As the sun dips below the horizon and a chill settles in the air, I find myself reminiscing about cozy evenings spent around the table, sharing hearty meals. This Slow Cooker Amish Corn Chowder captures those moments perfectly—a creamy delight that a busy cook like me can whip up with ease. Packed with sweet corn and tender potatoes, this rich concoction transforms any cold night into a warm embrace. The best part? You can prepare it with minimal effort, making it a perfect choice for bustling weeknights or lazy Sunday lunches. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or feed a crowd, this comfort food is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Curious how this delightful chowder can warm your home? Let’s dive into the recipe!

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Why Is This Chowder So Special?

Uniqueness: This recipe captures the essence of traditional Amish comfort food, ensuring every bite feels like a warm hug.
Ease of Preparation: With just a few ingredients and a slow cooker, dinner practically makes itself!
Versatile Options: From stovetop variants to lighter vegetarian choices, you can easily customize it to suit your dietary needs.
Rich Comfort: The creamy texture, combined with sweet corn and hearty potatoes, makes it irresistibly satisfying and perfect for chilly evenings.
Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers store well in the fridge, providing tasty meals for days—perfect for busy schedules. If you’re after something similar, check out our delicious Mexican Street Corn for another comforting option!

Slow Cooker Amish Corn Chowder Ingredients

For the Chowder Base
• Potatoes – Provide the main body and creamy texture of the chowder; frozen diced potatoes can save you time.
• Fresh Corn – Adds sweetness and flavor; substitute with canned or frozen corn if fresh isn’t available.
• Onion – Adds depth of flavor; chop finely for even distribution in the soup.
• Garlic – Enhances seasoning; mince it for greater intensity.
• Broth (Chicken or Vegetable) – The flavorful base; use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
• Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste as needed.
• Smoked Paprika – Adds smokiness; use optionally for traditional chowder flavor.
• Thyme – Adds earthy notes; can be substituted with Italian seasoning.

For the Creamy Mixture
• Butter – Used to create a thick roux for creaminess; margarine is a great dairy-free substitute.
• Flour – Thickens the chowder; make sure to cook it briefly to avoid a raw taste.
• Milk & Heavy Cream – Provide a rich and creamy texture; for a lighter version, half-and-half or evaporated milk work just as well.

For Optional Garnishes
• Cheddar Cheese (optional) – Enhances creaminess; consider vegan cheese for a dairy-free chowder.
• Turkey Bacon (optional) – Adds a savory, crispy topping; can be omitted for a vegetarian feel.

This Slow Cooker Amish Corn Chowder is not just a recipe; it’s a canvas for comfort, warmth, and love—perfect for gathering your loved ones around the dinner table!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Amish Corn Chowder

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into small, even cubes, as this will ensure they cook uniformly. Next, finely chop the onion and mince the garlic, allowing them to release their rich flavors. If using fresh corn, carefully remove the kernels from the cob to add its sweet essence to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Layer in Slow Cooker
In your slow cooker, layer the diced potatoes, fresh corn, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, then season the mixture with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme, ensuring an even distribution of flavors. Give it a gentle stir to combine all the ingredients, setting the base for your Slow Cooker Amish Corn Chowder.

Step 3: Cook
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and select the low setting, allowing the chowder to cook for 6-7 hours. If you’re short on time, set it to high for 3-4 hours. As the cooking progresses, your kitchen will fill with fragrant aromas, signaling that the potatoes are becoming tender and the flavors are melding beautifully.

Step 4: Thicken Chowder
Around 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in ¼ cup of flour for about a minute, cooking it until slightly golden to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually add 1 cup of milk and ½ cup of heavy cream, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce, then pour this velvety mixture into the slow cooker and gently stir it in.

Step 5: Optional Cheese Addition
If you’re craving extra creaminess, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the chowder, allowing it to melt into the mixture. Watch as it transforms your Slow Cooker Amish Corn Chowder into an indulgent delight. Let it heat through for about 5-10 minutes, ensuring the cheese fully incorporates and enhances the chowder’s richness.

Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once the chowder is thick and luxuriously creamy, spoon generous portions into warm bowls. For a finishing touch, garnish with crispy turkey bacon, chopped parsley, or sliced green onions—these add a pop of color and texture. Your comforting Slow Cooker Amish Corn Chowder is ready to bring warmth and happiness to your dinner table!

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Expert Tips for Slow Cooker Amish Corn Chowder

Avoid Curdling: Add milk and cream towards the end of cooking. Never let the chowder boil after adding dairy to maintain a smooth texture.
Fresh vs. Frozen Corn: While fresh corn is sweet and flavorful, don’t hesitate to use frozen corn for convenience; just be aware of the slight difference in texture.
Perfectly Thickened Chowder: Make sure to cook the flour briefly in butter to prevent a raw taste. Stir continuously to achieve an even consistency.
Customize Your Chowder: Feel free to add vegetables or herbs that you enjoy, making this Slow Cooker Amish Corn Chowder a true reflection of your personal taste.
Meal Prep Hero: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy comfort food throughout the week.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Amish Corn Chowder

As the comforting aroma of chowder fills your home, it’s time to complete your meal with delightful pairings that enhance this creamy dish.

Crusty Bread: The perfect vessel for scooping up the chowder, it adds a satisfying crunch and complements the creamy texture.
Simple Green Salad: A refreshing mix of greens tossed in a light vinaigrette offers a bright contrast to the rich flavors of the chowder. It’s a balance of flavors that brightens your plate.
Garlic Knots: These buttery, garlicky bites are a wonderful addition, providing a savory touch that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the corn.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted to perfection add an earthy depth and a pleasing texture, making the meal heartier and more nutritious.
Cheddar Bay Biscuits: Serve these warm, cheesy delights for a fun twist; they add both flavor and a delightful texture that complements the chowder beautifully.
Apple Crisp: This warm, sweet dessert with a crunchy topping is the perfect ending to your meal, echoing the cozy comfort of the chowder while bringing a hint of sweetness.

Indulge in these pairings to create a well-rounded experience that transforms your dining table into a haven of warmth and flavor.

Make Ahead Options

These Slow Cooker Amish Corn Chowder components are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop the potatoes, onions, and garlic up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Additionally, if using fresh corn, you can remove the kernels ahead of time as well. When you’re ready to enjoy this comforting dish, layer the prepped ingredients in your slow cooker with the broth and seasonings and let it cook. To preserve that luscious creaminess, wait until about 30 minutes before serving to add the milk and cream mixture, ensuring your chowder remains just as delicious and satisfying!

How to Store and Freeze Slow Cooker Amish Corn Chowder

Fridge: Store leftover chowder in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, stirring occasionally to maintain a creamy texture.

Freezer: Freeze the chowder in individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: When reheating from frozen, warm slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring in a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.

Cooling: Allow the chowder to cool to room temperature before transferring to the fridge or freezer to prevent condensation that can affect texture.

Slow Cooker Amish Corn Chowder Variations

Customize your Slow Cooker Amish Corn Chowder with these delightful twists that enrich flavor and cater to your dietary needs!

Vegetarian Delight: Omit turkey bacon entirely or replace it with hearty vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for a fresh flavor.
Dairy-Free Delight: Swap milk and cream for creamy coconut milk or cashew cream, imparting a subtle sweetness while keeping it rich.
Spice it Up: For a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the chowder for a comforting heat.
Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh dill or cilantro in place of thyme, creating a different flavor profile that brightens the chowder.
Zesty Citrus: Squeeze in a touch of lemon or lime juice before serving to elevate the chowder’s flavors and bring a refreshing zing.
Savory Twist: Incorporate cooked diced ham or smoked sausage for a smoky, savory depth reminiscent of rustic gatherings.
Texture Boost: Add some crunchy toppings like crispy tortilla strips, croutons, or a sprinkle of corn tortilla chips for textural contrast.
Sweet & Savory: Mix in diced sweet potatoes or butternut squash along with the traditional potatoes for a touch of natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the corn.

These variations are just the beginning. Feel free to get creative and make this chowder your own! If you’re in the mood for something Mexican-inspired afterward, check out our delightful Mexican Street Corn for another comforting option!

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Slow Cooker Amish Corn Chowder Recipe FAQs

What type of potatoes should I use for the chowder?
Absolutely! For the best texture, I recommend using Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes as they create a creamy base. If you’re short on time, frozen diced potatoes work well in this recipe!

How long can I store the chowder in the refrigerator?
Very! You can store the Slow Cooker Amish Corn Chowder in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just make sure it has cooled completely before placing it in the fridge to maintain optimal freshness.

Can I freeze the chowder for later use?
Yes, indeed! To freeze, allow the chowder to cool to room temperature and then pour it into airtight freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Remember to label the containers with the date so you can keep track. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring in a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.

What can I do if my chowder is too thick?
Don’t worry; this can happen! If your chowder turns out thicker than you’d like, just stir in a bit of additional broth or milk while reheating to achieve your desired consistency. Also, remember to do this gradually to avoid thinning it too much!

Is there a vegetarian version of this chowder?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian Slow Cooker Amish Corn Chowder, simply omit the turkey bacon and substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth. You might also enhance it with additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added flavor. Enjoy the comforting vibes while keeping it plant-based!

Are there any allergies to be aware of when preparing this chowder?
Yes! When preparing this chowder, be mindful of allergies to dairy or gluten. For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk or cashew cream, and ensure to use gluten-free flour or a cornstarch substitute for thickening. Both adjustments will still yield a deliciously creamy chowder!