Description

Amish Snow Day Soup is a cozy, creamy corn chowder that warms you from the inside out. Packed with tender vegetables, sweet corn, and a rich dairy finish, this soup is the perfect dish for chilly days or whenever you crave a comforting bowl of homemade goodness.

Introduction

This soup is inspired by traditional Amish cooking, known for its simplicity, heartiness, and wholesome flavors. Slow-cooked vegetables create a naturally sweet and savory base, while milk and cream add richness without overpowering the freshness of the ingredients. Whether you serve it as a comforting weeknight meal or a winter weekend treat, this creamy chowder is guaranteed to satisfy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this soup because it is incredibly easy to prepare, requires simple ingredients, and cooks beautifully in a slow cooker with almost no effort. It delivers thick, creamy chowder texture without the need for flour, making it naturally gluten-friendly. It’s also perfect for meal prep and adaptable with many variations.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
1 onion, diced
3 potatoes, peeled and diced
2 carrots, diced
3 celery stalks, diced
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Place the corn, diced onion, diced potatoes, diced carrots, and diced celery into your slow cooker. These vegetables form the hearty base of the soup and will soften gradually as they cook.

Step 2: Add the Broth

Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the vegetables. Stir everything well to evenly distribute the ingredients throughout the slow cooker.

Step 3: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover the slow cooker.
Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the vegetables become soft and fully tender. This long, gentle cooking creates depth of flavor and natural sweetness.

Step 4: Partially Blend for Creaminess

Use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker to partially blend the soup. Blend lightly—just enough to thicken the chowder while keeping plenty of vegetable pieces intact for texture.

Step 5: Heat the Dairy

In a small saucepan, warm the milk and heavy cream over medium heat until hot but not boiling. Heating the dairy prevents curdling when added to the hot soup.

Step 6: Finish the Chowder

Pour the warm milk and cream mixture into the slow cooker and stir well. Add the dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 7: Let Flavors Meld

Set the slow cooker to LOW or WARM and let the soup simmer for 15–20 minutes. This step helps the flavors blend together beautifully.

Step 8: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot for maximum comfort and flavor.

Variations

Cheesy Amish Snow Day Soup

Add 1 to 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese at the final step, allowing it to melt into the chowder.

Bacon and Corn Chowder Version

Add cooked, crumbled bacon either directly into the soup or on top as a crispy garnish.

Ham and Potato Variation

Add 1 cup finely diced cooked ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Spicy Southwest Twist

Add 1 diced jalapeño, ½ teaspoon paprika, and 1 teaspoon cumin. Finish with tortilla strips.

Vegetable-Only Version

Use vegetable broth and skip dairy by replacing milk and cream with full-fat coconut milk for a non-dairy option.

Tips for Best Results

Use fresh corn when in season for the sweetest flavor.
Dice vegetables evenly so they cook at the same rate.
If the chowder becomes too thick, add extra warm broth or milk.
Blend carefully—over-blending will make the soup too smooth and take away the chowder texture.
Warm the dairy before adding to prevent curdling.

Storage Tips

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk if the soup thickens in the fridge.
Freeze without dairy: For best freezing results, freeze the cooked vegetable base only. Add milk and cream after thawing and reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crusty bread, warm rolls, or cornbread.
Pair with a light salad for a complete meal.
Top with cheese, chives, bacon bits, or a swirl of cream.
Great as a main dish or a starter for a winter meal.

FAQs

Can I make this soup on the stovetop?

Yes. Simmer the vegetables in broth for 25–30 minutes until tender, blend partially, then add warm milk and cream.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes. Substitute milk and cream with unsweetened coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute.

Can I use canned corn?

Absolutely—drain and rinse canned corn before adding it.

How can I thicken the soup more?

Blend a little more of the vegetable base or mash some potatoes with a spoon.

Conclusion

Amish Snow Day Soup is the perfect comfort dish for cold weather, offering a creamy, hearty, and flavorful bowl of warmth with minimal effort. Its slow-cooked vegetables, sweet corn, and rich texture make it a family favorite that you’ll want to make again and again. With plenty of variations and simple ingredients, this hearty chowder fits any kitchen and any taste. Enjoy every cozy spoonful!