Creamy Corn Chowder with Crispy Bacon Recipe for Comfort

A hearty creamy corn chowder with crispy bacon can warm your soul on chilly evenings.

Summer’s sweet corn kernels burst with natural sweetness in this comforting dish.

Each spoonful promises rich, velvety textures balanced by salty bacon crumbles.

Farmers’ markets offer the freshest corn for maximum flavor intensity.

Regional corn varieties bring unique nuanced tastes to this classic recipe.

Sweet cream and smoky bacon create a delightful harmony in every bite.

You’ll want to savor this chowder slowly, letting its complex flavors dance across your palate.

Bacon Corn Chowder FAQs You Should Know

• What kind of corn works best for this chowder?

Fresh corn kernels are ideal, but frozen corn is an excellent substitute if fresh isn’t available. Canned corn can also work in a pinch, just drain and rinse before using.

• Can I make this chowder vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the bacon and use olive oil instead. You can add smoked paprika for a similar depth of flavor, or use vegetarian bacon alternatives for a smoky element.

• How can I thicken the chowder if it's too thin?

Use cornstarch or flour as a thickener. Mix 1-2 tablespoons with a little cold water, then stir into the simmering chowder until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can blend a portion of the soup and return it to the pot.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not in its standard form. To make it gluten-free, replace regular flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure any stock or broth you use is certified gluten-free.

Why Creamy Corn Chowder with Bacon Is Comfort in a Bowl

• Transforms simple ingredients into a comforting meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious solutions.
• Combines creamy smoothness from corn and cream with crispy bacon bits, creating an irresistible contrast that makes every spoonful exciting.
• Uses affordable pantry staples like corn, potatoes, and bacon to craft a hearty soup that feeds a family without breaking the bank.
• Adaptable for different seasons and occasions, from cozy winter dinners to summer potlucks, appealing to both kids and adults with its rich, satisfying flavors.

Ingredients for Creamy Corn Chowder with Crispy Bacon

• Bacon: Adds smoky flavor and crispy texture, choose thick-cut for better crunch and richer taste.

• Corn Kernels, Sweet Corn: Fresh or frozen corn provides natural sweetness and creamy base, peak summer corn offers best flavor.
• Potatoes: Adds hearty texture and helps thicken the chowder, waxy varieties like Yukon Gold work best.
• Onions: Provides aromatic foundation and depth of flavor, sweet onions recommended for milder taste.

• Chicken Broth: Creates savory liquid base, low-sodium versions allow better seasoning control.
• Heavy Cream: Delivers rich, smooth consistency and luxurious mouthfeel.
• Milk: Helps balance cream's richness and adjust overall chowder thickness, whole milk preferred.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall flavor profile.
• Fresh Thyme: Adds subtle herbal notes, complementing corn and bacon.
• Garlic: Provides additional aromatic depth and complexity.

Simple Steps for Creamy Bacon Corn Chowder

Step 1: Sizzle and Crisp Bacon

Cook bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until it turns golden brown and becomes delightfully crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon onto paper towels, letting the excess grease drip away. Keep about one tablespoon of the flavorful bacon fat remaining in the pot.

Step 2: Chop and Sauté Vegetables

• Onions
• Celery
• Garlic

Dice these vegetables into small, uniform pieces. Sauté them in the reserved bacon fat, stirring occasionally until they become soft and translucent, releasing their aromatic flavors.

Step 3: Build the Chowder Base

• Corn kernels
• Potatoes
• Chicken broth
• Thyme
• Bay leaf

Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook until the potatoes become tender and start to break down slightly, creating a thick and hearty base.

Step 4: Create Creamy Texture

• Heavy cream
• Milk

Stir gently and let the chowder simmer for a few more minutes. The cream will help thicken the soup and add a luxurious, velvety smoothness.

Step 5: Season and Finish

Taste the chowder and add salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces on top just before serving for a delightful crunch and smoky flavor.

Tips to Enhance Flavor in Bacon Corn Chowder

• Bacon Perfection: Cook bacon slowly over medium heat to ensure even crispiness without burning, creating the perfect textural topping for your chowder.
• Fat Management: Reserve exactly one tablespoon of bacon fat for sautéing vegetables, which adds incredible depth of flavor to the base of the soup.
• Texture Tip: Dice potatoes and corn into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and a consistent mouthfeel throughout the chowder.
• Cream Control: Add cream at the end of cooking and avoid boiling to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, silky consistency.
• Flavor Boost: Consider garnishing with fresh chives or green onions to add a bright, fresh element that cuts through the richness of the creamy chowder.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat Corn Chowder

• Store leftover chowder in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled chowder to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Potatoes might slightly change texture when thawed.
• Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore creamy consistency if needed. Avoid boiling to prevent separation.
• Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Check temperature and consistency, adding liquid if chowder seems too thick.

What Goes Great with Bacon Corn Chowder

• Pair the chowder with a robust amber ale that complements the crispy bacon's rich, smoky flavor, cutting through the creamy soup's richness.
• Add a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to contrast the heavy, creamy texture of the corn chowder and provide a fresh, light counterpoint.
• Serve warm, rustic sourdough or crusty French bread to soak up the chowder's creamy base and add a delightful textural contrast to each spoonful.
• Pour a chilled Chardonnay with slight oakiness to match the corn's sweetness and complement the bacon's salty crunch, creating a harmonious dining experience.

Creative Takes on Creamy Corn Chowder

• Vegetarian Corn Chowder: Replace bacon with smoked paprika and use plant-based bacon bits for a smoky flavor. Swap bacon fat with olive oil for a meat-free version.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut milk instead of cream and nutritional yeast for a rich, creamy texture. Choose dairy-free butter alternative for sautéing vegetables.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Use cornstarch as a thickener instead of flour and verify bacon is gluten-free.
• Low-Sodium Version: Select low-sodium bacon, reduce added salt, and use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance flavor without extra sodium.

Creamy Corn Chowder With Crispy Bacon Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty “Creamy Corn Chowder with Crispy Bacon” brings comfort straight from Midwestern kitchens. Rich corn kernels and smoky bacon crumbles create a soul-warming bowl perfect for chilly evenings you’ll savor completely.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)
• 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
• 2 medium potatoes (peeled & diced)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 1 cup whole milk

Protein and Aromatics:

• 6 slices bacon (chopped)
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening, optional)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth of flavor)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme)
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 green onions (chopped)
• Extra crispy bacon pieces
• Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Render bacon in a spacious pot over medium heat until it transforms into crunchy, golden-brown morsels, developing a rich, smoky fragrance.
2. Transfer the crisp bacon pieces onto paper towels using a slotted spoon, allowing excess grease to drain, and reserve 1 tablespoon of the rendered fat in the cooking vessel.
3. Sauté diced onions in the remaining bacon fat until they become translucent and softened, releasing their sweet, aromatic essence.
4. Add minced garlic and cook briefly, stirring to prevent burning and to unlock its pungent flavor profile.
5. Introduce diced potatoes and kernel corn to the pot, stirring to coat them with the flavorful base and ensure even cooking.
6. Pour in chicken broth, creating a liquid foundation that will help tenderize the vegetables and build depth of flavor.
7. Simmer the mixture until potatoes become fork-tender, allowing the ingredients to meld and develop a harmonious taste.
8. Incorporate heavy cream to transform the liquid into a luxuriously smooth and velvety consistency, stirring gently to integrate.
9. Season with salt, pepper, and optional herbs like thyme or chives to enhance the chowder’s complexity.
10. Ladle the creamy chowder into serving bowls, garnishing with the reserved crispy bacon pieces for a delightful textural contrast.
11. Serve immediately, enjoying the rich, comforting warmth of this classic soup.

Notes

• Add chopped bacon fat for extra smoky depth, enhancing the chowder’s rich flavor profile.
• Swap regular bacon with turkey bacon or tempeh bacon for lighter, vegetarian-friendly options that still provide crispy texture.
• Use fresh corn kernels during summer for maximum sweetness, or opt for frozen corn during off-season to maintain consistent taste and quality.
• Control soup thickness by adjusting dairy – less cream creates a lighter consistency, while more cream yields a more indulgent, velvety chowder.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg