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A warm bowl of creamy cheddar corn chowder topped with shredded cheese and fresh herbs, served with crusty bread.

Cheddar Corn Chowder Recipe – Comfort Food Soup

This cheddar corn chowder recipe is a creamy comfort food soup made with sweet corn, sharp cheddar, and hearty potatoes. Perfect for cozy dinners, family meals, or chilly nights
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Dish, Soup
Cuisine American, Comfort Food
Servings 6
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Wooden spoon
  • Ladle
  • Grater

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 2 cups diced potatoes (Yukon gold or russet)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or milk)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Add-ins:

  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers
  • Fresh herbs (thyme, parsley)

Instructions
 

  • Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, cook onion and garlic in butter until fragrant.
  • Add Vegetables: Stir in potatoes and corn. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
  • Pour in Broth: Add broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer until potatoes are tender (15–20 minutes).
  • Blend (Optional): For creaminess, blend part of the soup with an immersion blender, leaving some chunks.
  • Add Cream: Stir in cream or milk, heating gently. Do not boil.
  • Add Cheddar Cheese: Reduce heat to low. Add cheese gradually, stirring until melted and smooth.
  • Final Seasoning: Adjust salt, pepper, and add herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Don’t Boil After Dairy: Prevents curdling.
  • Use Starchy Potatoes: Helps thicken naturally.
  • Freshly Grated Cheese: Melts smoother than pre-shredded.
  • Flavor Boost: Bacon or smoked paprika adds depth.
  • Storage: Keeps 3–4 days in the fridge; flavors deepen overnight.
  • Corn Options: Fresh for peak sweetness, frozen for convenience, canned for speed.
  • Reheating Tip: Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to loosen texture.
Keyword Cheddar corn chowder, cozy dinner, creamy soup, family-friendly recipe