Looking for a creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy soup to make? This Crockpot Corn Soup recipe is your answer! This slow cooker version of corn soup brings together the sweetness of corn, the warmth of spices, and the convenience of a hands-off cooking method. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner or cozy weekend meal.
What is Crockpot Corn Soup?
Crockpot Corn Soup, also known as Mexican Street Corn Soup when inspired by elote, is a delightful and comforting dish made by slow cooking corn, vegetables, broth, and spices together until tender and flavorful. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the incredible depth of flavor it develops through slow cooking. Whether you choose to blend it into a creamy bisque or leave it chunky for a heartier texture, this soup is sure to please. It’s also a fantastic way to use fresh, frozen, or canned corn, making it a versatile recipe for any time of year.
If you’re looking for a simple yet satisfying soup that requires minimal effort, this crockpot version is the perfect choice. Gather your ingredients, throw them into the slow cooker, and let the magic happen! Give this easy and delicious Crockpot Corn Soup recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!
Key Ingredients for Crockpot Corn Soup:
- Corn: 6 cups, fresh (cut from about 6 ears), frozen (thawed), or canned (drained). If using fresh, grill the corn first for a smoky flavour.
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped. Yellow or white onion work well for this soup base.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic provides the best flavour.
- Vegetable Broth: 6 cups. Low-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness.
- Red Bell Pepper: 1 medium, chopped. Adds sweetness and colour.
- Jalapeño: 1, seeded and minced (optional). For a touch of heat, adjust amount to your preference.
- Chili Powder: 1 tablespoon. Adds warmth and spice.
- Cumin: 1 teaspoon. Provides an earthy flavour.
- Smoked Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon. For a smoky depth to the soup.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Season generously to enhance the flavours.
- Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons. Adds brightness and acidity.
Optional Toppings:
- Cilantro: Freshly chopped, for garnish.
- Queso Fresco or Cojita Cheese: Crumbled, for a salty and creamy topping.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: For added creaminess.
- Hot Sauce: For extra heat.
- Crushed Tortilla Chips: For a crunchy texture.
How to Make Crockpot Corn Soup:
This Crockpot Corn Soup is incredibly easy to make, delivering a flavourful and comforting meal with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the ingredients to meld together into a creamy, rich soup. The combination of sweet corn, savory spices, and a hint of heat creates a delicious and satisfying experience.
This recipe takes only about 15 minutes to prepare and 4-6 hours on low in the crockpot. The result is a creamy and flavorful soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables: Chop the onion and red bell pepper. Mince the garlic and jalapeño (if using).
- Combine Ingredients: In a crockpot, combine the corn, onion, garlic, red bell pepper, jalapeño (if using), chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and vegetable broth.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the vegetables are tender and the corn is cooked through.
- Blend (Optional): For a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches and blend until smooth.
- Stir in Lime Juice: Stir in the lime juice. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your desired toppings, such as cilantro, queso fresco, sour cream, and hot sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Corn Soup:
This Crockpot Corn Soup is a winner for several reasons. First and foremost, the flavour is incredible. The combination of sweet corn, smoky spices, and a touch of lime creates a complex and satisfying taste experience. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a soup that’s far more delicious than the effort required to make it.
Secondly, making this soup at home is significantly more cost-effective than ordering it from a restaurant or buying pre-made soup. Fresh corn can be particularly inexpensive when in season, and the other ingredients are pantry staples that are easy to find.
Finally, the flavourful toppings elevate this soup to the next level. The creamy tang of sour cream, the salty bite of queso fresco, the fresh burst of cilantro, and a dash of hot sauce all contribute to a symphony of flavors and textures.
If you enjoy the flavors of Mexican street corn, you might also like Mexican Street Corn Salad. This salad is a great way to enjoy the flavors of elote in a lighter, more refreshing way. But for a cozy, comforting meal, this Crockpot Corn Soup is the way to go.
Ready to experience the ultimate in easy and delicious soup? Give this Crockpot Corn Soup recipe a try and prepare to be amazed!
What to Serve Corn Soup With:
This creamy Crockpot Corn Soup is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes and toppings. Consider serving it with:
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing that provides a comforting contrast to the soup.
- Quesadillas: Cheese or Chicken Quesadillas make for a quick and easy complement to the soup.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping and soaking up the flavourful broth.
- Side Salad: A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing balances the richness of the soup.
- Mexican Rice and Beans: For a heartier Mexican inspired meal.
- Beverages: A cold Mexican soda or even a crisp white wine.
Top Tips for Perfecting Crockpot Corn Soup:
Grill your Corn: Before adding the corn to the crockpot, grill it for a smoky flavour.
Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thinner soup, add more vegetable broth. For a thicker soup, blend more of it or add a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water) in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño to control the heat. Remove the seeds for a milder flavour.
Creaminess: For an extra creamy soup, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking.
Corn Seasonality: Use what you can get! Fresh is best when available, but frozen is perfectly fine. You may need to shorten or lengthen cooking time if the corn wasn’t fully cooked before freezing!
Salt is Key: Taste and season generously with salt and pepper. The soup may taste bland if it’s not properly seasoned.
Substitute Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or zucchini for added nutrients and flavour. Diced peeled potato can add a creamy texture.
5 Facts about Corn Soup:
- Ancient Origins: Corn soup has been enjoyed for centuries by indigenous cultures in the Americas, who relied on corn as a staple food.
- Versatile Ingredient: Corn soup can be made with fresh, frozen, or canned corn, making it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed year-round.
- Regional Variations: Different regions have their own variations of corn soup, with some adding ingredients like seafood, pork, or beans.
- Nutritional Value: Corn is a good source of fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants, making corn soup a healthy and nutritious meal.
- Elote Roots: This recipe is very similar to the popular street food, Elote, from Mexico.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storing: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl. If frozen, add a small amount of water to thin out the soup when thawing, then warm up in one of these mentioned ways.
Final Thoughts:
This Crockpot Corn Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create a warm, comforting, and flavourful meal with minimal effort. Its simplicity and versatility make it a perfect fit for busy weeknights or relaxing weekends. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to deliver a delicious and satisfying experience. Enjoy experimenting with various toppings and spice levels to create your own signature version of this classic soup!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Crockpot Corn Soup FAQs:
Q: Can I make this soup without a crockpot?
A: Yes, you can! Sauté the onions and garlic in a large pot over medium heat, then add the remaining ingredients and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Q: Can I use milk instead of broth?
A: This recipe is better with broth, but in a pinch, you CAN use milk with more seasoning. Though this can result in a heavier, richer soup. Vegetable broth adds a depth of flavour that complements the corn. For extra creaminess, you can stir in a little milk or cream at the end, but substituting it entirely may change the texture and flavour of the soup significantly.
Q: Can I add protein to this soup?
A: Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shredded cooked chicken, black beans, or even chorizo would be delicious additions. Add them during the last hour of cooking or as a topping when serving.
Q: What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
A: Regular paprika will work, but you’ll miss out on the smoky flavour. Consider adding a dash of liquid smoke or a small piece of smoked bacon to the crockpot for a similar effect.
Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A: This recipe IS vegetarian since there is no meat involved in the ingredients and vegetable broth is used. Make sure that all toppings will still make it a vegetarian dish.
Q: The soup is too thick, what do I do?
A: Add more vegetable broth or water, a little at a time, until the soup reaches your desired consistency.