Thick & Creamy Gluten-Free Corn Chowder

Indulge in thick and creamy gluten-free corn chowder with potatoes, crispy bacon, and lots of buttery sweet corn! This easy recipe includes simple modifications for gluten-free dairy-free corn chowder, vegetarian, or vegan options.

Is corn chowder gluten-free?

Corn chowder, or corn soup, typically includes corn, potatoes, broth, cream, butter, and topped with bacon. Typically, flour is added to thicken the soup, which makes most corn chowder recipes not gluten-free.

However, this recipe for gluten-free chowder purees some of the soup as a natural thickener, adding a bit of cornstarch for an extra thick and creamy texture.

As a note of precaution, though, some store-bought broths are not be safe for a gluten-free diet, and it’s important to read labels carefully. Suspect ingredients to look out for are yeast extract, natural flavors, wheat, or barley malt.

If you love comforting corn recipes, be sure to check out gluten-free corn casserole as well!

Ingredients and substitutions

Some of the ingredients below are interchangeable to make a gluten-free dairy-free corn chowder. For more specifics on making an allergy-friendly soup, see the dairy-free option or vegan option section.

• Bacon – Not only adds a crispy, salty soup topping, but the drippings flavor the soup base. For a vegan or vegetarian option, omit the bacon and replace the drippings with plant-based butter.
• Corn – Fresh corn off the cob offers the best flavor, but recipes on this site and in my gluten-free cookbook focus on ease without sacrificing taste. Therefore, canned or frozen corn options are highlighted in the recipe.
• Honey – Used to mimic the sweetness of fresh corn off the cob. It may be omitted, or reduced, based on preference or the type of corn used in the soup.
• Broth – Chicken stock, broth, or vegetable broth may be used. Read labels carefully and use suggested gluten-free broth options listed in this gluten-free gravy recipe.
• Potatoes – Use red or Yukon gold potatoes, which break down more than russet potatoes, thickening the soup.
• Heavy Cream – Used to add a rich, creamy flavor to the chowder. Half and half, evaporated milk (like used in gluten-free potato soup), or whole milk may be used. For dairy-free corn chowder, replace with non-dairy milk, such as soy or almond milk. For extra creaminess, add a hunk of cream cheese, like in this gluten-free tomato soup recipe.
• Cornstarch – To make the chowder gluten-free, cornstarch replaces flour. Be careful to not get the soup too hot after adding, or the cornstarch will “break,” meaning it loses its thickening power.

how to make gluten-free corn chowder

(Below shows step-by-step photos and modified instructions. For the complete recipe, along with ingredient amounts, scroll down to the recipe card.)

1. First, fry the bacon pieces in a large pot of medium heat. Once the bacon is crisp, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon to a paper towel lined plate. Leave 1-2 tablespoons bacon drippings in the pot.
2. Add butter to the bacon grease and saute the onions until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds longer.
3. Pour in the broth, corn kernels, potatoes, thyme, paprika, bay leaf, salt and pepper. Stir and bring to boil.
4. Cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork tender. Remove the bay leaf.
5. Use an immersion blender to blend about half the soup. Alternatively, transfer about 3 cups to a blender to process. Add back to the pot.
6. Mix together the cornstarch and water and stir into the soup, cooking for about 1-2 minutes, or until thickened.
7. Stir in the cream, chives, and honey. Serve immediately with additional chives and reserved bacon pieces.

thickening corn chowder without flour

This gluten free corn chowder recipe uses a two part method to make the soup thick and delicious without having to add flour!

First, half the soup is puréed, naturally thickening the chowder with creamy potatoes and corn. Then a cornstarch / water slurry is added to the soup, similar to Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup, making a thick chowder consistency.

dairy-free option

To make gluten-free dairy-free corn chowder, the butter and cream will have to be replaced with non-dairy substitutes. Use a vegan, plant based butter or olive oil in place of the butter.

For the heavy cream, replace with a dairy-free milk of choice or coconut milk. If using coconut milk, it will have a slight coconut flavor and you may want to omit the honey from the recipe.

vegan / vegetarian option

Omit the bacon and replace the drippings with 2 tablespoons plant-based butter or olive oil. Replace the milk with any preferred dairy-free options.

Instead of chicken broth use vegetable broth. Read the labels carefully to make sure it is still safe for a gluten-free diet.

adding chicken

For added protein, perfect for an easy gluten-free dinner, make gluten free chicken corn chowder! Choose one of the methods described below.

• Add 1 pound raw boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut in bite-sized pieces with the potatoes and broth. It cooks alongside the potatoes.
• While the soup is simmering, bake chicken breasts, dice, and then add to the soup with the cream.
• Lastly, use rotisserie chicken breast, about 2-3 cups diced, to the soup with the cream. Heat through before serving.

Storing, freezing, and rewarming

Store leftover chowder, refrigerated, in an airtight container up to 5 days. To reheat, transfer to a saucepan and rewarm over gentle heat. If the temperature becomes too hot, the soup will “break,” meaning it won’t be as thick.

To re-thicken corn chowder, mix together another tablespoon cornstarch with an equal amount of water and stir into the hot soup.

Freezing corn chowder isn’t recommended because the cream will break down and become grainy. Also the potatoes have a tendency to fall apart during reheating.

If you do wish to freeze corn soup, the taste will be fine after thawing, but the texture will be off. To “save” the soup from an unappealing texture, use an immersion blender to puree back to smooth creaminess.

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step-by-step web story instructions for this recipe!

what to serve with corn chowder

• Fluffy gluten-free dinner rolls
• Gluten-free corn muffins
• Gluten-free focaccia
• Copycat Olive Garden Gluten-Free Breadsticks

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