Sun Dried Tomato Corn Chowder

If you’ve been craving a bowl of something warm, creamy, and actually exciting (not the “sad desk soup” kind), Sun Dried Tomato Corn Chowder is about to be your new cold-weather crush. It’s sweet from the corn, rich and velvety from the half and half, and those sun dried tomatoes bring a tangy punch that wakes everything up like a good playlist on a Monday morning.

This is the kind of meal that feels like you tried really hard… even though your stove does most of the work. And if you’re feeding a busy crew (or just yourself after a long day), it’s a lifesaver: one pot, cozy vibes, and a topping that makes people say, “Wait… you MADE this?”

Why You’ll Love This Sun Dried Tomato Corn Chowder

  • Creamy, comforting, and not boring. The smoked paprika + sun dried tomatoes combo gives it depth without fuss.
  • Weeknight-friendly. It’s basically sauté → simmer → stir in creaminess → eat.
  • Corn chowder, but with personality. The tangy tomatoes and optional goat cheese croutons make it feel restaurant-level.
  • Flexible. Use chicken stock or vegetable stock depending on what’s in your pantry (or your mood).

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chowder Base

  • Olive oil – for sautéing and building flavor
  • Sweet onion (diced) – adds natural sweetness
  • Garlic cloves (minced) – cozy, savory goodness
  • Salt + freshly ground pepper – to wake up everything else
  • Smoked paprika – subtle smoky magic
  • Sun dried tomatoes (chopped) – tangy bursts that make the chowder special
  • Corn kernels – fresh-cut if you can (frozen works too)
  • Yukon gold potatoes (chopped) – creamy texture + natural thickening
  • Chicken or vegetable stock – the cozy broth base
  • Half and half – creamy without being too heavy
  • Flour – thickens the chowder
  • Chives (chopped) – fresh finish

For the Goat Cheese Croutons (Optional but wildly fun)

  • Goat cheese (chilled) – easier to slice, tangy and rich
  • Flour – first coating
  • Large egg (lightly beaten) – glue for breadcrumbs
  • Seasoned bread crumbs – crunchy jacket
  • Olive oil – for pan-frying to golden perfection

No goat cheese? No problem. Toasted bread cubes, oyster crackers, or even shredded cheddar still make this chowder feel like a treat.

Refer to the recipe card below for exact ingredient measurements and full nutritional information.

How to Make Sun Dried Tomato Corn Chowder

1) Sauté the flavor base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the diced sweet onion and minced garlic, then season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in the chopped sun dried tomatoes and cook 1–2 minutes more.

Little tip: Keep the heat gentle here. You want the onion sweet and soft, not “crispy and regretful.”

2) Simmer until cozy

Add the corn, Yukon gold potatoes, and stock. Bring it up to a boil, then drop to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.

At this point your kitchen will smell like a cozy hug—and honestly, that’s half the reason I love chowder nights.

3) Make the goat cheese croutons (while it simmers)

Slice chilled goat cheese into rounds.

Set up a quick dipping station:

  1. Plate 1: flour
  2. Plate 2: beaten egg
  3. Plate 3: seasoned bread crumbs

Heat a skillet over medium and add about 2 tablespoons olive oil. Dip each goat cheese round into flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Fry about 1 minute per side until golden and crisp.

Transfer to paper towels to drain.

Important: Don’t wander off. These go from golden to “well… that’s charcoal” faster than you can say Where’s my spatula?

4) Thicken it up

In a shaker bottle (or a jar with a lid), combine flour + half and half and shake until smooth.

Slowly pour into the simmering chowder while stirring. Let it cook about 5 minutes until thickened.

Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in most of the chives, saving a little for topping.

5) Serve like a hero

Ladle into bowls and top with:

  • extra sun dried tomatoes
  • a sprinkle of fresh corn
  • chives
  • and a goat cheese crouton (if you made them)

This is the moment where everyone suddenly appears in the kitchen saying, “What smells so good?”

Mounia’s Cozy Tips (So It Turns Out Perfect)

  • Want it thicker? Mash a few potato chunks against the side of the pot, then stir. Old-school chowder trick.
  • Corn options: Fresh is amazing, but frozen corn works beautifully—no shame in the freezer aisle game.
  • Sun dried tomatoes: If yours are oil-packed, you can use a little of that oil in the pot for bonus flavor.
  • Half and half swap: You can use whole milk for a lighter version, but it’ll be less rich. (Still tasty, just less “blanket in a bowl.”)
  • Spice level: Smoked paprika gives warmth, not heat. If you want a kick, add a tiny pinch of cayenne.

A Little Real-Life Moment

This Sun Dried Tomato Corn Chowder is one of those recipes I lean on when life feels like one long group chat: busy, loud, and somehow everyone needs something at the same time. I can chop an onion, toss things in a pot, and let the simmering do its soothing thing while I handle the rest of the evening chaos. And the goat cheese croutons? They’re my “I deserve something fun today” move.

Sun Dried Tomato Corn Chowder in a rustic bowl, topped with sweet corn, chopped herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes, served with crusty bread.
Sun Dried Tomato Corn Chowder topped with juicy corn, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs—perfect with warm, crusty bread.

FAQs About Sun Dried Tomato Corn Chowder

Can I make Sun Dried Tomato Corn Chowder vegetarian?

Absolutely. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. Everything else stays the same, and it’s still creamy, cozy, and satisfying.

Can I use canned corn?

Yes. Drain it well and add it during the simmer step. Fresh corn has the best pop, but canned will still taste great.

How do I store leftovers?

Let the chowder cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Keep croutons separate so they stay crispy.

Can I freeze it?

You can, but creamy soups can change texture when thawed. If you plan to freeze, consider freezing before adding the half and half mixture, then add it fresh when reheating.

How do I reheat without it getting weird?

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often. If it thickens too much, splash in a little stock or milk. (If your soup looks too thick, don’t worry—it’s just extra comfort waiting to happen.)

A Bowl of Comfort You’ll Actually Crave

Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just yourself in sweatpants (no judgment—same), Sun Dried Tomato Corn Chowder is the kind of easy comfort food that tastes like you planned your life better than you did. It’s creamy, hearty, and full of bright, savory flavor… and those goat cheese croutons are basically a crispy little victory on top.

Make it once, and I’m telling you—this Sun Dried Tomato Corn Chowder will sneak into your regular dinner rotation like it pays rent.

Keep the Cozy Going: More Favorites to Try Next

If you made this Sun Dried Tomato Corn Chowder, I’d love to hear how it went! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Please leave a quick star rating and a short review—it helps other readers (and it totally makes my day in the best way).

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Sun Dried Tomato Corn Chowder in a rustic bowl, topped with sweet corn, chopped herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes, served with crusty bread.

Sun Dried Tomato Corn Chowder


  • Author: Mounia
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Creamy, cozy, and packed with sweet corn and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, this Sun Dried Tomato Corn Chowder is the perfect comfort meal. Smoky paprika, tender Yukon gold potatoes, and a rich, velvety broth make every spoonful satisfying. Top it with crispy goat cheese croutons for an extra-special touch.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chowder

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 sweet onion, diced

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

  • 3 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels

  • 2 medium Yukon gold potatoes, diced

  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock

  • 1 cup half and half

  • 2 tablespoons flour

  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped

For the Goat Cheese Croutons (Optional)

  • 4 oz goat cheese, chilled

  • ¼ cup flour

  • 1 large egg, beaten

  • ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)


Instructions

  1. Sauté the aromatics:
    Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add diced onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook 1–2 more minutes.

  2. Simmer the chowder:
    Add corn, diced potatoes, and stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook 15–20 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender.

  3. Make the croutons (optional):
    Slice chilled goat cheese into rounds. Dip each piece in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook 1 minute per side until golden. Drain on paper towels.

  4. Thicken the soup:
    In a jar or shaker bottle, combine flour and half and half. Shake until smooth. Slowly stir into the simmering chowder. Cook 5 minutes until thickened.

  5. Finish and serve:
    Stir in most of the chopped chives. Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls and top with extra sun-dried tomatoes, fresh corn, remaining chives, and goat cheese croutons.

Notes

Frozen corn works perfectly if fresh isn’t available.

For a thicker chowder, mash a few potato pieces in the pot before serving.

To make vegetarian, use vegetable stock.

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove.

For freezing, freeze before adding the half and half for best texture.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 360 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 19 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg