This Sweet Potato Corn Chowder is a warm and hearty soup that’s super easy to make! With creamy sweet potatoes and sweet corn, you’ll get a delicious burst of flavor in every spoonful.
The best part? It’s perfect for chilly nights or whenever you need a cozy meal! I love serving it with some crusty bread for dipping—who can resist that combo? 🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the stars of the show! They provide a lovely sweetness and creamy texture. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with butternut squash or even regular potatoes, but the flavor will be a bit different.
Corn: You can use fresh corn on the cob or frozen corn, which is usually more convenient. If you’re allergic or prefer a different veggie, try diced zucchini or even cooked quinoa for a change!
Bacon: I love the crispiness and smoky flavor bacon adds, but turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon can work if you want a lighter or meatless chowder. You could also just skip it entirely if you’d like.
Coconut Milk: For a dairy-free option, this gives a great creamy texture. If you don’t have it, heavy cream or whole milk are perfect substitutions if dairy isn’t an issue for you.
How Do I Achieve a Creamy Texture Without Overdoing It?
Getting that perfect creamy chowder without it being too thick or overly runny requires a few simple steps.
- Cook the sweet potatoes until tender, as they will naturally break down and thicken the soup.
- Use a potato masher or immersion blender to blend a portion of the chowder. This creates a creamy texture while maintaining some chunky bits for character.
- Adding the cream or coconut milk at the end ensures it stays fresh and creamy without curdling. Don’t forget to stir it well!
- Adjust the thickness by adding more broth if it’s too thick or simmering longer if it needs to reduce.
Sweet Potato Corn Chowder
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
Seasonings:
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp thyme (dried or fresh)
- Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious chowder takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, giving you a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until it’s crispy. Once done, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel to drain. Keep the delicious bacon fat in the pot for flavor!
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add olive oil or butter if needed. Next, toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, or until they become soft and fragrant.
3. Add Sweet Potatoes and Corn:
Now it’s time to add the star ingredients! Stir in the diced sweet potatoes and corn kernels. Cook everything together for another 3–4 minutes. This will help the flavors combine beautifully.
4. Pour in the Broth:
Next, add the vegetable or chicken broth to the pot. Season the mixture with smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat to let it simmer. Cook until the sweet potatoes are tender (about 15 minutes).
5. Mash for Texture:
Take a potato masher or an immersion blender and lightly mash the soup to your preferred consistency. You want some chunks for texture, so don’t puree it completely!
6. Stir in Cream and Bacon:
Now stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk, along with the crispy bacon pieces. Allow the chowder to cook for another 5 minutes, so it can heat through and thicken a bit more.
7. Taste and Season:
Give your chowder a taste and add more salt and pepper as needed to make the flavors pop!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm chowder hot, garnished with fresh chopped chives. It pairs perfectly with some crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
Can I Make This Chowder Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You might want to add a bit of smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a hint of smokiness that bacon typically provides.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover chowder can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much.
Can I Freeze This Chowder?
Yes, this chowder freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!
What’s a Good Substitute for Sweet Potatoes?
If you don’t have sweet potatoes on hand, butternut squash or regular potatoes work as great substitutes. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will vary slightly—it will still be delicious!
