Sweet corn, smoky bacon, potatoes, and cream are the classic foundations of New England-style chowder.

This recipe adds crabmeat for a Maryland twist!

What is Chowder?

Corn and Crab Chowder in a Soup Bowl with Handles Next to a Bowl of Lemon Slices

Simply Recipes / Sally Vargas

Chowder is typically a stew made with potatoes and cream, but there are many regional types of chowder.

It is a hearty, creamy soup that can be thick and comforting.

(Manhattan clam chowderis tomato-based, making it an exception to the cream rule.)

Corn and Crab Chowder in Two Soup Bowls with Handles at a Table Setting with a Pot with More Chowder, a Glass of White Wine, a Plate of Parsley, Small Bowl of Cracked Pepper, and Bowl of Lemon Slices

Simply Recipes / Sally Vargas

The meat is fully cookedsteamed or boiledand is usually pasteurized to kill bacteria and extend its shelf life.

If youre able to find fresh or frozen crabmeat, thats another option.

Flake is just what you would expect, with smaller pieces of crab meat.

Corn and Crab Chowder in Two Soup Bowls with Handles at a Table Setting with a Plate of Parsley, Small Bowl of Cracked Pepper, and Lemon Slices on the Counter

Simply Recipes / Sally Vargas

Claw meat has a slightly brownish color and different texture, but is also delicious.

Refrigerate for up to 3 days and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Fill containers with the cream-free chowder, leaving 1 inch of headspace to allow for the soup to expand.

Corn and Crab Chowder in a Soup Bowl with Handles Next to Another Bowl of Chowder and a Bowl of Lemon Slices

Simply Recipes / Sally Vargas

Let it cool completely before topping it with a lid.

Freeze for up to 4 months.

Cover the pot and set it over low heat.

Bacon Slices Cooked in a Pot for Corn and Crab Chowder Recipe

Simply Recipes / Sally Vargas

Be sure to bring it to a simmer and let cook for at least 1 minute.

Add the cream and heat again.

Add the leek, celery, salt, and pepper.

Leeks and Minced Celery Added to Pot and Lightly Sautéed with Bacon for Corn and Crab Chowder Recipe

Simply Recipes / Sally Vargas

Cook, stirring often, until softened, another 3 minutes.

Add the wine and stir, bringing it to a simmer.

Add the diced potatoes and chicken stock to the pot and bring to a simmer.

Potatoes and Chicken Stock Stirred into the Pot with a Few Potato Pieces Lifted up Using a Spoon for Crab Chowder Recipe

Simply Recipes / Sally Vargas

Cook, uncovered, until the potatoes are tender, 10 to 12 minutes.

Add the corn to the pot and simmer for 3 minutes.

Simple Tip!

Corn Added to Pot of Crab Chowder

Simply Recipes / Sally Vargas

Stir in the lemon juice and parsley.

Taste and add more salt, pepper, and lemon juice if needed.

Store cooled, leftover soup in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Bowl of Crab Meat for Corn and Crab Chowder Recipe

Simply Recipes / Sally Vargas

Cream, Parsley, and Lemon Juice Mixed into Pot of Corn and Crab Chowder

Simply Recipes / Sally Vargas