Description
Creamy Bacon Corn Chowder is a rich and comforting soup loaded with sweet corn, tender potatoes, crispy beef bacon, and a velvety cream-based broth. This hearty chowder is perfect for cozy dinners and makes an excellent one-pot meal.
Ingredients
- 8 slices beef bacon, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook diced beef bacon over medium heat until crispy.
- Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the pot.
- Add olive oil, onion, and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth.
- Add corn, potatoes, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Lightly mash some of the potatoes with a spoon to thicken the chowder.
- Stir in milk and heavy cream.
- Add cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
- Return most of the crispy beef bacon to the pot, reserving some for garnish.
- Simmer for 3-5 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with remaining bacon, green onions, and parsley before serving.
Notes
- Fresh summer corn provides the sweetest flavor, but frozen corn works well year-round.
- Do not boil after adding dairy to prevent curdling.
- For extra thickness, blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in.
- Serve with crusty bread or biscuits.
- Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American