If you’re looking for a cozy meal that will make your kitchen smell absolutely irresistible and bring a smile to every face at the table, Slow Cooker Amish Corn Chowder is about to become your new favorite go-to. This chowder is the very definition of comfort food: it’s creamy, loaded with sweet corn and hearty potatoes, and gets a flavor boost from smoky bacon and cheddar cheese. The best part? Your trusty slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you with a dish that feels homemade, heartfelt, and completely fuss-free.

Slow Cooker Amish Corn Chowder Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Slow Cooker Amish Corn Chowder comes from its humble yet flavorful ingredients. Each one brings something special to the table—texture, creaminess, or a pop of color—and together they create pure magic in a bowl.

Bacon: Adds irresistible smokiness and a savory crunch that anchors the whole chowder.
Onion: Brings a gentle sweetness and depth of flavor; sautéing first really sets the tone.
Potatoes: Perfect for making this soup hearty and satisfying, with just the right bite.
Corn Kernels: The star! Use fresh, frozen, or canned; they give the chowder its signature sweetness.
Chicken Broth: Adds savory richness to ensure every spoonful is flavorful.
Whole Milk: Contributes to the creamy consistency that makes chowder so comforting.
Heavy Cream: Takes the chowder’s silkiness up a notch for pure indulgence.
Unsalted Butter: Used for the roux, it rounds out flavors and adds a subtle richness.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the chowder so it’s luxuriously creamy, not runny.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning, balancing out the sweetness of the corn and richness of the dairy.
Dried Thyme: Adds a gentle, earthy herbal note that lifts the whole dish.
Smoked Paprika: Introduces a hint of smokiness and a gorgeous blush of color.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the chowder for cheesy, gooey goodness in every bite.
Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh garnish that also adds lovely color to your finished bowl.

How to Make Slow Cooker Amish Corn Chowder

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon and Sauté the Onion

Start by cooking the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s deliciously crisp. Scoop out the bacon with a slotted spoon and let it drain on paper towels. Pour off most of the bacon fat, but leave a tablespoon in the pan—this is flavor gold! Next, add your diced onion and let it sizzle, stirring occasionally, just until it softens and becomes fragrant—it only takes about three or four minutes. This step boosts the overall richness and texture of your chowder.

Step 2: Add Everything to the Slow Cooker

Now, transfer the crispy bacon and sautéed onion straight into your slow cooker. Add the diced potatoes, corn kernels, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Give everything a gentle but thorough stir to combine all those ingredients. The slow cooker will weave all these flavors together over time, promising a bowlful of warmth later on.

Step 3: Slow Cook Until Tender

Pop the lid on your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours (or on high for 3 to 4 hours if you’re short on time). Your kitchen will start smelling amazing as everything simmers gently. You’ll know it’s ready for the next step when the potatoes are perfectly tender but still holding their shape.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Base

About 30 minutes before dinnertime, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute to form a paste—this is your roux, which ensures your chowder is thick and luxurious. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream until smooth, then pour this mixture into the slow cooker. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese as well, and watch as it melts into velvety goodness. Cover and let the chowder finish cooking for the last 30 minutes, giving it a couple of stirs so the cheese distributes evenly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the chowder is rich, creamy, and heated through, finish things off with a vibrant sprinkle of fresh parsley. Ladle up a generous serving and savor every comforting spoonful!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Amish Corn Chowder

Garnishes

A handful of toppings can take your Slow Cooker Amish Corn Chowder from great to unforgettable. Think extra crispy bacon, a scattering of fresh chopped chives or parsley, a few shreds of cheddar, or even a dash of smoked paprika to brighten the bowl. These little touches add pops of color and layers of flavor that everyone will appreciate.

Side Dishes

Something as hearty and flavorful as Slow Cooker Amish Corn Chowder pairs beautifully with a simple side salad, crusty artisan bread, or fluffy dinner rolls for dunking and soaking up every drop. If you’re looking to keep things cozy, serve alongside a platter of roasted vegetables or a classic Amish-style apple salad for a sweet, crisp contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to get creative! Serve your chowder in rustic bread bowls for a fun, edible vessel, or ladle it into mugs for a fireside gathering. For a showstopper, top each bowl with a swirl of sour cream and extra cheddar, or offer a selection of toppings at the table so everyone can personalize their own bowl of Slow Cooker Amish Corn Chowder.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Allow the chowder to come to room temperature, then transfer it into airtight containers and refrigerate. It’ll keep well for up to four days and actually tastes even better the next day as those flavors continue to meld together.

Freezing

You can freeze Slow Cooker Amish Corn Chowder, but be aware that the creamy texture may change slightly on thawing. For best results, cool the chowder completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and leave a little space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat, pour the chowder into a saucepan and warm gently over low heat, stirring often until it’s piping hot but not boiling. If it looks a bit thick, just add a splash of milk or chicken broth to bring it back to its original creamy consistency. It reheats beautifully in the microwave too—just go slow and cover to avoid splatters!

FAQs

Can I make Slow Cooker Amish Corn Chowder vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and swap the chicken broth for a good-quality vegetable broth. You can also add in extra veggies like diced carrots or celery for flavor and heartiness.

What’s the best kind of potato to use?

Both Yukon Gold and russet potatoes work beautifully. Yukon Golds hold their shape well and lend a creamy texture, while russets break down slightly and add a lovely thickness to the chowder.

Can I use canned corn instead of fresh or frozen?

Yes! Canned, fresh, or frozen corn all work—just be sure to drain canned corn well before adding it to your slow cooker. Each option brings delicious sweetness and texture to your soup.

Is Slow Cooker Amish Corn Chowder gluten free?

If you’d like to keep it gluten free, swap in your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the roux. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten free and won’t require any changes.

How do I make the chowder extra thick?

For a super thick and chunky chowder, use less broth, mash a few of the potatoes with a fork before serving, or add a touch more flour to the roux. Just be careful not to let it get too thick, as you still want that creamy spoonable quality!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a bubbling pot of Slow Cooker Amish Corn Chowder waiting for you at the end of a busy day. With its cozy blend of smoky bacon, tender potatoes, and sweet corn blanketed in creamy, cheesy goodness, this chowder is pure comfort with every bite. I hope you give it a try soon—your family (and tastebuds) will be so glad you did!

Slow Cooker Amish Corn Chowder Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy and comforting flavors of this Slow Cooker Amish Corn Chowder. Packed with hearty potatoes, sweet corn, and savory bacon, this soup is perfect for chilly days.

Ingredients

Scale

Bacon:

6 slices bacon, chopped

Chowder:

1 medium onion, diced
3 cups (450 g) diced potatoes
3 cups (480 g) corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
2 cups (475 ml) chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Cream Mixture:

2 cups (475 ml) whole milk
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Additional:

1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Cook Bacon: In a skillet, cook chopped bacon until crisp. Remove and drain.
Sauté Onion: Sauté diced onion until softened. Transfer bacon and onion to slow cooker.
Add Ingredients: Add potatoes, corn, broth, salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Prepare Cream Mixture: Melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly whisk in milk and cream. Add to slow cooker with cheese.
Finish and Serve: Cook for 30 mins, stirring occasionally until thickened. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.