Introduction: Can a Simple Soup Be Rich, Comforting, and Ready in Under 30 Minutes?
Craving a warm, velvety soup that’s both hearty and easy to prepare? Creamy Corn Soup blends sweet corn, creamy milk, and a touch of cream cheese with savory seasonings for a cozy, satisfying dish. This recipe yields 4 servings, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting lunch. Ready to simmer a bowl of creamy goodness? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Overview: Why Creamy Corn Soup Shines
Creamy Corn Soup is loved for its rich texture, sweet-savory flavor, and quick preparation. Here’s what makes it special:
- Time Requirement: 10 minutes prep, 15-20 minutes cooking, totaling approximately 25-30 minutes.
- Difficulty Level: Easy—requires sautéing, whisking, and simmering, ideal for all skill levels.
- Why It’s Special: The combination of sweet corn, creamy milk and cream cheese, and bold seasonings like garlic salt and cayenne creates a comforting, flavorful soup. This recipe serves 4, great for small families or meal prep.
Perfect with crusty bread, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or as a starter for dishes like sheet pan harissa chicken dinner.
Essential Ingredients
Creamy Corn Soup uses pantry staples for a rich, flavorful result. Here’s what you’ll need for 4 servings:
- ½ onion, chopped: Adds savory depth.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley: Brings fresh, herbaceous flavor.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Provides richness for sautéing.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Infuses aromatic savoriness.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the soup.
- 2 ½ cups milk: Creates a creamy base.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth.
- 2 (12-ounce) cans whole kernel corn, drained: The sweet, hearty star.
- 2 ½ tablespoons cream cheese: Enhances creaminess and tang.
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt: Boosts savory flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds mild warmth.
- Ground cayenne pepper: Provides a customizable spicy kick.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Corn: Sweet and hearty, it’s the foundation of the soup.
- Milk and Cream Cheese: Create a velvety, rich texture.
- Flour: Thickens the broth for a cohesive soup.
- Garlic and Parsley: Add aromatic and fresh notes.
Substitutions and Variations
- Onion: Swap with 1 shallot or ½ teaspoon onion powder.
- Parsley: Use fresh cilantro or 1 tablespoon dried parsley.
- Butter: Replace with olive oil or plant-based butter.
- Garlic: Substitute with ¼ teaspoon garlic powder.
- All-Purpose Flour: Use 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch or gluten-free flour for thickening.
- Milk: Swap with half-and-half, heavy cream, or plant-based milk (e.g., oat or almond).
- Chicken Broth: Use vegetable broth for vegetarian or gluten-free broth.
- Corn: Replace with 4 cups frozen or fresh corn kernels.
- Cream Cheese: Substitute with mascarpone, sour cream, or vegan cream cheese.
- Garlic Salt: Use ½ teaspoon salt plus ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
- Cayenne Pepper: Swap with chili powder or omit for mild flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch and gluten-free broth.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter, milk, and cream cheese, and vegetable broth.
- Flavor Variations:
- Spicy Corn Soup: Increase cayenne to ¼ teaspoon or add a diced jalapeño.
- Cheesy Corn Soup: Stir in ¼ cup shredded cheddar with the cream cheese.
- Herb-Infused Soup: Add 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary with the parsley.
- Bacon Corn Soup: Garnish with 2 tablespoons crumbled bacon.
- Mexican-Style Corn Soup: Add ½ teaspoon cumin and top with cilantro and lime juice.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Creamy Corn Soup is a quick, one-pot process that yields a rich, comforting dish. Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: ½ onion, ¼ cup parsley, 1 tablespoon butter, 1 clove garlic, 3 tablespoons flour, 2 ½ cups milk, 1 cup chicken broth, 2 cans corn, 2 ½ tablespoons cream cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, cayenne to taste.
- Chop onion and parsley, mince garlic, drain corn.
Tip: Prep ingredients in advance to streamline cooking; use pre-chopped onions to save time.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
- In a large pot over medium heat, combine ½ onion (chopped), ¼ cup chopped parsley, 1 tablespoon butter, and 1 clove minced garlic.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are tender, about 5 minutes.
Tip: Stir frequently to prevent browning; onions should be soft and translucent.
Step 3: Thicken the Base
- Whisk in 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour to form a thick paste.
- Gradually whisk in 2 ½ cups milk and 1 cup chicken broth until the soup thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
Tip: Whisk constantly to avoid lumps; ensure flour is fully incorporated before adding liquids.
Step 4: Add Corn and Cream Cheese
- Stir in 2 (12-ounce) cans drained corn and 2 ½ tablespoons cream cheese.
- Cook, stirring, until cream cheese melts and corn is heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
Tip: Stir gently to blend cream cheese; cut cream cheese into small pieces for faster melting.
Step 5: Season and Serve
- Add 1 teaspoon garlic salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste; stir to combine.
- Serve hot, about 1 ½ cups per serving, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Tip: Taste and adjust seasonings before serving; serve immediately for the best texture.
Assembly: Building the Perfect Creamy Corn Soup
Making Creamy Corn Soup is all about creating a velvety, flavorful dish. Here’s how to make it shine:
- Corn: Sweet, hearty base for texture and flavor.
- Creamy Base: Milk and cream cheese for rich, smooth consistency.
- Aromatics: Onion, garlic, and parsley for savory depth.
- Seasonings: Garlic salt and cayenne for balanced savoriness and heat.
Presentation Tips
- Serve in deep bowls with a sprinkle of parsley or a pinch of cayenne for color.
- Pair with crusty bread, cornbread, or holiday dishes like shoyu chicken for a festive spread.
- Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Creamy Corn Soup is great for leftovers and meal prep.
- Storage:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers; note that cream may separate slightly upon thawing.
- Make-Ahead:
- Prep onion, parsley, and garlic up to 1 day ahead; refrigerate separately.
- Cook soup base (without milk and cream cheese) up to 1 day ahead; add dairy when reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring, for 5-7 minutes, or microwave in 1-minute bursts, covered, until hot. Add a splash of milk if too thick.
- Tip: Stir well when reheating to restore creaminess; avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
Recipe Variations
Creamy Corn Soup is versatile and easy to customize. Here are some fun twists:
- Spicy Corn Soup: Add ½ teaspoon chili powder or a diced jalapeño with the onion.
- Vegan Corn Soup: Use plant-based butter, milk, and cream cheese, and vegetable broth.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour or 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch and gluten-free broth.
- Potato Corn Chowder: Add 1 cup diced potatoes with the corn.
- Smoky Corn Soup: Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or top with bacon bits.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings)
- Calories: Approximately 300-350 kcal (varies with milk and cream cheese).
- Protein: Moderate, from milk and broth.
- Fat: Moderate, from butter and cream cheese.
- Carbs: Moderate to high, from corn and flour.
- Note: For precise nutrition, calculate based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Conclusion: Savor the Velvety, Comforting Bliss!
Creamy Corn Soup is the ultimate comfort food, blending sweet corn, creamy broth, and bold seasonings into a quick, satisfying dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy lunches, or meal prep, it’s easy to make and endlessly adaptable. So, grab your pot, simmer this creamy delight, and enjoy a bowl of warmth. We’d love to hear how your corn soup turns out—share your creations in the comments or on social media!
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Creamy Corn Soup
Description
Craving a warm, velvety soup that’s both hearty and easy to prepare? Creamy Corn Soup blends sweet corn, creamy milk, and a touch of cream cheese with savory seasonings for a cozy, satisfying dish. This recipe yields 4 servings, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting lunch
Ingredients
Creamy Corn Soup uses pantry staples for a rich, flavorful result. Here’s what you’ll need for 4 servings:
- ½ onion, chopped: Adds savory depth.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley: Brings fresh, herbaceous flavor.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Provides richness for sautéing.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Infuses aromatic savoriness.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the soup.
- 2 ½ cups milk: Creates a creamy base.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth.
- 2 (12-ounce) cans whole kernel corn, drained: The sweet, hearty star.
- 2 ½ tablespoons cream cheese: Enhances creaminess and tang.
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt: Boosts savory flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds mild warmth.
- Ground cayenne pepper: Provides a customizable spicy kick.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Corn: Sweet and hearty, it’s the foundation of the soup.
- Milk and Cream Cheese: Create a velvety, rich texture.
- Flour: Thickens the broth for a cohesive soup.
- Garlic and Parsley: Add aromatic and fresh notes.
Substitutions and Variations
- Onion: Swap with 1 shallot or ½ teaspoon onion powder.
- Parsley: Use fresh cilantro or 1 tablespoon dried parsley.
- Butter: Replace with olive oil or plant-based butter.
- Garlic: Substitute with ¼ teaspoon garlic powder.
- All-Purpose Flour: Use 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch or gluten-free flour for thickening.
- Milk: Swap with half-and-half, heavy cream, or plant-based milk (e.g., oat or almond).
- Chicken Broth: Use vegetable broth for vegetarian or gluten-free broth.
- Corn: Replace with 4 cups frozen or fresh corn kernels.
- Cream Cheese: Substitute with mascarpone, sour cream, or vegan cream cheese.
- Garlic Salt: Use ½ teaspoon salt plus ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
- Cayenne Pepper: Swap with chili powder or omit for mild flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch and gluten-free broth.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter, milk, and cream cheese, and vegetable broth.
- Flavor Variations:
- Spicy Corn Soup: Increase cayenne to ¼ teaspoon or add a diced jalapeño.
- Cheesy Corn Soup: Stir in ¼ cup shredded cheddar with the cream cheese.
- Herb-Infused Soup: Add 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary with the parsley.
- Bacon Corn Soup: Garnish with 2 tablespoons crumbled bacon.
- Mexican-Style Corn Soup: Add ½ teaspoon cumin and top with cilantro and lime juice
Instructions
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: ½ onion, ¼ cup parsley, 1 tablespoon butter, 1 clove garlic, 3 tablespoons flour, 2 ½ cups milk, 1 cup chicken broth, 2 cans corn, 2 ½ tablespoons cream cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, cayenne to taste.
- Chop onion and parsley, mince garlic, drain corn.
Tip: Prep ingredients in advance to streamline cooking; use pre-chopped onions to save time.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
- In a large pot over medium heat, combine ½ onion (chopped), ¼ cup chopped parsley, 1 tablespoon butter, and 1 clove minced garlic.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are tender, about 5 minutes.
Tip: Stir frequently to prevent browning; onions should be soft and translucent.
Step 3: Thicken the Base
- Whisk in 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour to form a thick paste.
- Gradually whisk in 2 ½ cups milk and 1 cup chicken broth until the soup thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
Tip: Whisk constantly to avoid lumps; ensure flour is fully incorporated before adding liquids.
Step 4: Add Corn and Cream Cheese
- Stir in 2 (12-ounce) cans drained corn and 2 ½ tablespoons cream cheese.
- Cook, stirring, until cream cheese melts and corn is heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
Tip: Stir gently to blend cream cheese; cut cream cheese into small pieces for faster melting.
Step 5: Season and Serve
- Add 1 teaspoon garlic salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste; stir to combine.
- Serve hot, about 1 ½ cups per serving, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Tip: Taste and adjust seasonings before serving; serve immediately for the best texture.
FAQs
1. Why is my soup too thin?
Insufficient flour or over-dilution can cause this; add more flour slurry (1 tablespoon flour + 2 tablespoons water) and simmer to thicken.
2. Can I use fresh or frozen corn?
Yes, use 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels; adjust cooking time slightly to heat through.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch and gluten-free broth to make it gluten-free.
4. Why did my soup curdle?
Boiling after adding milk or cream cheese can cause curdling; add dairy off heat and reheat gently.
5. Can I make this in advance?
Prep base ahead; add milk and cream cheese when reheating for best texture.
6. What are the health benefits of this dish?
Corn provides fiber and carbs; milk offers calcium and protein; moderate in fat, enjoy in balance