Best Vegan Potato Chowder Recipes for Cozy Comfort Meals

If you’re searching for a soul-warming, creamy, and utterly satisfying meal that’s entirely plant-based, vegan potato chowder is your new best friend. As the weather turns chilly or you’re simply craving a hearty bowl of comfort, these chowder recipes deliver all the richness you love—without any dairy or animal products.

From classic creamy styles to bold, flavor-packed variations, vegan potato chowder brings together wholesome ingredients, simple methods, and a taste that appeals to everyone at the table.

In today’s blog post, I’ll guide you through the best vegan potato chowder recipes you can easily make at home. Whether you’re a longtime vegan, experimenting with plant-based meals, or cooking for a mixed crowd, these recipes will show you just how delicious and versatile vegan chowder can be.

Gather your potatoes, prep your soup pot, and let’s dive into the irresistible world of vegan chowders!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy & Comforting: Each chowder is thick, luscious, and has that classic “stick-to-your-ribs” quality without any dairy.
• Simple Ingredients: With budget-friendly staples like potatoes, carrots, and plant milk, you’ll likely have everything you need on hand.
• Easy to Customize: Swap veggies, add beans for protein, or spice it up—these recipes are flexible and forgiving.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner all week long.
• Family Approved: Even picky eaters will love the rich flavors and cozy texture.

Ingredients

Below, I’m sharing two of my absolute favorite vegan potato chowder variations: a Classic Creamy Potato Chowder and a Smoky Corn & Potato Chowder. Here’s what you’ll need for each:

Classic Creamy Vegan Potato Chowder

Smoky Corn & Potato Vegan Chowder

Equipment

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• High-speed blender (for cashew cream or blending part of the soup)
• Chef’s knife & cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Ladle
• Peeler (for potatoes and carrots)

Instructions

Classic Creamy Vegan Potato Chowder

1. Soak the cashews: Place ½ cup raw cashews in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let soak for at least 30 minutes while you prep the veggies.
2. Sauté the veggies: In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium. Add onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring, until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
3. Add potatoes & seasonings: Stir in the diced potatoes, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add broth & simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 18-22 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
5. Blend the cashew cream: Drain and rinse soaked cashews. Blend them with plant milk and nutritional yeast until completely smooth and creamy.
6. Add the cream: Stir the cashew cream into the soup. Simmer for 5 more minutes to thicken and meld flavors.
7. Blend (optional): For extra creaminess, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks for texture.
8. Finish & serve: Taste and adjust salt/pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley or chives.

Tip: For a gluten-free thickener, add 1-2 tbsp of cornstarch whisked with plant milk in step 6 if you like a super thick chowder!

Smoky Corn & Potato Vegan Chowder

1. Sauté aromatics: In a soup pot, heat olive oil or vegan butter. Add leek and bell pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes until soft. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
2. Add potatoes, corn, and spices: Stir in diced potatoes, frozen corn, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes.
3. Simmer: Pour in vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 16-18 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
4. Add coconut milk & liquid smoke: Stir in coconut milk and liquid smoke. Simmer for 5 more minutes to meld flavors.
5. Blend (optional): Use an immersion blender to blend about ⅓ of the chowder for a thicker texture. Stir well to combine.
6. Garnish & serve: Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve with green onions on top.

“The secret to great vegan chowder is a balance of creamy and chunky textures—don’t over-blend!”

Tips & Variations

• Mix up the potatoes! Yukon golds are creamy and buttery, while Russet potatoes yield a fluffier texture. Try a combination for depth.
• Add beans for protein: White beans or chickpeas blend beautifully into chowder for extra creaminess and nutrition.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne, diced jalapeño, or a splash of hot sauce for heat.
• Cheesy flavor: Stir in extra nutritional yeast, or try a scoop of your favorite vegan cheese shreds before serving.
• Seasonal veggies: Toss in peas, chopped kale, or diced zucchini for more color and nutrition.
• Oil-free option: Sauté veggies in a splash of broth instead of oil for a lighter soup.

Nutrition Facts

The nutrition of vegan potato chowder will vary by recipe, but here’s an approximate analysis per serving (1 ½ cups) for the Classic Creamy Potato Chowder:

Note: For lower sodium, use reduced-sodium broth and salt to taste.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve chowder with crusty sourdough bread or a warm baguette for dunking.
• Top with fresh herbs, extra cracked black pepper, or a swirl of vegan sour cream for an elegant touch.
• Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup.
• For a heartier meal, serve alongside Cheese Penny biscuits—just use your favorite vegan cheese substitute!
• Craving dessert? Try a unique finish with this Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe for a sweet, cooling contrast.
• Hosting a cozy dinner party? Start with a chowder course and follow up with something special like the Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe.

Conclusion

Vegan potato chowder is the ultimate comfort food that proves you don’t need dairy or meat for a hearty, creamy, and deeply satisfying meal. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these recipes are accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

Plus, they offer endless room for creativity—experiment with your favorite veggies, add-ins, and seasonings to make each bowl your own.

Whether you stick to the classic version or try the smoky corn and potato twist, you’ll love how these chowders warm you up from the inside out. Don’t hesitate to double the batch—leftovers are just as good, if not better!

Cozy up with a bowl, share with friends and family, and let these plant-based favorites become a staple in your kitchen. Happy cooking!

Best Vegan Potato Chowder Recipes: Our Top Picks

Looking for even more inspiration? Here are a few standout vegan potato chowder recipes you’ll adore—each with its own unique twist.

Creamy Vegan Potato Leek Chowder

• Potatoes and leeks blend for a mellow, silky soup with subtle oniony notes.
• Finish with a splash of white wine and a drizzle of olive oil for restaurant-worthy flavor.

Vegan Potato & White Bean Chowder

• Adding white beans (like cannellini or navy beans) provides extra creaminess and plant-based protein.
• Blend half the soup for a rich, chowdery texture while leaving some beans and potatoes whole for bite.

Potato, Corn & Kale Vegan Chowder

• This chowder uses potatoes, sweet corn, and chopped kale for a colorful, nutrient-packed meal.
• Try stirring in a bit of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar at the end to brighten up the flavors.

Spicy Southwest Vegan Potato Chowder

• Kick up the flavor with chipotle peppers in adobo, black beans, and fire-roasted corn.
• Serve with fresh cilantro, lime, and tortilla strips for a Tex-Mex twist.

Oil-Free Vegan Potato Chowder

• For an even lighter chowder, skip the oil and sauté your veggies in broth instead.
• This version uses silken tofu or blended white beans for a creamy base, keeping the chowder low in fat and calories.

For even more vegan comfort food ideas, check out our Costco Vegan Mushroom Stew Recipe and Collard Green Casserole Recipes—perfect for cozy nights in!

Which chowder will you try first? Let us know your favorite combos, and don’t forget to share your creations!

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