Cheezy Corn Chowder
A creamy, cheesy corn chowder with tender potatoes and flavorful green peppers, perfect for cozy dinners and suitable for comfort food lovers seeking a hearty vegetarian option.
Ingredients
- 4 c. peeled and cubed potatoes ⓘ
- Water for cooking potatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 c. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 c. diced green bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of celery soup
- 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can cream style corn ⓘ
- 1 (11 oz.) can shoe peg corn ⓘ
- 3 c. milk ⓘ
- 8 oz. Kraft Bacon and Cheddar Dip ⓘ
- Salt and black pepper, to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine the potatoes and enough water to cover in a soup pot. Cook until fork tender (not mushy) and drain.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet and sauté onions and green bell pepper until tender but not browned.
- Add the sautéed vegetables and butter to the cooked potatoes along with the remaining ingredients.
- Return the mixture to medium-high heat, stirring until the dip is well blended into the chowder.
- Serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the chowder before serving. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half of the milk with low-fat milk or a plant-based alternative. You can also add cooked bacon or sausage for extra flavor. Consider using frozen corn if fresh or canned isn't available. Adjust salt and pepper to taste as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cheezy Corn Chowder with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Chili Cheese Cornbread for a comforting dinner. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley for added color and flavor. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Hickory Smoked Barbecue Pork Sandwiches.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the chowder thickens too much, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency. It can also be reheated in the microwave in short intervals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheezy Corn Chowder contains roughly 1783 calories, with 22g protein, 216g carbohydrates, and 93g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (86% of the Daily Value), potassium (69% of the Daily Value), and iron (57% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1148mg per serving (50% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chowder ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chowder a day in advance. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. When ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even more delicious!
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the butter and use olive oil instead. Ensure the cream of celery soup and cheese dip are vegetarian-friendly. You can enhance the flavors by adding more vegetables like carrots or celery for a heartier chowder.
What can I add for extra protein?
For added protein, consider incorporating cooked shredded chicken or diced ham into the chowder. You could also add beans such as white beans for a vegetarian source of protein. These additions will complement the flavors and provide a more filling dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).