Corn soup is a simple, yet incredibly satisfying dish that combines the sweetness of corn with creamy textures and savory flavors. This perfect creamy corn soup recipe brings you everything you crave in a bowl—rich, velvety broth, a kick of heat, and that perfect balance of flavors. Now, let’s get into the details of how to make this delicious soup from scratch.
1. Creamy Corn Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ onion, chopped
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 (12-ounce) cans whole kernel corn, drained
- 2 ½ tablespoons cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Ground cayenne pepper to taste (adjust according to how much heat you like)
Instructions
Sauté the Onions and Garlic: Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté it for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute. The garlic and onion mixture will release an aromatic base that gives the soup its depth of flavor.
Make the Roux: Next, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, stirring constantly to form a roux. Allow the flour to cook for about 2-3 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t burn. This step helps thicken the soup later on and creates a creamy texture.
Add the Liquid Ingredients: Slowly pour in the 2 ½ cups of milk and 1 cup of chicken broth, stirring as you go to ensure the roux doesn’t form lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture begins to thicken slightly.
Add the Corn and Cream Cheese: Now, it’s time to add the corn. Pour in the two cans of drained whole kernel corn and stir. Then, drop in the cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese melts and combines with the rest of the soup, giving it a rich, creamy texture.
Season the Soup: Season your corn soup with garlic salt, ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed. You can adjust the cayenne pepper depending on how much heat you prefer. The garlic salt adds a subtle savory flavor that makes the soup irresistible.
Simmer and Let the Flavors Meld: Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken slightly. The corn should be heated through and the soup should have a creamy, luscious texture.
Garnish and Serve: Once your soup has reached the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and stir in the fresh chopped parsley. This adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal flavor to balance the richness of the soup.
2. Tips for Perfect Creamy Corn Soup
Use Fresh Corn (Optional): While canned corn is convenient and works perfectly in this recipe, using fresh corn on the cob when it’s in season can elevate the flavor. Simply cut the kernels off the cob and add them to the soup.
Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thinner soup, add more chicken broth or milk. If you like it thicker, cook the soup a bit longer, or use less liquid when initially adding the milk and broth. The soup will naturally thicken as it simmers.
Cream Cheese Substitution: While cream cheese gives the soup a smooth, creamy texture, you can also use heavy cream or half-and-half for a different, slightly richer taste.
For Extra Flavor: If you like a little more depth of flavor, you can sauté some diced bell peppers or leeks with the onions. A dash of smoked paprika or a sprinkle of grated cheese can also take the soup to the next level.
3. Serving Suggestions
Pair with Crusty Bread: This soup is absolutely perfect when paired with a warm, crusty piece of bread or a soft dinner roll. The bread will soak up the creamy goodness of the soup and complement it beautifully.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The combination of melted cheese and creamy soup is a match made in heaven.
Fresh Salad: A light salad with a zesty vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
4. How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Corn soup makes fantastic leftovers, and storing it properly ensures that it stays just as delicious when you reheat it.
Storing: Let the soup cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: This soup can also be frozen for later enjoyment. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
When freezing, it’s a good idea to leave out the cream cheese if you want to keep the soup’s texture as smooth as possible, as dairy can sometimes change in consistency once frozen.
Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to thin it out as it may thicken while sitting in the fridge. If reheating in the microwave, stir the soup halfway through to ensure even heating.
This perfect creamy corn soup recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser. It’s creamy, flavorful, and easy to prepare—making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re warming up on a cold day or serving up something hearty for a group, this soup will definitely hit the spot. Enjoy!
