Brighten your summer with this Summer Corn and Zucchini Chowder, a creamy, veggie-rich delight that’s perfect for any time of the year!
This Summer Corn and Zucchini Chowder Soup recipe isn’t the first thing I think of when it comes to summer, but since the weather cooled off a bit, I thought it was the perfect time to whip up a big pot of this hearty, veggie-packed chowder. This soup is creamy and filled with chunks of potatoes, fresh corn, zucchini, yellow squash, and bacon. Everyone will keep coming back for more.
For more delicious soup recipes you have to check out my Spicy Sausage and Lentil soup, Homemade Chicken Noodle soup, and Beef and Vegetable Stew.
Table of Contents
Recipe Ingredients
- Corn: Fresh corn kernels add in a sweet, slightly crunchy texture to this soup.
- Chicken Broth: The perfect base for this veggie filled soup. You can also substitute with vegetable broth if preferred.
- Half and Half: Adds in a creamy element to this chowder recipe.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations
- Extra Creamy Variation: For an extra rich and creamy texture, consider adding some softened cream cheese or heavy cream to the chowder.
- Garnish Options: Add diced carrots or red bell pepper for added nutrition, texture, and flavor. You can also enhance the chowder with garnishes like chopped parsley, fresh chives, cilantro, crispy bacon crumbles, grated cheese, sour cream, Greek yogurt, green onions, or diced red peppers.
How to Make Summer Corn and Zucchini Chowder
Step 1: Set a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat. Add bacon and cook until crisp, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add onion and celery, cook for 3 minutes, then add corn and continue cooking for an additional 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 3: Pour in chicken broth and turn the heat up to medium-high. Once the mixture is simmering, add the potatoes along with the salt, pepper, paprika, parsley, thyme, and cayenne. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 10 minutes before adding the zucchini and yellow squash.
Step 4: Once the zucchini and yellow squash have been added, cook until the potatoes are fork-tender and the zucchini and squash are fully cooked, about 10-12 minutes.
Step 5: Transfer 2 cups of chowder to a food processor or blender. Puree until silky smooth, about 1-2 minutes. Return the mixture to the pot and add the half and half. Stir to combine, then remove from the heat.
Step 6: Let the chowder sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Expert Tips
- Roux Thickening: For a thicker and creamier chowder, create a roux by cooking equal parts butter and flour before adding the broth. This classic technique prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, velvety texture.
- Proper Simmering: To ensure your chowder develops rich flavors, keep it at a gentle simmer rather than a rapid boil. This slow-cooking method allows the ingredients to meld.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use an immersion blender to puree the chowder directly in the pot. This method is convenient and minimizes cleanup while allowing you to control the texture.
This thick, creamy, and hearty chowder pairs wonderfully with grilled cheese, crusty bread, or soft & fully dinner rolls.
Storage Info
To STORE your Summer Corn Chowder, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also FREEZE it for up to 2 months, but avoid freezing if it contains dairy, as it can affect the texture.
REHEAT the chowder on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through. Alternatively, you can use a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
More Chowder Recipes You’ll Love
Summer Corn and Zucchini Chowder Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 strips bacon - cooked, chopped into bits
- 1/2 large yellow onion - diced
- 2 ribs celery - finely diced
- 5 ears corn - cut off from the cob
- 4 cloves garlic - minced
- 5 cup chicken broth - low sodium
- 2 russet potatoes - peeled and cut into 1/4-inch cubes
- 1 1/4 tsp kosher sea salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1/4 tsp thyme
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 large zucchini - cut into quarters lengthwise, then sliced
- 1 large yellow squash - cut into quarters lengthwise, then sliced
- 2 cup half and half - or whole milk
Instructions
- Set a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat. Add bacon and cook until crisp, about 5 minutes.
- Add onion and celery, cook for 3 minutes, then add corn and continue cooking for an additional 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and turn the heat up to medium-high. Once the mixture is simmering, add the potatoes along with the salt, pepper, paprika, parsley, thyme, and cayenne. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 10 minutes before adding the zucchini and yellow squash.
- Once the zucchini and yellow squash have been added, cook until the potatoes are fork-tender and the zucchini and squash are fully cooked, about 10-12 minutes.
- Transfer 2 cups of chowder to a food processor or blender. Puree until silky smooth, about 1-2 minutes. Return the mixture to the pot and add the half and half. Stir to combine, then remove from the heat.
- Let the chowder sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Hello! I love your recipes!
I want to make this, but I was curious what measurement is a serving size (1 cup, 2 cups, etc.) and how many calories per serving.
I’m trying to lose weight, so I need to know this info before I make the soup.
Thank you!
Sarah
Hi Sarah, each serving of the Summer Corn and Zucchini Chowder is approximately 2.17 cups. The nutrition info per serving is at the bottom of the recipe card, but repeated here: NUTRITION
Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 348kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 38mg | Sodium: 722mg | Potassium: 1153mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 812IU | Vitamin C: 31mg | Calcium: 136mg | Iron: 2mg
Oh! My! Gosh!!! This soup was fantastic!!!! It took me almost 2 hrs to make in between homeschool, kids having potty accidents and cleaning up after pets, but let me tell you it was totally worth it. I have gotten sick of my food in my dinner rotation, and this was the perfect thing to break up the monotony. Perfect amount of spice and just delicious!!! Thank you for a fantastic recipe
So glad you loved it!!!
Delish!
This was a great way to use my end of summer squash. The spices were perfect. I changed a few things. I used 2 cans of corn drained instead of fresh. I struggled with how much onion to use since I wanted to use diced onion I had in my freezer. I finally decided on one cup. The recipe called for 2 potatoes. How much is that exactly? I ended up dicing 8 small ones. It would be really helpful to have measurements of the veggies. I felt like it wouldn’t be possible to over do the potatoes, it is sort of a potato soup with more veggies. I added 2 diced carrots, just for color. Bacon does make it perfect! Really good.
Do you keep and use the bacon grease in this?
Hi JoAnna, yes, but if you have too much grease left over after sautéing the veggies, you can remove any excess before pouring in the broth.