Classic Corn Chowder with Bacon Recipe
Ingredients:
- 6 slices bacon, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 1 large potato, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel. Keep about 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the pot.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion to the pot with the bacon drippings and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Stir in the diced potatoes and pour in the broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
- Add Corn and Cream: Stir in the corn kernels and heavy cream or milk. Let the soup simmer for another 10-15 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
- Season and Garnish: Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir in some fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with the crispy bacon pieces. Serve warm and enjoy!
20 Popular Questions and Answers about Corn Chowder with Bacon
- Can I use frozen corn?
- Yes, frozen corn works perfectly and saves time. Just add it straight to the soup.
- What’s the best type of potato for chowder?
- Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are best because they’re creamy and break down nicely.
- How can I make this dairy-free?
- Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk for creaminess.
- Can I use canned corn?
- Absolutely! Drain and rinse the canned corn before adding it to the soup.
- How can I make it thicker?
- Blend part of the soup with an immersion blender, or add a cornstarch slurry.
- Is it gluten-free?
- Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free if you ensure the broth doesn’t contain any gluten additives.
- Can I add other vegetables?
- Definitely! Diced bell peppers, carrots, or celery make great additions.
- Can I freeze corn chowder?
- Yes, but the texture may change slightly due to the cream. Reheat it slowly and stir well.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Can I use canned creamed corn?
- Yes! It adds extra sweetness and creaminess to the chowder.
- Can I skip the bacon?
- Sure! Use a tablespoon of olive oil to sauté the onions if you skip the bacon.
- How do I reheat the chowder?
- Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
- Can I make it vegetarian?
- Yes, use vegetable broth and skip the bacon, or try using smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- What’s a good garnish for corn chowder?
- Fresh herbs, shredded cheese, green onions, or even croutons.
- Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
- Yes, it will be slightly lighter but still creamy.
- How much does this recipe serve?
- This recipe serves about 4 people.
- Can I make this in a slow cooker?
- Yes! Sauté the bacon and onions first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- What spices work well in corn chowder?
- Smoked paprika, thyme, and a pinch of cayenne add great flavor.
- Should I peel the potatoes?
- It’s up to you! For a smoother texture, peel them, but if you like a rustic texture, leave the skins on.
- Can I use leftover roasted corn?
- Yes! It adds a nice smoky flavor to the chowder.
30 Helpful Tips to Make Corn Chowder with Bacon Even More Delightful
- Use fresh, sweet corn when in season for the best flavor.
- Roast or grill the corn kernels first to add a smoky taste.
- For a vegetarian version, add smoked paprika for a bacon-like flavor.
- Try adding a splash of white wine before the broth for added depth.
- Blend half the chowder for extra creaminess without extra cream.
- Substitute part of the broth with clam juice for a twist on New England chowder.
- Add diced red bell pepper for color and sweetness.
- Sauté celery and carrots with the onions for more veggie flavor.
- Stir in a little Parmesan cheese at the end for richness.
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamy texture.
- Top with shredded cheddar for extra cheesiness.
- Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh bite.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat.
- Use thick-cut bacon for a heartier, meatier texture.
- Stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end for a silky finish.
- Add a handful of fresh spinach or kale for extra greens.
- Use leeks instead of onions for a milder, slightly sweet flavor.
- Serve with crusty bread or oyster crackers on the side.
- Use heavy cream for the richest texture.
- Sprinkle smoked paprika on top for a final flavor boost.
- Substitute almond or oat milk to make it dairy-free.
- Top with crumbled tortilla chips for added crunch.
- Add a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Stir in cooked, shredded chicken for extra protein.
- Use half milk and half cream to keep it light but creamy.
- Add fresh thyme leaves for a warm, aromatic touch.
- Include celery salt if skipping bacon, to add savory depth.
- Stir in a bit of miso paste for umami flavor.
- Use an immersion blender to partially blend for a thicker texture.
- Let the soup rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
30 Secrets to Achieving the Perfect Christmas Peanut Butter Balls
- Use powdered sugar for a smoother texture.
- Let the peanut butter balls chill before dipping in chocolate.
- Mix a pinch of sea salt into the peanut butter filling.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Roll the balls evenly to ensure they look uniform.
- Freeze the balls for 15 minutes before dipping.
- Use high-quality melting chocolate for a glossy finish.
- Add a teaspoon of coconut oil to the chocolate for easier coating.
- Use a toothpick to dip for clean, even coating.
- Sprinkle sea salt on top for a sweet-salty finish.
- Try adding crushed graham crackers for extra texture.
- Use dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Drizzle white chocolate on top for a festive look.
- Add crushed peppermint candy to the coating for a holiday twist.
- Roll the balls in sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
- Use almond or cashew butter for a flavor variation.
- Stir in mini chocolate chips for extra chocolate flavor.
- Chill the coated balls to set the chocolate quickly.
- Use a fork to gently lift the balls from the chocolate.
- Double-dip for a thicker chocolate coating.
- Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top for crunch.
- Mix in crushed pretzels for a salty contrast.
- Use festive colored candy melts for holiday themes.
- Add a dash of vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Chill in the fridge overnight for the best consistency.
- Experiment with milk chocolate, white chocolate, or dark chocolate.
- Add a bit of cocoa powder to the peanut butter mixture for a richer flavor.
- Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh longer.
- Place a little edible gold dust on top for a fancy touch.
- Gift-wrap in festive tins for a perfect homemade holiday gift!