this chowder, substitute half-and-half for the milk or add a little extra heavy cream to get a richer, more luxurious texture.
- Add Protein: If you’d like to add some protein to your chowder, diced ham, crumbled bacon, or shredded chicken are all great options. You can stir them in after the chowder is done cooking to heat through.
- Vegetarian Option: You can easily make this chowder vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omitting any bacon or ham.
Variations:
- Spicy Corn Chowder: If you love a bit of heat, add a diced jalapeño or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Corn Chowder: Stir in a handful of shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination) into the chowder for a cheesy, comforting twist.
- Corn and Potato Chowder with Bacon: If you’re a bacon lover, cook a few slices of bacon in a pan until crispy, crumble it up, and stir it into the chowder at the end. It’ll add a smoky flavor and crunchy texture.
Serving Suggestions:
Amish Corn Chowder is delicious on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with various sides. Here are a few suggestions:
- Crusty Bread: A loaf of freshly baked crusty bread or dinner rolls is perfect for dipping into the creamy chowder.
- Green Salad: Serve the chowder alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the soup.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A grilled cheese sandwich makes a great accompaniment, especially for kids or anyone craving a comforting meal.
How to Store and Reheat:
Storing: Leftover corn chowder can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you know you’ll have leftovers, you can also freeze the chowder for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave out the cream until after reheating to prevent the soup from separating.
Reheating: To reheat, simply place the chowder in a pot over medium heat and warm until heated through. If the soup thickens too much during storage, add a splash of milk or broth to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Conclusion:
This Slow Cooker Amish Corn Chowder is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for chilly days. The combination of tender potatoes, sweet corn, and a creamy broth is both hearty and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or as a side, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Plus, the slow cooker makes it so easy – just toss everything in and let it cook to perfection!
Enjoy your warm, creamy bowl of Amish Corn Chowder – it’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion!
