Hearty & Quick: The Best Smoked Sausage Corn Chowder Recipe for Weeknights
Dive into a bowl of pure comfort with this incredibly quick and easy smoked sausage and corn chowder. It’s the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you crave something hearty, flavorful, and satisfying but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Serve it up with a side of warm, crusty bread for dipping, and watch it disappear!
Recipe
Smoked Sausage Corn Chowder
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Ingredients
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 4 tablespoon butter
- ¼ C flour
- Pepper to taste
- Seasoning salt to taste
- 4 C milk
- 15 oz whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 lb. smoked turkey sausage, sliced
Instructions
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In a soup pot, sauté onion in butter for about 3-5 minutes, until almost cooked through.
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Stir in flour, pepper, and seasoning. Add milk all at once. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly until thick & bubbly, a few minutes.
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Stir in corn and sausage. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition per serving
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Why You’ll Love This Smoked Sausage Corn Chowder
This Smoked Sausage Corn Chowder isn’t just a recipe; it’s a promise of comfort and flavor delivered with minimal fuss. In less than 30 minutes, you can transform simple ingredients into a rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying meal that tastes like it simmered all day. It’s ideal for those busy weeknights when time is short, but you still want to serve a homemade, wholesome dinner.
- Quick Prep, Maximum Flavor: With just 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cook time, this chowder comes together in a flash. The smoked sausage provides an instant depth of flavor, making it taste complex without the wait.
- Economical & Filling: Made with readily available and affordable ingredients like sausage, corn, and milk, this chowder is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on satiety. It’s packed with protein and vegetables, ensuring everyone leaves the table feeling full and happy.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The creamy texture, combined with the sweet burst of corn and the savory kick of smoked sausage, makes this chowder a hit with all ages, even picky eaters. It’s a guaranteed family favorite!
- Customizable Comfort: While delicious as is, this recipe is also a fantastic base for customization. Add your favorite vegetables, spices, or cheeses to make it uniquely yours.
A Deep Dive into the Ingredients
Each component of this smoked sausage corn chowder plays a crucial role in creating its irresistible flavor profile. Understanding your ingredients is the first step to mastering any recipe.
- Small Onion, Chopped: The humble onion forms the aromatic foundation of our chowder. When sautéed in butter, it releases sweet, savory notes that build the initial layer of flavor. Choose a yellow or white onion for a classic taste.
- Butter: Not just for sautéing, butter is essential for creating the roux, which is key to the chowder’s creamy texture. Its rich flavor also enhances the overall taste. If you’re out of butter, a neutral oil could work for sautéing, but butter is highly recommended for the roux for best results.
- Flour: This is what thickens our chowder. When cooked with butter, it creates a roux, a classic French technique that ensures a smooth, lump-free, and perfectly thickened soup. All-purpose flour is standard here.
- Pepper and Seasoning Salt: Simple seasonings that are mighty. The pepper adds a subtle warmth, while seasoning salt provides a balanced blend of salt and other spices, saving you from needing multiple shakers. Feel free to adjust to your personal preference. Many seasoning salts contain paprika, garlic, and onion powder, which are all great additions.
- Milk: The star of the creamy base! Whole milk will give you the richest, most luxurious chowder. However, you can use 2% milk for a slightly lighter version. For a truly decadent experience, a splash of heavy cream could be added at the end, though it’s not strictly necessary.
- Whole Kernel Corn, Drained: The sweet pop of corn provides a wonderful contrast to the savory sausage. Canned whole kernel corn is convenient and works perfectly, just be sure to drain it well. Frozen corn is also an excellent option; simply thaw it before adding. Fresh corn cut from the cob in season would be a real treat!
- Smoked Turkey Sausage, Sliced: This is the hero ingredient, bringing a fantastic smoky, savory, and robust flavor without requiring extra cooking time to brown meat. Using smoked turkey sausage is a great way to keep the dish a bit lighter while still enjoying that delicious smoked flavor. You can substitute with other types of fully cooked smoked sausage like kielbasa or even a spicy smoked sausage if you prefer.
Mastering the Chowder-Making Process
Follow these simple steps to create a perfect bowl of smoked sausage corn chowder. Even beginners can achieve delicious results with these clear instructions.
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Build the Flavor Base: In a large, heavy-bottomed soup pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally until the onion becomes translucent and soft, but not browned. This step is crucial for developing the foundational flavors of your chowder.
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Craft the Creamy Roux: Once the onions are soft, sprinkle in the flour, pepper, and seasoning salt. Stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, creating a smooth roux. This thickened base is what gives chowder its signature creaminess. Gradually add the milk, pouring it in all at once while stirring continuously with a whisk to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, still stirring constantly. It will thicken and become bubbly after a few minutes, indicating your roux has properly integrated.
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Bring It All Together: Stir in the drained whole kernel corn and the sliced smoked turkey sausage. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This simmering period allows all the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures the chowder is heated through. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary before serving.
Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal
While this Smoked Sausage Corn Chowder is wonderfully satisfying on its own, a few simple additions can elevate it to a complete and memorable meal.
- Crusty Bread is a Must: The classic pairing! A warm baguette, a rustic sourdough, or even a simple loaf of Italian bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the creamy broth.
- Cornbread or Biscuits: For a true Southern comfort food experience, serve with warm cornbread or fluffy buttermilk biscuits.
- Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chowder.
- Garnishes Galore: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley (as pictured), chives, or green onions adds a pop of color and fresh flavor. For an extra touch of indulgence, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese can’t be beaten.
Delicious Variations to Explore
One of the best things about a good chowder recipe is its versatility. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this smoked sausage corn chowder your own!
- Add More Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and texture by stirring in finely diced potatoes (add with the onions and cook longer until tender), bell peppers, celery, or a handful of fresh spinach at the end. Frozen mixed vegetables are also a convenient addition.
- Spicier Kick: If you love a bit of heat, add a dash of your favorite hot sauce, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or some finely diced jalapeño along with the onions.
- Cheesy Goodness: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorite melting cheeses during the last few minutes of simmering until fully melted and creamy.
- Herb Boost: For more aromatic depth, add a teaspoon of dried thyme or a bay leaf during the simmering stage (remember to remove the bay leaf before serving). Fresh dill also pairs wonderfully with corn.
- Dairy Alternatives: If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can experiment with full-fat coconut milk or a creamy oat milk. The flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be a hearty and delicious soup.
- Make it Meatier: While turkey sausage is fantastic, feel free to use pork kielbasa or any other fully cooked smoked sausage. For extra richness, crispy bacon bits can be stirred in at the end or used as a garnish.
Storing and Reheating Your Chowder
Leftover Smoked Sausage Corn Chowder makes for an excellent lunch the next day. Proper storage ensures its deliciousness for longer.
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Dairy-based soups like chowder can sometimes separate or become a bit grainy after freezing and thawing. However, if you don’t mind a slight change in texture, you can freeze it in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat the chowder gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to reach your desired consistency. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through.
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Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal
This Smoked Sausage Corn Chowder is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to how easily a comforting, flavorful, and hearty meal can come together on even the busiest of days. Its simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it accessible to cooks of all skill levels, while its rich taste guarantees it will become a regular in your meal rotation. So, next time you’re looking for a quick and satisfying dinner, reach for this easy chowder recipe. We’re confident it will warm you from the inside out and bring smiles to your dinner table. Enjoy!