Description
Creamy corn chowder with crispy bacon delivers a comforting symphony of sweet corn and smoky bacon in every spoonful. Hearty kernels nestled in a silky broth promise a satisfying meal you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
Flavor Enhancers:
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Seasoning and Thickening Agents:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup green onions or chives, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Render bacon in a large pot over medium heat until golden and crisp, allowing fat to accumulate in the pan.
- Transfer crispy bacon pieces to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the flavorful bacon drippings.
- Melt butter into the bacon fat, creating a rich base for sautéing aromatic vegetables.
- Sauté onions until they become soft and translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes, then add garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its fragrant essence.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously to create a smooth roux and eliminate any raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour chicken broth into the pot, whisking vigorously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Add corn kernels and diced potatoes, ensuring even distribution throughout the liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes become tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Pour in heavy cream and milk, gently stirring to incorporate and create a luxurious, creamy texture.
- Continue simmering for 5-7 minutes, allowing the chowder to thicken and develop deeper flavors.
- Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Ladle the steaming chowder into serving bowls, garnishing with reserved crispy bacon bits and optional chopped green onions.
Notes
- Choose thick-cut bacon for extra crunch and deeper flavor that elevates the entire chowder’s taste profile.
- Roast corn kernels briefly before adding to intensify natural sweetness and add subtle caramelized undertones.
- Swap dairy for plant-based alternatives like coconut cream and almond milk to create a vegan-friendly version without compromising rich, creamy texture.
- Use starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold for better thickening and smoother consistency in the chowder.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 384
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg