Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! As the days get cooler and we start craving those warm, comforting meals, my Slow Cooker Amish Corn Chowder becomes a weekly staple in our home. This recipe is a true set-it-and-forget-it wonder, delivering a rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying chowder with minimal fuss. There’s just something so soul-warming about a big bowl of this on a chilly evening!

Why I Love This Recipe

What’s not to love about a meal that practically cooks itself while filling your home with the most inviting aromas? This Amish Corn Chowder is a fantastic example of the magic of a slow cooker. I adore how the flavors meld together over hours, creating a depth that you just can’t achieve with quicker methods. It’s hearty without being overly heavy, packed with sweet corn, tender potatoes, and often a little something extra like bacon or sausage for a savory kick. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone gather around the table, eager for seconds. Plus, it’s incredibly forgiving, making it perfect for both seasoned cooks and those new to slow cooking.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting slow cooker chowder:

• 6 cups frozen corn kernels (about 2 bags)
• 4 cups diced potatoes (about 3-4 medium potatoes, peeled or unpeeled)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk (or 1 1/2 cups half-and-half)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
• Optional: 6-8 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled, or 1 cup diced cooked ham/sausage

Swaps and Notes

• Corn: Frozen corn is incredibly convenient here, but if it’s corn season, feel free to use fresh corn kernels cut from about 6-8 ears of corn.
• Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for their creamy texture when cooked. You can peel them or leave the skin on for extra fiber and rustic appeal.
• Broth: Chicken broth adds a richer flavor, but vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian.
• Evaporated Milk/Heavy Cream: Evaporated milk provides a lovely creaminess without being too heavy. If you want an even richer chowder, the heavy cream at the end takes it up a notch. If you don’t have evaporated milk, regular milk can work, but the chowder might be a little thinner.
• Thyme: Dried thyme adds a classic, earthy flavor. If you have fresh thyme, use about 1 tablespoon.
• Protein: The bacon, ham, or sausage are optional but highly recommended for an extra layer of flavor and heartiness. Cook bacon separately and add at the end or use pre-cooked ham.
• Spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle warmth if you like a little heat.

Steps for the Recipe

Let your slow cooker do all the work with these simple steps:

1. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Add the frozen corn kernels, diced potatoes, diced onion, minced garlic, chicken or vegetable broth, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to your slow cooker.
2. Cook: Give everything a good stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
3. Mash (Optional): Once the vegetables are tender, use a potato masher or the back of a large spoon to gently mash some of the potatoes against the side of the slow cooker. This will naturally thicken the chowder and create a creamier texture, without needing a thickener. Don’t mash all of it; you want some chunks!
4. Add Creaminess: Stir in the evaporated milk and heavy cream (if using). Continue to cook on low for another 30 minutes, or until heated through. Do not boil once dairy is added.
5. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chives, and crumbled bacon, if desired.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook: While slow cookers are forgiving, keep an eye on the potatoes. You want them tender, not mushy.
• Sauté Aromatics (Optional): For an extra layer of flavor, you can quickly sauté the onion and garlic in a little butter on the stovetop before adding them to the slow cooker. This really helps to deepen their flavor.
• Adjust Consistency: If your chowder is thicker than you prefer, you can add a little more broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Lactose-Free Option: For a lactose-free version, use vegetable broth, a plant-based milk (like unsweetened almond or oat milk, though the texture will be different), and omit the heavy cream.
• Garnish: Don’t skip the fresh herbs and bacon/ham if you have them! They add both flavor and visual appeal.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Slow Cooker Amish Corn Chowder is a complete meal on its own, but it’s even better with a few accompaniments:

• Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or a slice of cornbread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious broth.
• Simple Side Salad: A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a nice contrast to the richness of the chowder.
• Sandwich: A classic pairing is a half-sandwich. A grilled cheese or a simple ham and cheese sandwich would be wonderful.
• Beverage Pairings: A crisp apple cider, a light-bodied white wine like Chardonnay, or even a classic iced tea would complement this chowder nicely.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Leftover Slow Cooker Amish Corn Chowder stores beautifully! Transfer any cooled chowder to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave. If the chowder has thickened significantly, you can add a splash of milk or broth to thin it out while reheating. Freezing is an option, but be aware that the potatoes might become a bit mealy after thawing due to their starch content. If freezing, make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed the comforting and easy nature of this slow cooker chowder, you’ll definitely want to explore some of my other hearty and simple dishes:

• For another soul-satisfying bowl, my This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort is a must-try.
• If you’re a fan of one-pot meals, check out This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
• For comforting flavors with minimal effort, This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor is excellent.
• And for another classic comfort food, you can’t go wrong with my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce.

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Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Amish Corn Chowder is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. It’s the perfect antidote to a busy day, offering rich flavors and a creamy texture with hardly any active cooking time. I truly hope this recipe brings warmth and comfort to your kitchen.

Give it a try and let me know in the comments below how it turned out for you! What are your favorite slow cooker comfort foods? I’d love to hear your ideas. Happy cooking!