Sweet Potato Corn Chowder Recipe

If you are craving a bowl of comfort that bursts with vibrant flavors and hearty warmth, this Sweet Potato Corn Chowder is your new go-to. Combining the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes and fresh corn with savory bacon and a touch of paprika, this chowder offers a delightful balance of creamy and chunky textures. It’s the perfect dish to cozy up with on any day that calls for something nourishing and full of homestyle goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Sweet Potato Corn Chowder comes together with simple ingredients that are easy to find yet essential for building its rich, comforting flavor and satisfying texture. Each element plays a role in creating a layered taste experience from earthy sweet potatoes to smoky bacon bits.

• Bacon: Adds a smoky, crispy element that forms the savory base of the chowder.
• Onion: Brings sweetness and depth when sautéed until soft and fragrant.
• Red bell pepper: Contributes a slight sweetness and vibrant color for eye appeal.
• Sweet potatoes: The hearty star of the dish, providing natural sweetness and creaminess once cooked.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
• Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth that complements the bacon perfectly.
• Kale: Offers a lovely green contrast and a nutrient boost while softening into the chowder.
• Garlic: Infuses aromatics that heighten the savory notes across the dish.
• Flour: Used to thicken the chowder gently, giving it that luscious creamy texture.
• Fresh or frozen corn: Adds bursts of sweet juiciness and texture complexity.
• Chicken stock: The flavorful liquid foundation that ties all ingredients together.
• Half & half: Creates a rich, creamy consistency without overpowering the other flavors.
• Cilantro: Freshly chopped, it lifts the dish with a bright herbal note for garnish.

How to Make Sweet Potato Corn Chowder

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Bacon

Start by crisping the chopped bacon in a large soup pot over medium heat. Cooking it slowly allows the fat to render out, which becomes the flavorful fat base for sautéing your veggies. Keep at least a tablespoon of bacon drippings in the pot for cooking the next ingredients—this carries the smoky, savory notes forward beautifully.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

In the bacon drippings, add your chopped onion, red bell pepper, and cubed sweet potatoes. Season them with kosher salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir and cook this mixture until the veggies soften and the onions become fragrant, roughly 10 minutes. This step builds the hearty taste foundation for your chowder.

Step 3: Add Kale, Garlic, and Flour

Next, toss in the kale, garlic, and flour. Cooking these together for a few minutes helps meld the flavors and allows the flour to toast gently, which is key for thickening later without leaving a raw flour taste. The garlic infuses a rich aroma that starts to wrap the flavors into a cohesive base.

Step 4: Simmer Corn and Sweet Potatoes

Add the corn and pour in the chicken stock, then cover the pot. Simmer gently over medium-low heat until the sweet potatoes are tender enough to mash lightly—about 10 to 12 minutes. This simmering softens the potatoes and allows the corn’s sweetness to infuse the broth, making the chowder comforting and full-bodied.

Step 5: Finish with Half & Half and Garnish Mix-Ins

Pour in the half & half to give the chowder its creamy texture and richness. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until slightly thickened. At this stage, you can stir in some or all of the cooked bacon and chopped cilantro or reserve them as garnishes to sprinkle on top when serving. This flexibility lets you tailor every bowl to your taste and presentation style.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Corn Chowder

Garnishes

A sprinkle of crispy bacon pieces and fresh cilantro on top not only adds texture but also heightens the savory aroma and fresh herbal brightness. A little cracked black pepper or a drizzle of olive oil can also bring extra warmth and depth right before serving.

Side Dishes

This chowder pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm cornbread to soak up every drop of the creamy goodness. A fresh green salad on the side can add a crisp, light contrast that balances the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Sweet Potato Corn Chowder in rustic bowls with a swirl of chili oil or a dollop of sour cream for an extra kick. For a fun twist, try it in bread bowls or miniature mason jars for casual gatherings where presentation adds to the experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the chowder to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal that tastes just as good the next day once reheated gently.

Freezing

Sweet Potato Corn Chowder freezes beautifully. Store portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. To avoid separation, freeze without the half & half if possible, and add cream when reheating for fresh creaminess.

Reheating

Reheat your chowder on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and encourage even warming. Add a splash of cream or broth if it has thickened too much during storage. It’s best enjoyed warm and fresh-tasting, just like the day it was made.

FAQs

Can I make Sweet Potato Corn Chowder vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the bacon with smoked paprika or smoked tofu, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a delicious vegetarian version that still delivers rich, smoky flavors.

Is it possible to use canned corn instead of fresh or frozen?

You can, but fresh or frozen corn has a firmer texture and more vibrant sweetness, which really elevates this chowder. If using canned, be sure to drain it well and add it towards the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.

How do I thicken the chowder without flour?

If you prefer gluten-free or flour-free options, try using cornstarch or arrowroot powder mixed with a little cold water to thicken the chowder. Alternatively, blend a portion of the cooked sweet potatoes to naturally thicken the soup.

Can I substitute half & half with something else?

Yes, light cream, whole milk, or even coconut milk can be used depending on your desired richness and flavor. Keep in mind coconut milk will add a subtle tropical note to the chowder.

What leftover recipes can I use Sweet Potato Corn Chowder in?

Leftover chowder is perfect as a base for shepherd’s pie, a creamy pasta sauce, or even as a filling for savory hand pies. Get creative and enjoy its comforting flavors in new dishes.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Sweet Potato Corn Chowder that warms you from the inside out, combining simple ingredients into a deliciously memorable meal. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or impressing friends with a homemade treat, dive into this recipe and discover your new favorite comfort food. Trust me, once you’ve tasted that creamy sweetness balanced by smoky bacon and fresh corn, you’ll be making it again and again.

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