WW-Friendly Sweet Potato Corn Chowder

Weight Watchers Sweet Potato Corn Chowder: A Healthy, Easy & Delicious Slow Cooker Recipe (Just 1 Point!)

Discover your new favorite weeknight meal with this incredibly delicious WW Sweet Potato Corn Chowder! It’s a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying soup that’s remarkably low in points, making it a perfect fit for anyone following the Weight Watchers program. At just 1 WW point per serving, you can enjoy a generous bowl of comfort without compromising your health goals.

This chowder takes a delightful turn from traditional corn chowder recipes, offering a unique blend of sweetness and spice. It achieves its wonderfully thick and creamy texture naturally, thanks to the harmonious combination of sweet potatoes and russet potatoes. These root vegetables not only provide a satisfying heartiness but also impart a beautiful, vibrant color to the chowder, making it as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate. The natural sweetness of the corn pieces perfectly complements the earthy potatoes, while hints of onion and a subtle kick from fresh jalapeno add layers of complex flavor. To achieve its luscious creaminess without adding excessive points, we finish the chowder with a blend of fat-free milk and nonfat plain Greek yogurt. This clever substitution keeps the dish light while delivering a rich, indulgent feel.

The versatility of this sweet potato corn chowder means it can be enjoyed in numerous ways. For a complete and balanced meal, serve it alongside a fresh, crisp side salad or a light sandwich. If you’re looking to elevate your dining experience, consider pairing it with warm garlic bread or flaky biscuits – perfect for soaking up every last drop of the rich broth. For a heartier option, grilled smoked sausages or perfectly seared salmon make excellent companions. And if you’re a fan of a little extra indulgence, a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits on top can truly transform this dish. The possibilities are endless! Should you find yourself craving more comforting and healthy options to ward off the winter chill, be sure to explore my full soup recipe collection for a wealth of ideas.

slow cooker with chowder

Why This Sweet Potato Corn Chowder Will Be Your New Favorite

  • Effortless Cooking for Busy Weeknights: Life gets hectic, but dinner doesn’t have to be. This Weight Watchers Sweet Potato Corn Chowder is designed for ultimate convenience. Simply chop your fresh ingredients, toss them into your trusty slow cooker, and let it work its magic. The beauty of slow cooking means minimal hands-on time, allowing you to focus on other tasks or simply relax while a delicious, healthy meal simmers to perfection. Once cooked, a quick blend and a few finishing touches are all that stand between you and a comforting bowl of chowder.
  • Perfect for Chilly Weather & Comfort Food Cravings. When the temperatures drop and you crave something warm and nurturing, this chowder delivers. Its creamy texture, sweet and savory flavors, and satisfying heartiness make it the ultimate comfort food. It’s a wonderful way to warm up from the inside out and bring a cozy ambiance to any cold evening. The entire family will appreciate a bowl of this wholesome and delightful chowder.
  • Excellent for Meal Prep: Take the stress out of meal planning by preparing a big batch of this chowder at the start of your week. It stores beautifully in the refrigerator, ready to be heated up for quick and nutritious lunches or dinners throughout the week. This makes healthy eating incredibly convenient, saving you time and effort on busy days.
  • Nutrient-Packed & Wholesome: Beyond being delicious and low in points, this chowder is brimming with nutritious ingredients. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, while corn adds natural sweetness and more fiber. Combined with a robust vegetable broth and lean dairy alternatives, you’re getting a truly wholesome meal that nourishes your body.
  • Customizable to Your Taste: Whether you prefer a milder flavor or a bolder kick, this recipe is incredibly forgiving. Adjust the amount of jalapeno to suit your spice preference, or add other vegetables and proteins as desired. It’s a versatile base that you can easily adapt to make your own.

Recipe Overview

  • Serving Size: A generous 475g portion, ensuring you feel satisfied.
  • Number of Servings: This recipe yields 6 hearty servings, ideal for family dinners or meal prepping.
  • Time to Cook: A leisurely 3-4 hours in your slow cooker, with minimal active prep time.
  • WW Points Per Serving: An incredible 1 WW point per serving, making it a fantastic healthy option. (Click here to view the recipe in the WW app; Weight Watchers login is required).

Essential Ingredients for Your Weight Watchers Sweet Potato Corn Chowder

  • 2 large Sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (These are the stars, providing natural sweetness, vibrant color, and helping to thicken the chowder.)
  • 1 large Russet potato, peeled and diced (Adds classic potato flavor and starch, contributing to the creamy body.)
  • 1 Jalapeno, finely diced (Provides a gentle heat; adjust to your preference. Remember to remove seeds for less spice.)
  • 3 ¼ cups Corn, fresh or frozen & thawed (Adds bursts of sweetness and texture. Frozen corn is perfectly acceptable and convenient.)
  • 2 tbsp Garlic, minced (Aromatic base that enhances all the other flavors.)
  • 4 cups Vegetable broth, low-sodium (The liquid foundation for our chowder. Low-sodium helps control overall salt content, especially important for WW.)
  • To taste Italian seasoning (A versatile herb blend that adds depth and warmth.)
  • To taste Chili powder (Lends a smoky, earthy note and a touch of color.)
  • 2/3 cup Nonfat plain Greek yogurt (Our secret weapon for creamy richness with minimal points. Adds a slight tang.)
  • 1/3 cup Fat-free milk (Contributes to the chowder’s smooth consistency without adding fat.)
  • 1 tbsp White wine vinegar (A splash of acidity brightens the flavors and balances the richness.)
  • Salt and pepper, as needed (Essential for seasoning to perfection and bringing out all the flavors.)
  • ¼ cup Green onions or scallions, chopped (Fresh garnish that adds a mild oniony bite and bright color just before serving.)
Ingredients to make corn chowder with sweet potatoes

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Your Weight Watchers Sweet Potato Corn Chowder

  1. Prepare Your Vegetables: Begin by thoroughly washing and preparing all your vegetables. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes and russet potato into roughly 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking. Finely mince the garlic and dice the onion. For the jalapeno, you can remove the seeds and membranes for a milder flavor, or leave some in if you prefer more heat, then finely dice it. Finally, chop your green onions, setting them aside for garnish.
  2. Assemble in Slow Cooker: Carefully add the diced sweet potatoes, russet potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, half of the finely diced jalapeno, 2 cups of the corn (reserving the remaining 1 ¼ cups for later), Italian seasoning, chili powder, and the low-sodium vegetable broth to your slow cooker. Gently stir all the ingredients together to ensure they are well combined and mostly submerged in the liquid. If a few pieces of vegetable are poking out, that’s fine, but strive to have them primarily covered to cook evenly. If needed, you can add a splash more broth or even water to achieve this.
  3. slow cooker with vegetables
  4. Slow Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid on your slow cooker and set it to cook on high for approximately 3 hours, or until both the sweet potatoes and russet potatoes are wonderfully fork-tender. The exact cooking time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model and the size of your potato dice, so keep an eye on it. Optionally, you can give the ingredients a stir halfway through cooking to promote even heat distribution.
  5. Blend and Finish: Once the potatoes are tender, it’s time to achieve that perfect chowder consistency. Use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker to partially blend the soup. You want to leave some delightful chunks of sweet potato and corn for texture, so blend until it reaches your desired creaminess – whether you prefer a slightly chunky or smoother chowder. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the fat-free milk, nonfat plain Greek yogurt, and white wine vinegar until smooth. Stir this creamy mixture into the chowder, along with the remaining 1 ¼ cups of corn. This ensures the corn retains a fresh, crisp bite. If the chowder seems too thick after blending and adding the dairy, thin it out with another splash of vegetable broth until it reaches your preferred consistency.
  6. Season and Serve: Taste the chowder and adjust the seasonings as needed. This is where you can truly make it your own – add more salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, or chili powder to enhance the flavors. Stir in the remaining diced jalapeno for an extra kick, or save it to use as a fresh garnish. Ladle the hot chowder into bowls and top each serving generously with the chopped green onions or scallions before serving immediately. Enjoy your homemade, healthy, and satisfying chowder!
Corn chowder in a bowl

Creative Variations and Smart Substitutions for Your Chowder

  • To Lower the Points Further: While already incredibly low, if you wish to reduce the points even more, you can simply divide the chowder into additional, smaller servings. This naturally reduces the point value per portion, allowing for even greater flexibility within your WW plan. You could also increase the vegetable broth slightly while decreasing the milk/yogurt for a slightly thinner but equally flavorful and lower-point option.
  • The “Splurge” Version: For those occasions when you want to indulge a little, elevate this chowder with some richer additions. Crisp bacon bits stirred in or used as a topping will add incredible smoky, savory depth. Swapping the nonfat Greek yogurt for full-fat sour cream or using heavy cream instead of fat-free milk will result in an even more decadent and luxurious texture.
  • Sweet Potato Corn Chowder with Coconut Milk: For a delightful tropical twist and an extra creamy, subtly sweet flavor, replace the fat-free milk with light coconut milk. This will impart a wonderful richness and a hint of coconut that pairs beautifully with the sweet potatoes and corn.
  • Other Delicious Add-Ins: This chowder is a fantastic canvas for additional vegetables. Feel free to incorporate finely chopped celery, sliced leeks, or colorful bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange work wonderfully) during the initial slow cooker step. For a smoky, mild heat, consider adding diced poblano peppers. Fresh avocado, diced or sliced, makes a lovely, creamy garnish.
  • Broth Type Experimentation: While vegetable broth keeps this recipe vegetarian, you can certainly use chicken or even beef stock if you desire a heartier, more robust flavor profile. Just be mindful of the sodium content if using regular broths.
  • White Sweet Potatoes for a Different Look: If orange sweet potatoes aren’t available or you prefer a different aesthetic, you can absolutely replace them with white-fleshed sweet potatoes. Keep in mind that the chowder will have a paler, more neutral color, but the flavor and texture contributions will remain excellent.
  • Boost the Protein: For an even more filling meal, consider adding cooked, shredded chicken breast, canned cannellini beans (rinsed and drained), or even sautéed shrimp during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  • Spice It Up (or Down): If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or an extra diced jalapeno. For a milder version, omit the jalapeno or use a very small amount and ensure all seeds are removed.

Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfect Sweet Potato Corn Chowder

  • Adjusting Consistency is Key: This recipe is incredibly forgiving when it comes to thickness. If your chowder turns out too thick after blending, simply add more vegetable broth, a splash of water, or even a little more fat-free milk until it reaches your desired consistency. Conversely, if you prefer it creamier, feel free to stir in an extra tablespoon or two of nonfat Greek yogurt or fat-free milk.
  • Ensure Vegetables Are Submerged: When loading your slow cooker, it’s important that the vegetables are mostly covered by the liquid (broth). While a few diced pieces may peek out, aiming for general submersion ensures they cook evenly and become perfectly tender. This prevents dry or undercooked pieces.
  • Blender Alternatives: If you don’t own an immersion blender, don’t worry! You can carefully transfer about half of the cooked soup mixture to a regular blender. Make sure to only fill the blender jar halfway to prevent spills and build-up of steam. Always remove the center cap of the blender lid (the feeder cap) and cover the opening with a kitchen towel to allow steam to escape while blending on a low setting. Blend in batches until you achieve the desired smoothness, then return to the slow cooker.
  • Uniform Potato Dicing: To guarantee that all your potatoes and sweet potatoes cook through at the same rate and reach that desirable fork-tender stage simultaneously, make sure to cut them into pieces that are roughly the same size. Consistency in dicing is a small step that makes a big difference in the final texture of your chowder.
  • Seasoning Throughout: Don’t forget the power of seasoning! A significant portion of this chowder’s incredible flavor comes from the spices. Add a good amount of Italian seasoning, chili powder, salt, and pepper at the beginning, and then taste and adjust the seasoning again after the blending and final additions. You might be surprised how much flavor can be built up by layering seasonings.
  • Avoid Overcooking: While slow cooking is forgiving, overcooking the potatoes significantly can lead to a mushy texture even before blending. Cook until they are just fork-tender, not falling apart completely.
  • Garnish for Impact: Beyond green onions, consider other garnishes like a dollop of extra Greek yogurt, a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or even some homemade croutons for added crunch.

Serving Suggestions and How to Store Your Chowder

Serving Suggestions:

This Sweet Potato Corn Chowder is incredibly versatile and makes a fantastic meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to complete your dinner. Consider these delicious accompaniments:

  • Crusty Bread or Rolls: A warm, crusty baguette or a batch of homemade corn muffins are perfect for dipping into the rich, creamy broth.
  • Light Green Salad: A simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty chowder.
  • Grilled Cheese Sandwich: For a classic comfort food pairing, a grilled cheese sandwich makes an excellent companion.
  • Protein Power-Up: As mentioned in variations, you can serve this alongside grilled chicken, fish, or even a veggie burger for extra protein.
  • Toppings Galore: Don’t forget the toppings! Fresh chopped chives, a swirl of extra nonfat Greek yogurt, a dash of smoked paprika, or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce can elevate each bowl. For non-WW friendly options, consider shredded cheddar cheese or crispy fried onions.

Storage and Reheating:

One of the best things about this chowder is how well it stores, making it ideal for meal prep!

  • Refrigeration: Allow the chowder to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezing: This chowder freezes well. Portion cooled chowder into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note: The texture of the potatoes can sometimes change slightly after freezing and thawing, becoming a bit softer, but the flavor will still be excellent.
  • Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the chowder on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If it has thickened too much in the fridge, you may want to add a splash of vegetable broth or fat-free milk to restore its original consistency. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through.

More Comforting and Healthy Recipes to Explore

If you loved this Weight Watchers Sweet Potato Corn Chowder, you’re in for a treat! Discover more delightful and healthy recipes to add to your repertoire:

  • Restaurant-Style Cod Chowder: A surprisingly easy recipe that brings gourmet flavor to your table, perfect for seafood lovers.
  • Hearty Chicken Potato Corn Chowder: A classic, filling chowder featuring lean chicken, potatoes, and sweet corn for a comforting meal.
  • Classic WW Corn Chowder: A simpler, yet equally satisfying corn chowder that adheres to Weight Watchers guidelines, proving healthy can be delicious.

No ratings yet

Sweet Potato Corn Chowder

Servings: 6 people
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 3 hours
Total: 3 hours 30 minutes

Corn chowder in a bowl
A delightful and healthy corn chowder, naturally thickened with sweet potatoes and russet potatoes, enhanced with hints of onion and jalapeno for a truly comforting meal.

Ingredients 

  • 2 large Sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 large Russet potato, peeled and diced
  • 1 Jalapeno, finely diced
  • 3 ¼ cups Corn, fresh or frozen&thawed
  • 2 tbsp Garlic, minced
  • 4 cups Vegetable broth, low-sodium
  • To taste Italian seasoning
  • To taste Chili powder
  • 2/3 cup Nonfat plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/3 cup Fat-free milk
  • 1 tbsp White wine vinegar
  • ¼ cup Green onions or scallions, chopped
  • to taste Salt and pepper
Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions 

  • As preparation, chop the potatoes, sweet potatoes, garlic, jalapeno, onion, and green onions. Ensure potatoes are diced into roughly 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
  • Add the sweet potatoes, russet potatoes, onion, garlic, ½ of the jalapeno, 2 cups of corn, Italian seasoning, chili powder, and the vegetable broth to the slow cooker. Gently mix to ensure everything is covered by the liquid (if not, add a splash more stock or water so it’s mostly covered with just a few pieces poking out).
  • Cover and cook on high for about 3 hours or until the sweet potatoes and potatoes are wonderfully fork-tender. Optionally, stir the ingredients halfway through cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
  • Use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker to partially blend the soup. Blend to your desired consistency, leaving some delightful chunks of sweet potatoes and corn for texture. In a separate small bowl, combine the fat-free milk and nonfat plain Greek yogurt with the white wine vinegar, then stir this creamy mixture into the chowder. Add the remaining 1 ¼ cups of corn as well. If needed, thin out the soup with another splash of vegetable broth to reach your preferred consistency.
  • Taste the chowder and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices to your preference. Mix in the leftover diced jalapeno for an extra kick or use it as a garnish. Top with the chopped green onions before serving immediately.

Notes

This delicious chowder is an incredible 1 WW point per serving when divided into 6 even servings. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 475gCalories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 14gFat: 1.5gSaturated Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 2.5mgSodium: 179mgPotassium: 928mgFiber: 5.3gSugar: 10gCalcium: 102mgIron: 1.6mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Point values are based on current Weight Watchers calculations and may vary slightly based on specific ingredient brands.

Additional Info

Course: Main meals/Appetizers, Soup, Soups
Tried this recipe?Mention @drizzlemeskinny or tag #drizzlemeskinny!