Craving a comforting bowl of chowder that’s both creamy and packed with flavor? Look no further than this Instant Pot Cheesy Corn Chowder! In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a deliciously rich and hearty dish that will warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for chilly evenings or a quick weeknight dinner, this chowder is a delightful blend of sweet corn, tender potatoes, and gooey cheddar cheese. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by chopping the onion, dicing the potatoes, and measuring out the corn, broth, cream, and cheese.
- Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add a small amount of oil. Sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the diced potatoes and corn to the Instant Pot, stirring to combine with the onions.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring all vegetables are mostly covered. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing position, and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure to prevent overcooking the vegetables.
- Use an immersion blender to partially blend the chowder, leaving some chunks for texture. Alternatively, remove and mash about 1 cup of the mixture before returning it to the pot.
- Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until the cheese is completely melted and incorporated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with extra cheese, chopped chives, or crispy bacon bits.
Tips
- Ingredient Prep: Make sure to chop your onions and dice your potatoes ahead of time to streamline the cooking process. This will help you maximize the efficiency of your Instant Pot!
- Sautéing: Don’t skip the sautéing step! This enhances the flavors of the onions and creates a delicious base for your chowder.
- Pressure Cooking: Ensure the valve is in the sealing position before starting the cooking cycle to prevent any steam from escaping.
- Blending Texture: For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend the chowder to your desired consistency. If you prefer a chunkier chowder, simply mash a portion of the mixture and stir it back in.
- Cheese Melting: Add the cheese gradually and stir continuously to ensure it melts evenly without clumping.
- Seasoning: Always taste your chowder before serving! Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking, and consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor.
- Garnishing: Elevate your chowder presentation with garnishes like crispy bacon bits, fresh chives, or a sprinkle of extra cheese for a touch of indulgence.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 60mg
