Description
This Corn Chowder with Bacon is a rich and creamy soup packed with sweet corn, tender potatoes, and crispy bacon simmered in a flavorful broth. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or chilly evenings, this comforting chowder brings classic American flavors together in a hearty and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Meat and Fats
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 tbsp butter (optional)
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
Liquids
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
Spices and Thickeners
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thicker chowder)
Garnish
- Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it is crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon pieces and set them aside. Keep the bacon drippings in the pot as they will add flavor to the chowder.
- Sauté the onion: Add the diced onion to the pot with the bacon drippings and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it is fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Add vegetables and seasonings: Add the peeled and diced potatoes, corn kernels, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir everything together to combine.
- Pour in broth and simmer: Pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Thicken the chowder (optional): If you want a thicker chowder, whisk the all-purpose flour with the milk until smooth, then stir this mixture into the soup. Let it cook for a few minutes to thicken.
- Add dairy and bacon: Stir in the milk, heavy cream, and half of the reserved crispy bacon. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, making sure the chowder does not boil to prevent curdling.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the chowder and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, topped with the remaining bacon and optionally garnished with chopped green onions or parsley.
Notes
- Use fresh summer corn for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
- For a lighter chowder, substitute the heavy cream with additional milk.
- The chowder will thicken as it cools, so consider that when deciding on thickness.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
