Instant Pot Copycat Panera Corn Chowder

Love Panera, I do too, today, I am giving you my favorite recipe for Instant Pot Copycat Panera Corn Chowder.

Today is a freezing and windy day in Philadelphia, and we didn’t want to leave the house, but I was craving Panera Summer Corn Chowder!

This is a perfect soup; hearty soup is easily prepared in your electric pressure cooker. And nothing is better than Panera Bread Summer Corn Chowder Recipe, with its creamy texture!

Sprinkle with some cheddar cheese and some bacon bits for added flavor!

If you are looking for some other great Instant Pot Soups, some of my favorites are Copycat Panera Broccoli, Cheese Soup, Instant Pot New England Clam Chowder, Instant Pot Tomato Soup, and, of course, my mother’s Italian Minestrone Soup made in the Instant Pot.

Easy Panera Bread Summer Corn Chowder Recipe

The Easy Panera Bread Summer Corn Chowder recipe is a simple and delicious way to recreate the popular seasonal soup at home.

This creamy chowder combines fresh summer corn, potatoes, and a blend of flavorful vegetables in a rich, velvety broth. It’s seasoned with herbs and spices to mimic the comforting and savory taste of the Panera Bread classic.

Perfect for warm-weather dining, this chowder is quick to make and can be enjoyed as a light meal or a satisfying starter. Whether served with crusty bread or a salad, this homemade version captures the essence of a summer favorite.

Panera Corn Chowder Ingredients

For This Soup, I used a blend of fresh and frozen ingredients; you will need:

Remember all the details and the step-by-step instructions are in the printable recipe card below, so scroll to the end of the page.

• Olive Oil: Use another high-heat cooking oil, such as avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or coconut oil.
• Vegetables: Onions, Red bell pepper, and Green Bell Pepper
• Broth: If you want to make this soup vegetarian or vegan, you can easily use vegetable broth or stock. You can also use low-sodium chicken broth.
• Russet Potatoes: Peel them for tender potatoes; you can also use red potatoes.
• Corn: You can use either fresh corn kernels, frozen corn, sweet corn, or even cooked corn cobs.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter.
• Flour: Regular all-purpose flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour.
• Milk: Use regular milk, oat milk, almond milk, heavy cream, or another dairy-free alternative.

How To Make Panera Summer Corn Soup In Instant Pot

You’ll love this creamy Instant Pot version if you’re a Panera fan. Just a few minutes of prep time is all it takes to have this hearty and comforting soup on the table. Plus, it’s perfect for busy weeknights!

Step One: Turn the Instant Pot setting to the saute function, add the oil, onion, and peppers, and saute until the vegetables are softened about 4 minutes.

Step Two: Add the broth, potatoes, and corn and mix well. Add your lid, press high pressure, and set the cook time to 4-5 minutes.

Step Three: Meanwhile, melt your butter in your microwave and mix the flour and milk into it (to make a rue). When the IP is done, let it naturally release. Then when the remaining pressure comes down, mix the rue with the soup. I made some smoky bacon and sprinkled it on top.

Serve With Your Favorite Toppings! Bacon or Sour Cream!

Instant Pot Copycat Panera Corn Chowder Recipe Tips

• Sauté First: Use the sauté function on your pressure cooker to cook onions, garlic, and other aromatic vegetables until they’re translucent.
• Natural Release: When the cooking time is up, allow the pressure cooker to release the pressure for at least 10 minutes naturally.
• Thickening the Soup: You can create a cornstarch or flour slurry if you desire a thicker consistency.
• Add Dairy Last: If your chowder recipe calls for cream or milk, add it after the pressure cooking process to prevent curdling.
• Use Fresh Corn: While frozen corn can work in a pinch, fresh corn cobs can enhance the flavor and sweetness of the chowder.
• Season in Stages: Begin with a modest amount of seasoning before pressure cooking. After cooking, adjust the seasoning.
• Consider Texture: Some people enjoy smooth chowder, while others prefer texture.
• Be Mindful of Filling Limits: Never fill the pressure cooker more than two-thirds full, especially when cooking soups.
• Add Smoky Flavor: Add smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to enhance the chowder’s flavor profile.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, cayenne pepper, nutritional yeast, fresh thyme leaves, or parsley can be added for flavor.

Instant Pot Copycat Panera Corn Chowder Recipe Faqs

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn? Yes, you can use frozen corn if fresh corn is not available. Simply substitute an equal amount of frozen corn kernels for fresh corn. Thaw the corn beforehand for best results.

How can I make the chowder thicker? To thicken the chowder, you can add a cornstarch slurry (mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a small amount of water) after pressure cooking. Stir it into the chowder while using the sauté function until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Yes, to make the chowder dairy-free, substitute the cream with a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk, almond milk, or cashew cream. Use a dairy-free butter or olive oil in place of regular butter.

What kind of potatoes work best in this chowder? Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal for this chowder because they hold their shape well while adding a creamy texture when cooked.

How long should I cook the chowder in the Instant Pot? The chowder typically requires about 5-7 minutes of pressure cooking on high, followed by a quick release. This time ensures the potatoes are tender without overcooking the corn.

Can I add other vegetables to the chowder? Yes, feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to enhance the flavor and texture. Add them along with the corn and potatoes before pressure cooking.

Can I make this chowder ahead of time? Yes, this chowder stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove or using the sauté function on the Instant Pot, adding a bit of broth or cream if it thickens too much.

Can I freeze the chowder? While you can freeze the chowder, keep in mind that the texture of the cream and potatoes might change slightly upon reheating. If freezing, consider doing so before adding the cream, then add it fresh after reheating.

What toppings go well with this chowder? Toppings like crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of paprika can enhance the flavor and presentation of the chowder.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, to make the chowder vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The rest of the recipe remains the same.

More Instant Pot Recipes

• Instant Pot Italian Wedding Soup
• Instant Pot Copycat Panera Broccoli and Cheddar Soup
• Instant Pot Curried Pumpkin Soup