Thank you so much for being here! If you’re anything like me, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of chowder on a chilly evening—or really, any time you need a little food hug. Today, I’m sharing my go-to for cozy nights and hearty appetites: Sausage Corn Chowder. It’s creamy, savory, packed with sweet corn and spicy sausage, and all made in one pot. Yes, one delicious pot of heaven!
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What Is Sausage Corn Chowder?
This chowder is a satisfying, stick-to-your-ribs kind of soup made with crumbled sausage, sweet corn, potatoes, and a creamy broth that brings it all together. It takes everything you love about traditional corn chowder and cranks it up a notch with the bold, savory flavor of sausage.
It’s rich, it’s filling, and it’s completely soul-soothing—perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or whenever you’re craving something warm and nourishing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me count the ways…
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One pot = easy cleanup
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Ready in under 45 minutes
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Family-friendly and super filling
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Customizable with spice level and veggies
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Even better the next day! (hello, leftovers!)
What Does Sausage Corn Chowder Taste Like?
Every spoonful is a cozy combo of creamy broth, savory sausage, tender potatoes, and bursts of sweet corn. The sausage brings depth and a little spice, the corn adds sweetness, and the broth is thick, velvety, and satisfying without being too heavy. It’s comfort food with a delicious edge.
Benefits of This Recipe
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Protein-packed thanks to the sausage
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Naturally gluten-free if you skip the flour or use a GF alternative
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Customizable spice (go hot or mild!)
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Vegetable-rich with corn, potatoes, onions, and optional bell peppers
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into this hearty chowder:
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1 lb ground sausage (hot or mild, your choice)
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1 tbsp olive oil or butter (if needed)
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 red bell pepper, chopped (optional but adds color!)
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2 cups potatoes, peeled and diced (Yukon Gold or Russet work well)
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for thickening; use gluten-free if needed)
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4 cups chicken broth
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2 cups frozen or fresh corn kernels
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1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
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1/2 tsp smoked paprika
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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Optional garnish: chopped parsley, shredded cheddar, or crumbled bacon
Tools You’ll Need
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Large Dutch oven or soup pot
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Wooden spoon or spatula
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Cutting board and sharp knife
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Ladle for serving
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
This chowder is super flexible—here are some ways to make it your own:
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No sausage? Try ground turkey, bacon, or vegetarian sausage crumbles.
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Dairy-free? Use coconut milk or almond milk and skip the flour.
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Add veggies: Carrots, celery, or spinach make great additions.
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Boost the heat: Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
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Cheesy twist: Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar at the end for extra richness.
How to Make Sausage Corn Chowder – Step by Step
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
In a large soup pot over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and crumbly. If your sausage is lean, you might need to add a bit of oil. Once cooked, remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, sauté the onion and red bell pepper (if using) until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Flour & Potatoes
Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux. Add the diced potatoes and mix well to coat.
Step 4: Pour in the Broth
Gradually stir in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any bits. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 5: Add Corn, Cream, and Sausage
Stir in the corn, cream, smoked paprika, and cooked sausage. Simmer gently for another 5–10 minutes until everything is heated through and slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve!
Ladle into bowls and top with chopped parsley, shredded cheese, or crispy bacon bits if you like. Serve with crusty bread or a simple green salad.
What to Serve with Sausage Corn Chowder
This chowder is plenty hearty on its own, but here are some side ideas if you want to round out the meal:
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Crusty bread or garlic toast
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Cornbread muffins
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Simple green salad with vinaigrette
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Grilled cheese sandwich
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Roasted veggies on the side
Tips for Making the Best Sausage Corn Chowder
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Dice the potatoes small so they cook quickly and evenly.
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Use high-quality sausage for the best flavor—spicy or smoked are excellent.
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Make it thicker: Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes or mash some of the potatoes with a fork.
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Taste before serving and adjust salt/spice level.
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Let it sit: Like many soups, this one tastes even better the next day!
How to Store It
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: This chowder freezes well! Let cool completely, then freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.
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Reheat: Warm over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if it’s too thick.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use canned corn?
Yes! Just drain it well before adding. Frozen or fresh corn has better texture, but canned works in a pinch.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes—sub the cream with coconut milk or any plant-based alternative. Skip the flour or use a cornstarch slurry to thicken.
Is this soup spicy?
Only if you use hot sausage! Choose mild sausage if you prefer a gentler flavor.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Totally! Use veggie broth, swap in plant-based sausage or crumbled tofu, and skip the bacon topping.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Dinner Rotation
This Sausage Corn Chowder hits all the right notes—it’s creamy, hearty, a little sweet, a little savory, and incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you up in warmth after a long day and leaves everyone going back for seconds.
And with just one pot and under an hour from start to finish? It’s weeknight dinner gold.
More Cozy Recipes to Try Next
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Loaded Baked Potato Soup
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Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili
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White Bean & Sausage Stew
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Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Bread Bowl
Share Your Bowl of Comfort 🥄
Did you try this Sausage Corn Chowder? I’d love to see how it turned out! Leave a review below, post your cozy creation on Pinterest, or tag me on social. Let’s spread the soup love one bowl at a time! 💛
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx.)
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Calories: 420
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Fat: 28g
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Carbs: 28g
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Protein: 18g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugar: 4g

Sausage Corn Chowder: A Creamy, One-Pot Comfort With a Hearty Twist
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Creamy, cozy, and packed with bold flavor—this Sausage Corn Chowder is your one-pot answer to chilly nights and comfort cravings. It’s rich, savory, and filled with sausage, corn, potatoes, and creamy goodness. A hearty hug in a bowl!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage (hot or mild)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (if needed)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 2 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups frozen or fresh corn kernels
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley, shredded cheddar, or crumbled bacon for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook sausage until browned. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onion and bell pepper until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Add potatoes and stir to coat.
- Gradually pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Add corn, cream, smoked paprika, and sausage back to the pot. Simmer 5–10 more minutes until warmed through and thickened.
- Season to taste and serve hot with desired toppings.
Notes
Use spicy sausage for heat or mild for a gentler flavor. Substitute cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version. This soup is even better the next day—perfect for leftovers or meal prep!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: sausage corn chowder, hearty soup, one-pot dinner, comfort food