The perfect bowl for transitioning between seasons, this Summer Corn and Zucchini Chowder is bursting with fresh flavor. It brings together sweet corn, tender zucchini, hearty potatoes, and smoky bacon in a silky, creamy base that comforts without feeling heavy.
Ideal for using up late-summer garden harvests or creating a feel-good meal anytime, this chowder is as satisfying as it is nourishing. Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh green salad and you’ve got yourself a delicious, fuss-free dinner everyone will love.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 slices bacon, diced
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1 tablespoon unsalted butter
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1 small yellow onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 medium carrots, diced
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2 ribs celery, diced
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2 medium zucchini, diced
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2 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
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3 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
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1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
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1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
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1 cup half-and-half
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
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Optional: shredded cheddar cheese for topping
Directions:
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In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Discard all but 1 tablespoon of bacon fat.
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Add the butter to the pot. Once melted, stir in onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes.
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Add carrots, celery, and zucchini. Sauté for 5 minutes until slightly tender.
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Stir in potatoes, corn, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil.
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Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
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In a separate bowl, whisk the flour into the half-and-half until smooth. Slowly stir it into the chowder. Simmer for 5 more minutes until thickened.
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Adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley.
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Serve hot, garnished with crispy bacon and cheddar cheese if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
As summer vegetables begin to flood the markets and backyard gardens burst with color, there’s no better way to savor the season than with a comforting, creamy bowl of Summer Corn and Zucchini Chowder. This wholesome dish combines the sweetness of corn with the mild, tender texture of zucchini all enveloped in a silky, savory broth. While chowders are typically considered cold-weather meals, this version is light, fresh, and absolutely perfect for warmer months.
From its farm-fresh ingredients to its irresistible flavor and comforting warmth, this chowder brings together the best of the season in one cozy bowl. Whether you’re looking for a quick family dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this chowder delivers simplicity, nutrition, and satisfying flavor in every spoonful.
A Seasonal Twist on a Classic Chowder
Chowder is often associated with thick, creamy seafood soups think New England clam chowder or potato and leek varieties. However, the Summer Corn and Zucchini Chowder gives a warm-weather makeover to the traditional dish by swapping out heavier ingredients for lighter, seasonal produce.
Fresh sweet corn, with its juicy kernels and sunny flavor, is a summer staple that adds natural sweetness and texture to the chowder. Zucchini, another garden favorite, softens beautifully during cooking and melds seamlessly with other ingredients. Add to that tender carrots, hearty potatoes, aromatic onions, and a touch of smoky bacon, and you’ve got a comforting chowder that’s both nourishing and vibrant.
This chowder stays true to the creamy essence of classic chowder but introduces a burst of brightness, thanks to the fresh vegetables and herbs. It’s a great way to highlight the natural flavors of the produce no heavy cream necessary (unless you want to indulge a little!).
Perfect for Using Up Garden Produce
Anyone with a vegetable garden knows how prolific zucchini and corn can be in the summer months. If you’re facing an abundance of squash or just returned from a farmer’s market haul, this chowder is your go-to recipe for putting your fresh veggies to delicious use.
It’s also incredibly flexible. You can adapt the recipe based on what you have on hand. Add bell peppers for extra color, toss in green beans for crunch, or try using yellow squash alongside zucchini for a beautiful medley of textures and hues. The base is forgiving and welcomes customization.
Balanced Nutrition in Every Spoonful
One of the best things about Summer Corn and Zucchini Chowder is that it’s as good for your body as it is for your taste buds. This dish is packed with vegetables, making it a great source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
Corn is rich in antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are known to support eye health. It also provides B vitamins and a touch of natural sugar for sweetness.
Zucchini, on the other hand, is low in calories but high in fiber and hydration, making it perfect for light meals. It also contains vitamin C and potassium.
Carrots and celery bring their own health perks carrots are full of beta-carotene, while celery has anti-inflammatory compounds and adds crunch and depth of flavor.
The addition of potatoes makes the soup filling and satisfying. Potatoes are a good source of complex carbs and provide a creamy texture when cooked into soups.
When you add bacon, it gives the dish a smoky richness and a touch of indulgence. You can keep the bacon optional if you’re aiming for a vegetarian or lower-fat version.
A One-Pot Wonder
Busy weeknight? This chowder can be your savior. It’s a one-pot meal, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. You sauté, simmer, and stir everything in one pot, which not only builds layers of flavor but also makes the cooking process stress-free.
It stores well, too. In fact, the flavors deepen after a night in the fridge, so leftovers taste even better the next day. It’s also freezer-friendly, allowing you to preserve the peak flavors of summer for colder months ahead.
Comfort Food with a Summer Feel
What sets this chowder apart is its unique ability to provide comfort while remaining light and summery. It’s rich without being heavy, creamy without too much dairy, and hearty without overwhelming you during warmer weather. That’s thanks to the vegetables doing the heavy lifting the creaminess comes from a small amount of milk or half-and-half combined with the natural starches released from the potatoes.
Pair it with crusty bread, a fresh side salad, or serve it as an appetizer to a grilled main course. It works equally well as a centerpiece for lunch or a laid-back dinner on the patio.
Easy to Make Vegetarian or Gluten-Free
The base of the chowder is naturally gluten-free if you omit or substitute the flour with a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch or gluten-free all-purpose flour. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian version.
Skip the bacon and maybe top the soup with a few roasted chickpeas or a swirl of olive oil for an extra layer of richness if you’re aiming for a plant-based dish.
This makes the Summer Corn and Zucchini Chowder incredibly versatile a recipe that can be modified for many dietary preferences without compromising on taste or texture.
Crowd-Pleaser for Any Occasion
This dish isn’t just for quiet family dinners it makes an excellent addition to summer potlucks, picnics, or brunch buffets. You can keep it warm in a slow cooker for gatherings, or serve it in smaller portions as a starter.
Its creamy golden hue, sprinkled with fresh herbs and crispy bacon, is visually appealing and photo-ready. It’s the kind of dish that invites compliments and second helpings, making it a perfect choice for impressing guests with minimal effort.
Conclusion: Celebrate the Season with Every Bite
Summer Corn and Zucchini Chowder is more than just a soup it’s a celebration of the season’s bounty. It’s warm, comforting, and full of bright summer flavors. From the sweet corn and tender zucchini to the velvety broth and smoky bacon, every bite feels like a warm embrace with a hint of sunshine.
Whether you’re enjoying a quiet night at home or sharing a meal with friends, this chowder brings nourishment, comfort, and flavor to the table. And with its simple preparation, flexible ingredients, and impressive taste, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
So the next time your kitchen is full of fresh summer veggies, don’t overthink it. Make a pot of this wholesome chowder, and let the simple beauty of seasonal cooking shine.