The Heartiest Shrimp Corn Chowder with Bacon Recipe Ever Made

Warm and hearty shrimp corn chowder beckons comfort lovers with its rich, creamy blend of ocean-fresh seafood and sweet summer kernels.

Crispy bacon adds a smoky depth that intensifies every spoonful.

Each ingredient promises a delightful symphony of flavors dancing across your palate.

Coastal kitchens inspire this simple yet luxurious soup that feels like a warm embrace.

Seasonal produce and premium proteins create a meal promising pure satisfaction.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference in crafting this irresistible chowder.

You’ll savor every bite of this soul-warming creation that turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Why This Chowder’s a Comfort Food Dream

• Savor Hearty Comfort: A soul-warming dish packed with rich flavors and satisfying ingredients that hug your taste buds with every spoonful.
• Master Culinary Skills: Surprisingly simple recipe that lets home cooks feel like professional chefs, creating a restaurant-quality meal with minimal cooking expertise.
• Customize Your Feast: Versatile recipe that welcomes personal touches, allowing you to adjust ingredients or swap components based on preferences or what's in your pantry.
• Quick Family Pleaser: Perfect weeknight dinner solution that brings everyone together, delivering a delicious meal in under an hour without complicated techniques.

Shrimp & Bacon Ingredients That Shine Together

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides a delicate and sweet flavor to the chowder.
• Bacon: Crispy meat that adds a smoky and rich taste to the dish.

• Corn, Bell Pepper, Potato, Onion, Garlic: Fresh vegetables that create a hearty and flavorful base for the chowder.

• Chicken Broth: Savory liquid that helps build the soup's foundation and adds depth of flavor.
• Heavy Cream, Milk: Creamy ingredients that provide a rich and smooth texture to the chowder.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika: Classic spices that enhance the overall taste and add warmth to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Healthy oil used for sautéing ingredients and preventing sticking.

How to Layer Bold Flavors Into Every Bowl

Step 1: Sizzle Bacon and Prepare Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Crisp up bacon until golden and crunchy, then remove and set aside while keeping the delicious bacon fat in the pot.

Step 2: Create Aromatic Foundation

• Chopped onion
• Garlic

Step 3: Introduce Colorful Vegetables

• Corn kernels
• Diced potatoes
• Chopped bell pepper

Cook for a few minutes to develop rich flavors.

Step 4: Pour and Simmer Broth

Add chicken broth to the pot, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Let it cook until potatoes become tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 5: Enrich with Creamy Goodness

• Heavy cream
• Milk
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 6: Incorporate Succulent Seafood

Add shrimp and cook until they turn pink and are perfectly done, which takes just a few minutes.

Step 7: Final Touches

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed for perfect balance.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot chowder into bowls.

Top with crispy bacon pieces and fresh chopped parsley for a stunning presentation.

Tips for a Creamy, Balanced Bacon Finish

• Swap regular bacon for turkey bacon to reduce fat and create a lighter version of the chowder.
• Ensure shrimp are fresh and not overcooked to maintain their tender, succulent texture and prevent rubbery consistency.
• For a gluten-free option, use cornstarch instead of flour and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Create a vegetarian alternative by replacing shrimp with plant-based protein like tofu or additional vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms.
• Keep the heat at medium-low when adding cream to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.

Twists That Make This Chowder Even Better

• Spicy Southwest Chowder: Replace bell pepper with jalapeños, add diced green chiles, and sprinkle cayenne pepper for a fiery kick.
• Vegetarian Corn Chowder: Swap shrimp with diced zucchini, use smoked tofu instead of bacon, and add vegetable broth for a plant-based version.
• Seafood Medley Chowder: Include a mix of shrimp, crab, and white fish chunks to create a rich oceanic flavor profile.
• Creamy Cajun Chowder: Season with Cajun spice blend, add andouille sausage instead of bacon, and incorporate diced celery for a Louisiana-style interpretation.

Pairings That Amplify Sweet Corn and Shrimp

• Pair Perfectly with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc with bright acidity to complement the creamy, rich chowder and cut through its heaviness.
• Create Rustic Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty sourdough or garlic bread alongside the chowder to soak up the delicious broth and add textural contrast.
• Match with Zesty Side Salad: Prepare a light mixed green salad with citrus vinaigrette to balance the chowder's richness and provide a fresh, tangy element to the meal.
• Enhance with Craft Beer Selection: Choose a light wheat beer or blonde ale that won't overpower the delicate shrimp and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy soup.

How to Store Without Losing Creaminess

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled chowder to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freezes well for up to 2 months.
• Reheat Stovetop: Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore original consistency.
• Reheat Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when chowder reaches desired temperature.

FAQs for This Bacon-Lover’s Dream Dish

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this chowder?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them completely and pat dry before adding to the chowder to prevent excess water.

• Is it possible to make this chowder less creamy?

Reduce the amount of heavy cream and milk, or substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version.

• What type of potatoes work best in this recipe?

Yukon gold or red potatoes are ideal as they hold their shape well and provide a creamy texture to the chowder.

• Can I make this chowder ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chowder in advance and reheat gently on the stove, adding the shrimp just before serving to prevent overcooking.

Shrimp Corn Chowder with Bacon Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty shrimp corn chowder with bacon brings coastal comfort to your kitchen, blending smoky, creamy goodness with sweet corn and succulent seafood. Warm spoons of this soul-satisfying soup will transport you to seaside comfort in mere moments.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 lb (454 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 6 slices bacon, chopped

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 3 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Render bacon in a large pot over medium heat until golden and crisp, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the rendered fat.
2. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in the bacon fat until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Incorporate corn kernels, diced potatoes, and chopped bell peppers into the pot, stirring to distribute evenly and allowing vegetables to slightly soften for 3-4 minutes.
4. Pour chicken broth into the pot, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer and cooking until potatoes become tender, roughly 10-12 minutes.
5. Introduce heavy cream, milk, paprika, salt, and black pepper, stirring thoroughly to integrate flavors and create a smooth base. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Gently fold raw shrimp into the chowder, cooking until they turn opaque and pink, approximately 4-5 minutes.
7. Assess the seasoning, adjusting with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
8. Ladle the hot chowder into serving bowls, garnishing with reserved crispy bacon crumbles and freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

• Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispiness, ensuring it renders out plenty of delicious fat for sautéing vegetables.
• Use fresh corn kernels when in season for the sweetest taste, but frozen corn works perfectly during off-seasons without compromising quality.
• Keep shrimp cooking time precise to prevent rubbery texture – they should turn pink and slightly curl, which indicates perfect doneness.
• Create a lighter version by substituting half-and-half for heavy cream and using turkey bacon to reduce overall fat content while maintaining rich flavor profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg