Panera Summer Corn Chowder Recipe

🌽This copycat Panera Summer Corn Chowder Recipe brings the sweet, creamy comfort of the restaurant classic straight to your kitchen. Packed with fresh corn, tender potatoes, and a rich, savory broth, it’s the perfect dish to savor warm weather flavors. Whether you’re craving a light lunch or a cozy dinner, this chowder delivers restaurant-quality taste with homemade heart.

Introduction

If all you want is a food hug in a bowl that tastes like summertime, meet you’re match with this Panera Summer Corn Chowder Recipe. Inspired by the seasonal favourite you can find at Panera Bread, this homemade version delivers all of the richness, warmth and freshness perfectly combined with sweet summer corn, tender potatoes and red and green bell peppers, all in a velvety cream base. So whether you’re trying to mimic a beloved restaurant staple or make the most of peak corn season, this is the kind of get-out-of-the-heat no-brainer that I love to have in my back pocket for a lazy lunch or light dinner.
The reason this Paneraa Summer Corn Chowder Recipe is so good isthaty part cocomcomplementse other so well. The natural sweetness of fresh corn comes through, heightened by the sautéed onions, garlic and a smidgen of smoky paprika and rich cream that all work to create a velvety, full-flavoured taste. And it is also super customizable, sprinkle on a bit of cheese, a dash of hot sauce or even bacon crumbles to make it your own. This chowder is a great option for vegetarians as well(the chicken broth can be substituted for vegetable broth), and it’s simple enough to put together to add to your weeknight meal plans or your weekend get-togethers.
Making this Panera Corn Chowder at home will not only save you money, but it saves you from eating tons of preservatives and additives. The quality of every spoonful is up to you. Whether as a side or the main, it’s great with a crusty bread, a green salad greens or as part of a soup and sandwich combination. Whether you’re prepping meals for the week ahead or sitting out on the porch enjoying a lazy summer evening, this recipe plops down the spirit of summer right in front of you.

🌽 Keys for Perfecting Panera Summer Corn Chowder Recipe

The name of the game when it comes to this Panera Summer Corn Chowder Recipe is fresh and in-season. Freshly shucked sweet corn won’t ripen any further than the day it’s shucked; the fresher the corn, the sweeter the flavor and better the texture. Trim the corn into the broth, scraping the cobs for the “corn milk” that secret step drives the flavor and thickens the broth. Steam the potatoes until they are tender to preserve a creamy yet structured texture, and always sauté your aromatics (like onions, garlic and peppers) until soft and fragrant before you add your liquids.

🍲 Why Homemade is a Great Idea

When you make this Panera Summer Corn Chowder Recipe, you know what’s in it, from sodium and fat to allergy-friendly swaps. You can bypass preservatives, fine-tune the spicing to your taste, and even substitute with plant-based alternatives. Homemade chowder also stashes nicely, so it’s ideal for meal prep and storing in batches in the freezer. And besides, there’s nothing better than being able to recreate your beloved Panera Bread experience at home.

🥦 Health Benefits of Panera Summer Corn Chowder Recipe

While chowder is known for its creamy richness, it also offers surprising nutritional benefits especially when made with whole ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what each main ingredient adds:

For an even healthier twist, use low-sodium broth and swap heavy cream with oat milk or Greek yogurt.

Panera Summer Corn Chowder Recipe

Enjoy the comforting warmth of Panera’s seasonal favorite at home with this creamy, veggie-packed Panera Summer Corn Chowder Recipe. With sweet corn, tender potatoes, and a hint of spice, it’s the perfect balance of flavor and nutrition. Author: Use Default Servings: 4 people Estimated Cost: $5 Times: Prep Time: 0 days 0 hours 15 minutes Cook Time: 0 days 0 hours 25 minutes Resting Time: 0 days 0 hours 5 minutes Total Time: 0 days 0 hours 45 minutes Categories: Soups & Stews Summer Recipes Courses: Lunch Dinner Cuisines: American Keywords: Panera Corn Chowder Summer Corn Chowder Copycat Panera Recipe

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

5 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 220

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon – olive oil
• 1 – yellow onion diced
• 2 – garlic cloves minced
• 1 – red bell pepper diced
• 2 cups – sweet corn fresh or frozen
• 2 – russet potatoes peeled and diced
• 3 cups – vegetable broth low sodium
• 1 cup – milk or plant-based milk
• 1/2 cup – heavy cream or coconut cream for dairy-free
• 1/4 teaspoon – smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon – ground black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons – chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

• 1 large pot – for cooking the chowder
• 1 chef’s knife – for chopping vegetables
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 Wooden spoon For stirring

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté the onions and garlic for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the red bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Stir in the corn and diced potatoes, mixing well.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
6. Cover and cook for 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
7. Stir in the milk, cream, paprika, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
8. Use an immersion blender to lightly blend some of the chowder for a thicker texture.
9. Adjust salt to taste and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
10. Nutrition (per serving):
11. Calories: 220 kcal (approx.)
12. Carbohydrates: 34g
13. Protein: 5g
14. Fat: 9g
15. Sodium: ~120mg (adjust based on broth/milk choice)
16. Fiber: 4g

Notes

For a vegan version, use coconut cream and plant-based milk.

Add chopped jalapeño for a spicier kick.

Blend half the chowder for a smooth yet chunky consistency.

🧄 Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Panera Summer Corn Chowder

• Sauté first: Before adding broth, you should always sauté onions, garlic and bell peppers in a little bit of butter or olive oil. This builds a flavorful base.
• Use fresh corn: Avoid canned if you can. Frozen works in a pinch, but fresh corn cut off the cob provides unbeatable texture and sweetness.
• Don’t overcook the potatoes: You want them fork-tender, not mushy.
• Naturally thicken: Purée a small amount of the chowder to thicken without additional cream or flour.
• Top wisely: From crumbled bacon to shredded cheese and even sliced avocado, the final dish can be taken to the next level.

🥣 Variations of the Panera Summer Corn Chowder Recipe

• Vegan Version: Substitute coconut milk or oat milk for cream, and try the soup with vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Throw in some chopped jalapeños, cumin, and a dash of chili powder.
• Smoky Bacon & Cheddar~ Drop in some cooked bacon pieces and sharp cheddar for a savory, meaty flavor.
• Seafood Chowder: Feel free to stir in lump crab meat or shrimp toward the end of cooking for a taste of the coast.

📝 Conclusion

This Panera Summer Corn Chowder Recipe is not just a seasonal soup; it’s a celebration of the best from the summer season. Creamy, comforting and infinitely adaptable, this recipe taps into the fact that homemade versions of restaurant classics can be much better. Whether you’re cooking for personal preferences, trying to save a dollar or just in the mood for a bowl of corn chowder, you won’t get enough of this dish, and it will soon become a family favorite! And don’t forget to serve it with a crusty baguette or a grilled sandwich for the Panera experience.

FAQs: Panera Summer Corn Chowder Recipe

Q1: Can I use canned corn instead of fresh or frozen?
A1: You sure can. If you use canned corn, drain and rinse it before adding it to the dish.
Q: How can I make this gluten-free?
A2: It’s gluten-free. Just be sure the package ingredients you purchase are certified gluten-free.
Q3: How long does it keep?
A3: They can be kept in a fridge for up to 4 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q4: Can I add something like chicken or bacon for protein?
A4: Super-shredded rotisserie chicken or crispy turkey bacon are excellent add-ins.

Share Your Twist!

Did you add jalapeños, grilled corn, or make it vegan? Share your version of this Panera Summer Corn Chowder Recipe in the comments or tag us online with your creative spin.