Sausage Corn Chowder: A Creamy, One-Pot Comfort With a Hearty Twist

Sausage Corn Chowder is my go-to cozy meal when I’m craving something creamy, hearty, and full of flavor. Made in one pot with spicy Italian sausage, sweet corn (fresh or frozen), tender potatoes, onions, and cream cheese, this thick and comforting chowder gets a flavorful twist by swapping out bacon for sausage. Inspired by the from-scratch meals I grew up watching my grandma make, it’s the kind of soul-warming recipe that brings people together—simple, filling, and full of love. Serve it with my cheesy garlic bread and you’ve got the perfect dinner. So good!

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Every time I see corn chowder on a restaurant menu, I have to order it—it’s one of my absolute favorites. But here in the Midwest, it’s not always easy to find, so I created my own version at home. This sausage corn chowder is creamy, comforting, and gets a hearty upgrade with savory sausage replacing the usual bacon. It’s sure to impress your friends and family, so don’t wait to give it a try! And if you do, I’d love to hear what you think—drop a comment below the recipe card.

Craving more easy one-pot meals? Try my creamy chicken chili, creamy chicken soup, and hamburger green bean casserole.

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Why You Will Love This Sausage Corn Chowder

Bold Layers of Flavor in Every Spoonful

What sets this soup apart is the balance of rich, bold, and creamy flavors. The sausage brings a savory depth that perfectly complements the sweetness of the corn, while the cream cheese melts into the broth to create a velvety, tangy finish. It’s the kind of dish where every bite offers something special—spice, sweetness, creaminess, and a touch of herb.

You’re not just making soup. You’re layering flavors that feel like comfort in a bowl.

Simple to Make, Big on Taste

You don’t need an overflowing pantry to pull this off. With just a few everyday ingredients—sausage, corn, potatoes, and a handful of spices—you can whip up something that tastes like it simmered for hours. Whether you’re short on time or just don’t feel like fussing with a complicated recipe, this chowder’s simplicity is one of its biggest strengths.

No special tools. No hard-to-find ingredients. Just one pot, minimal prep, and major flavor.

Hearty, Filling, and Satisfying

Let’s be honest—some soups leave you hungry an hour later. Not this one. Sausage corn chowder is thick, rich, and packed with protein and potatoes, which makes it feel more like a complete meal than just a starter. It’s cozy, satisfying, and exactly what you want when you need something that sticks with you.

Add a slice of bread or a few crackers on the side and you’ve got a dinner-worthy bowl.

Great for Entertaining (and Impressing Guests)

Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner or hosting a gathering with friends, this chowder earns rave reviews every time. It serves beautifully from a Dutch oven or slow cooker and always gets people asking for seconds—and the recipe.

It’s warm, welcoming, and looks just as good as it tastes. Add a garnish of fresh herbs or grated Parmesan, and you’ve got a dish that looks restaurant-worthy with zero stress.

Chowder Ingredients That Make It Amazing

• Italian Sausage – I love using hot Italian sausage in this sausage corn chowder because it adds a bold, spicy kick that elevates every bite; ground beef works too if you prefer something milder.
• Vegetables – A classic combo of red bell pepper and white onion gives this chowder its aromatic depth and that familiar, homey flavor base.
• Minced Garlic – Just a couple of cloves go a long way, adding savory richness and rounding out the flavors beautifully.
• Spices – Parsley, thyme, paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper create a warm, slightly smoky profile without overpowering the ingredients.
• Chicken Broth – A few cups of flavorful broth form the backbone of the soup, keeping it savory while balancing out the creaminess.
• Cream Cheese – Bringing the cheese to room temp before adding helps it melt smoothly, giving the chowder a velvety, slightly tangy finish.
• Whole Kernel Corn – Use frozen or fresh corn cut from the cob—either way, the sweet pop of corn makes this dish sing.
• Potatoes – Yukon golds are my go-to for their creamy texture, but russet or red potatoes also hold up well in the soup.
• Garnish – I like to top each bowl with chopped green onions, parsley, and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a fresh, flavorful finish.

Corn and Sausage Chowder Variations to Try

• Cajun Corn Chowder
  Create a Cajun-style version by adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning to the soup. This brings bold, smoky heat and a Southern twist to the chowder.
• Panera Summer Corn Chowder
  For something lighter, make it more like Panera’s Summer Corn Chowder by leaving out the Italian sausage, using heavy cream instead of cream cheese, and stirring in chopped tomatoes for extra color and freshness.
• Mexican Corn Chowder
  Swap the Italian sausage for chorizo to give your chowder a Mexican-inspired flair. The smoky, spicy flavor of chorizo blends beautifully with sweet corn and creamy broth.
• Classic Corn Chowder with Bacon
  Go the traditional route by skipping the sausage entirely and using crispy bacon instead. Cook the bacon first, then sauté your vegetables in the rendered fat for extra flavor.
• Chicken Corn Chowder
  Make a lighter, protein-packed option by substituting shredded chicken for the Italian sausage. It’s a simple variation that still delivers the hearty, comforting feel of classic sausage corn chowder.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Corn Sausage Chowder

Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground sausage over medium-high heat until it’s nicely browned. Drain off most of the sausage drippings.
1 pound Italian Sausage

Step 2: Stir in the diced red bell pepper, onion, garlic, parsley, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sauté until the vegetables soften on medium heat for about 3–4 minutes.

Step 3 : Add chicken broth and cubed cream cheese. Cutting the cream cheese into cubes helps it melt and blend more quickly. Bring to a boil.

Step 4 : Add diced potatoes and frozen corn (or 4 cups of fresh sweet corn cut from the cob). Reduce heat and simmer for 25–35 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 5: Scoop out three cups of the soup and add it to a blender or food processor. Give it a few quick pulses to lightly blend the potatoes and sausage. Return the blended soup to the pot.
The consistency should be similar to cream-style corn. Once you add the mixture back to the pot, you will notice a thicker consistency that gives this sausage corn chowder its signature creamy texture.

Step 6 : Garnish each serving with green onions and parsley.

Corn Chowder With Sausage Tip – Make It Thick and Creamy

If you want that rich, creamy texture without adding flour or heavy cream, here’s the simple trick that makes sausage corn chowder incredibly thick and satisfying.

Once your chowder has simmered and the potatoes are fork-tender, carefully transfer three cups of the soup to a blender or food processor. Pulse it just a few times—enough to break down the sausage and potatoes without pureeing it completely. You’re aiming for a texture similar to cream-style corn, where some chunks still remain.

After pouring the blended portion back into the pot, you’ll see your sausage corn chowder transform. The soup thickens beautifully, turning from brothy to creamy in seconds—all without using any flour or cornstarch. It’s a game-changing move that makes the texture feel luxurious while still tasting rustic and homemade.

This method is my go-to when I want to serve a bowl of sausage corn chowder that feels like it’s been simmering all day—even though it comes together in under an hour.

Pro tip: For an extra-thick result, blend up to 4 cups. Just don’t forget to stir well and leave a few hearty chunks for that classic chowder bite.

What to Serve With Sausage Potato Corn Chowder

We usually enjoy sausage potato corn chowder with saltine or oyster crackers, but garlic bread or drop biscuits are perfect for dipping.
A wedge salad with blue cheese dressing adds a fresh, crisp contrast.
Crusty bread like Texas toast or a baguette works great too.
For something warm, try roasted asparagus or carrots on the side.

How to Cook Summer Corn Chowder in the Slow Cooker

Brown 1 pound of Italian sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain the grease before transferring the sausage to the slow cooker.

Add ½ cup diced red bell pepper, 1 small diced onion, and 2 cloves minced garlic along with 1 teaspoon parsley, ½ teaspoon thyme, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ¼ teaspoon Paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper.

Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth and add 8 ounces of cubed cream cheese. Then stir in 1 pound of diced potatoes and 16 ounces of frozen corn or 4 cups of fresh corn.

Cover and cook your sausage corn chowder on HIGH for 3–4 hours or LOW for 7–8 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the soup is creamy. Blend 3 cups of soup, pulse lightly, and return to the pot before serving. Garnish with green onions and parsley.

How to Store Leftover Corn Sausage Chowder

Let the corn sausage chowder cool completely before storing. After it cools to room temperature, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days.

To freeze, place the cooled chowder in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It keeps well in the freezer for up to three months.

When it’s time to reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of chicken broth if it’s too thick.

This soup tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day comfort.

More of My Favorite Soups

If you loved this sausage corn chowder, here are a few more soup recipes from my kitchen that bring the same comfort, flavor, and simplicity:

Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Soup
Creamy, cozy, and full of Italian-inspired flavor with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and white beans. Made fast in the Instant Pot.

Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup
Loaded with tender beef, potatoes, green beans, and carrots in a rich tomato-based broth—this one’s a complete meal in a bowl.

Taco Soup
Perfect for weeknights, this zesty soup brings all the flavors of taco night into one pot. Ground beef, beans, corn, and taco seasoning make it a family favorite.

Cheeseburger Soup
Ground beef, potatoes, and cheese come together in this creamy, kid-friendly bowl of comfort. Think cheeseburger vibes—but with a spoon.

Try one of these next time you’re craving something warm and filling. Each one pairs perfectly with bread, biscuits, or a big cozy blanket.

If you make this recipe and love it, stop back by and give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ & leave a comment. THANK YOU!

Conclusion – A Cozy Bowl of Sausage Corn Chowder Worth Making Again and Again

There’s something truly comforting about a hot bowl of sausage corn chowder simmering on the stove. It’s rich, creamy, and filled with flavor from ingredients you probably already have at home. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, this hearty recipe never fails to bring warmth and satisfaction to the table.

What I love most is how versatile sausage corn chowder really is—you can keep it mild for the kids or turn up the heat with hot sausage and Cajun spices. You can swap in chicken, chorizo, or even bacon depending on what you have on hand. And no matter how you customize it, that creamy texture and bold flavor are always there.

It’s also a great make-ahead meal. Leftovers reheat beautifully, and it freezes well for when you need something homemade in a hurry. If you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself reaching for this sausage corn chowder recipe again and again all year long.

So whether it’s your first time making it or your fiftieth, don’t skip the garnishes, grab some crusty bread or crackers, and enjoy every spoonful. If you give this sausage corn chowder a try, I’d love to hear how you made it your own!

Sausage Corn Chowder is a hearty, comforting soup loaded with savory sausage, sweet corn, and creamy goodness—perfect for chilly days. If you enjoy cozy, flavor-packed meals, follow Sofie Recipes on Facebook for the latest comforting recipes and expert cooking tips.

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FAQ – Sausage Corn Chowder Questions Answered