Vegan Corn Chowder
If you’re looking for a warm, comforting dish that feels like a hug in a bowl, you’ve come to the right place! This Vegan Corn Chowder is not just a recipe; it’s a cherished favorite that I turn to time and time again. The creamy texture, paired with the sweetness of fresh corn and hearty potatoes, makes it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up, you’ll find yourself making it over and over.
This chowder is versatile enough to suit any occasion—whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or serving guests at a dinner party. Trust me; every spoonful will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, this chowder can be ready in under an hour.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love its creamy texture and sweet corn flavor, making it perfect for all ages.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and reheat for an effortless meal during busy weeks!
- Comforting Flavor: Creamy coconut milk combined with fresh veggies makes every bite comforting and delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients for this delightful Vegan Corn Chowder. You might even have some of these on hand already!
For the Chowder
- 5 Corn on the Cob (or 4.5 cups (738g) Frozen Corn or Canned Corn, Drained)
- 3 Tablespoons Vegan Butter
- 1 Medium Onion (White, Yellow or Brown, Chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Crushed Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 1/2 cup All Purpose Flour (63g)
- 2 cups Vegetable Stock (480ml)
- 28 ounces Canned Light Coconut Milk (800ml, 2 cans) Unsweetened
- 14 ounces Canned Coconut Cream (400ml, 1 can) Unsweetened
- 2 Large Potatoes (1.2 pounds / 600g) peeled and cubed
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 3/4 cup Green Onions (Chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- Black Pepper to taste
Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or what flavors you love.
- Add More Veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers or carrots for extra color and nutrition.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a little heat, add some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Creamy Alternative: Swap out coconut cream for cashew cream if you prefer a different flavor profile.
- Herbs Galore: Experiment with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley instead of dried thyme for a fresh burst of flavor.
How to Make Vegan Corn Chowder
Step 1: Prepare the Corn
Slice the corn off the cob. Stand the corn cobs in a bowl and slice downward to catch all those juicy kernels. Breaking the cobs in half helps release even more flavor later on!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the vegan butter to a pot along with the chopped onion. Sauté until softened—this step brings out their natural sweetness and sets the stage for flavor!
Step 3: Add Garlic and Thyme
Incorporate crushed garlic and dried thyme into the mixture. Sautéing these together enhances their aromas, creating a fragrant base that’s hard to resist.
Step 4: Make Your Base
Stir in the all-purpose flour until everything is well combined. Then whisk in vegetable stock along with light coconut milk and coconut cream. This creates that wonderful creamy texture we all love.
Step 5: Add Potatoes and Corn Cobs
Mix in your peeled chopped potatoes along with those empty corn cobs from earlier. They will infuse more corn flavor as everything simmers together—don’t worry; they won’t be served!
Step 6: Simmer Away
Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cover your pot and let it cook for about 25 minutes until those potatoes are tender—trust me; your kitchen will smell divine!
Step 7: Finish It Up
Remove those corn cobs and bay leaf once cooked. Stir in your fresh corn kernels and let them cook for five more minutes before adding chopped green onions, salt, and black pepper.
Step 8: Serve Warm
Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra green onions and black pepper if desired. Enjoy this cozy Vegan Corn Chowder hot; it’s sure to become a staple at your table!
Pro Tips for Making Vegan Corn Chowder
Creating the perfect vegan corn chowder is easy with a few helpful tips to guide you along the way!
-
Choose fresh corn: Fresh corn on the cob gives your chowder a sweet and vibrant flavor. If you can’t find fresh corn, frozen or canned varieties work well too, but be sure to drain canned corn properly to avoid excess liquid.
-
Sauté onions well: Taking the time to sauté the onions until they’re soft and translucent enhances their sweetness and adds depth of flavor to your chowder.
-
Use a mix of coconut milk and cream: Combining both light coconut milk and coconut cream creates a rich, creamy texture without being too heavy. This balance gives your chowder that indulgent feel while keeping it plant-based.
-
Don’t skip the bay leaf: Adding a bay leaf during cooking infuses subtle herbal notes that enhance the overall flavor profile. Just remember to remove it before serving!
-
Adjust thickness as needed: If you prefer a thicker chowder, simply mash some of the potatoes before adding the fresh corn. For a thinner consistency, add more vegetable stock or water until you reach your desired texture.
How to Serve Vegan Corn Chowder
Serving your vegan corn chowder beautifully can make it even more enticing! Here are some delightful ideas to elevate your presentation.
Garnishes
- Chopped fresh herbs: Sprinkle some chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a burst of color and freshness.
- Avocado slices: A few slices of creamy avocado on top can add richness and a beautiful contrast to the soup.
- Croutons or toasted seeds: Add some crunch with homemade croutons or toasted pumpkin seeds for an extra layer of texture.
Side Dishes
- Crusty bread: A warm, crusty baguette or sourdough bread is perfect for dipping into your chowder. The hearty texture complements the creamy soup wonderfully.
- Simple green salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chowder.
- Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies such as carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini add color and nutrients to your meal while enhancing its heartiness.
- Cornbread: Sweet or savory cornbread pairs beautifully with corn chowder, echoing its flavors while providing an inviting warmth.
Enjoy making this wonderful vegan corn chowder! It’s not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage
This vegan corn chowder is perfect for meal prep! Its flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious when enjoyed the next day. Here’s how to keep it fresh and tasty.
Storing Leftovers
- Store any leftover chowder in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing the container.
Freezing
- Let the chowder cool thoroughly before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- For best results, leave some space in the containers as the soup may expand when frozen.
Reheating
- Thaw frozen chowder overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Heat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- You can also microwave in a bowl, heating in 1-minute intervals until hot.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about making this delicious vegan corn chowder!
Can I use frozen corn for Vegan Corn Chowder?
Yes! Frozen corn works wonderfully in this recipe. Simply measure out 4.5 cups (738g) of frozen corn and add it directly to your chowder.
How can I make my Vegan Corn Chowder thicker?
To thicken your chowder, you can mash some of the potatoes after they are cooked or stir in a little more flour mixed with vegetable stock. This will give your soup a heartier consistency.
What other vegetables can I add to Vegan Corn Chowder?
Feel free to add diced bell peppers, carrots, or celery for extra flavor and nutrients. Just sauté them along with the onions at the beginning.
Is Vegan Corn Chowder gluten-free?
Yes! To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in making this Vegan Corn Chowder! It’s not only comforting and satisfying but also a wonderful way to enjoy fresh corn’s sweetness. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a main dish, it’s sure to warm hearts and bellies alike. Enjoy every spoonful and feel free to share your experiences or variations with me—happy cooking!
Dinner
Vegan Corn Chowder
Indulge in a bowl of warmth with this Vegan Corn Chowder, a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of fresh corn with creamy coconut milk and hearty potatoes. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this chowder is a family favorite that is both comforting and satisfying. With its rich flavors and velvety texture, every spoonful offers a delicious escape from the everyday hustle. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, allowing you to whip up this nourishing meal in under an hour. Enjoy it as a main course or a side at your next dinner party; it’s sure to impress!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 5 corn on the cob (or 4.5 cups frozen/canned corn)
- 3 tablespoons vegan butter
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon crushed garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups vegetable stock
- 28 ounces canned light coconut milk (unsweetened)
- 14 ounces canned coconut cream (unsweetened)
- 2 large potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- 1 bay leaf
- 3/4 cup green onions (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Slice corn off the cob.
- Sauté onions in vegan butter until softened.
- Add garlic and thyme; sauté for a fragrant base.
- Stir in flour, then gradually whisk in vegetable stock, coconut milk, and cream.
- Mix in cubed potatoes and empty corn cobs for flavor infusion.
- Simmer for about 25 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Remove cobs and bay leaf; add fresh corn kernels, cooking for another 5 minutes.
- Serve warm, garnished with green onions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg