Love the sweet, savory taste of Panera’s seasonal summer corn chowder? Now you can enjoy that comforting flavor year-round with this easy Panera summer corn chowder recipe. Packed with fresh corn, tender potatoes, and a creamy, flavorful base, this copycat recipe delivers everything you love about the original—with the convenience of making it in your own kitchen.
Whether you’re hosting a summer lunch, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a bowl of creamy goodness, this recipe is the perfect blend of comfort and seasonal flavor.
What Is Panera’s Summer Corn Chowder?
Panera Bread’s summer corn chowder is a limited-time offering that quickly became a customer favorite. This creamy soup is rich with sweet corn kernels, red bell peppers, and potatoes, simmered together in a mildly spiced broth with a touch of cream. It’s vegetarian-friendly and pairs beautifully with salads, sandwiches, or crusty bread.
Recreating it at home is surprisingly simple and allows you to adjust ingredients to your taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients for Panera Summer Corn Chowder Recipe
Here’s everything you’ll need to make your own delicious version of the Panera summer corn chowder recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
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1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
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1 small onion, diced
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1 red bell pepper, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
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3 cups vegetable broth
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1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
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½ cup whole milk
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika
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¼ teaspoon turmeric (optional, for color)
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Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish
How to Make It
Step 1: Sauté the vegetables
In a large pot over medium heat, add the olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and red bell pepper for 4–5 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Step 2: Add the corn and potatoes
Stir in the corn kernels and cubed potatoes. Season with paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 3: Simmer
Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 4: Blend (optional)
For a creamier consistency, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks intact. You can also transfer half of the soup to a blender and return it to the pot.
Step 5: Add dairy
Stir in the cream and milk. Simmer gently for another 5 minutes, allowing everything to warm through—do not boil.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley or chives, and serve with your favorite bread or salad.
Why You’ll Love This Panera Summer Corn Chowder Recipe
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Creamy and comforting: The blend of cream, potatoes, and sweet corn creates a velvety texture and rich flavor.
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Quick and easy: Ready in under 40 minutes with minimal prep.
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Customizable: Add a pinch of cayenne for heat, or mix in bacon for extra depth.
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Vegetarian-friendly: A great meatless option that’s still filling and satisfying.
Tips for the Best Results
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Use fresh corn if in season: Nothing beats the sweetness and crunch of fresh corn in summer.
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Don’t skip the paprika: Smoked paprika adds a subtle depth that mimics Panera’s original flavor.
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For added richness: Use a blend of half heavy cream and half milk, or add a knob of cream cheese for a thicker base.
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Store and reheat: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheats beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your homemade Panera summer corn chowder with:
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A crusty baguette or sourdough roll
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Fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette
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Grilled cheese or veggie panini
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A glass of iced tea or lemonade for a perfect summer combo
Final Thoughts
Bringing your favorite Panera Bread soup into your own kitchen is easier than you think. This Panera summer corn chowder recipe captures all the creamy, flavorful goodness of the restaurant version—with simple, fresh ingredients you probably already have at home. It’s a perfect dish for any season, but especially delightful when corn is in peak harvest.
Try this recipe today and enjoy a taste of summer comfort any time you like.
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