There’s just something about a warm bowl of soup that wraps you in cozy comfort, don’t you think? My go-to for those chilly evenings is this incredible corn and bacon chowder. It’s creamy, hearty, and the combination of sweet corn with crispy bacon is nothing short of magic! Every spoonful feels like a warm hug that lingers long after the last bite.
This chowder is not only a treat for the taste buds, but it’s also super easy to whip up, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend meal. Trust me, the aroma of the bacon sizzling will have everyone flocking to the kitchen in no time. And the best part? You can enjoy it any time of year, whether you’re looking to warm up in the winter or just enjoy something comforting on a rainy day. Let’s dive into making this delightful corn and bacon chowder!
Ingredients List
To whip up this delicious corn and bacon chowder, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped – This is your flavor base, adding that irresistible smokiness.
- 1 cup of onion, diced – The onion adds sweetness and depth to the chowder.
- 2 cups of corn, fresh or frozen – Sweet corn brings a lovely creaminess and pops of flavor.
- 4 cups of chicken broth – Use low-sodium broth if you prefer to control the saltiness.
- 2 cups of heavy cream – This makes the chowder rich and velvety, creating that luscious texture.
- 1/4 cup of green onions, chopped (for garnish) – These add a fresh, zesty finish to each bowl.
Make sure to have your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. Trust me, it makes the process so much smoother and more enjoyable!
How to Prepare Corn and Bacon Chowder
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into preparing this fabulous corn and bacon chowder! The steps are straightforward, and before you know it, you’ll have a steaming bowl of deliciousness in front of you.
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
First things first, let’s cook that bacon! In a large pot, place your chopped bacon over medium heat. I like to let it sizzle away until it’s nice and crispy, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it turns golden brown and smells heavenly! Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels. This helps drain the excess fat, so it stays crispy!
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
Next up, it’s time to add the onion to the same pot with the bacon drippings. This is where the magic begins! Sauté the diced onion for about 3 to 5 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Stir it occasionally – you want those flavors to meld beautifully!
Step 3: Combine Corn and Broth
Now, let’s bring in the stars of the show: the corn and chicken broth! Add your corn to the pot, followed by the chicken broth. Stir it all together and crank up the heat until it reaches a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to develop and the corn to soften just perfectly.
Step 4: Stir in Cream and Bacon
After that lovely simmer, it’s time to make your chowder creamy! Stir in the heavy cream, and let it return to a gentle simmer. This is when things get really indulgent! Don’t forget to add the crispy bacon back into the pot at this point. Stir everything together, and let it warm through for a couple of minutes. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 5: Serve the Chowder
Finally, it’s time to serve your corn and bacon chowder! Ladle it into bowls while it’s hot, and don’t skimp on the garnish! Sprinkle those chopped green onions on top for a fresh, zesty finish. Grab a spoon, dig in, and enjoy every creamy, savory spoonful!
Why You’ll Love This Corn and Bacon Chowder
- Hearty and Satisfying: This chowder is a meal in itself, filled with delicious ingredients that will keep you full and satisfied.
- Creamy Texture: The combination of heavy cream and bacon creates a luxurious, velvety soup that’s pure comfort in a bowl.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this tasty chowder in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a starter or a main dish, and feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings!
- Year-Round Favorite: Whether it’s chilly outside or a warm summer night, this chowder is always a hit!
Tips for Success
To make sure your corn and bacon chowder turns out perfectly every time, here are some pro tips to keep in mind:
- Taste as you go: Always sample the chowder before serving. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your personal preference.
- Texture matters: If you prefer a thicker chowder, you can blend a portion of it with an immersion blender, then stir it back into the pot for that creamy consistency.
- Fresh ingredients: Using fresh corn in season will elevate the flavor, but don’t worry—frozen corn works just as well in a pinch!
- Let it sit: If you have time, let the chowder sit for a few minutes after cooking. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making an exceptional chowder that everyone will love!
Nutritional Information
As with any recipe, the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. While I can’t provide exact numbers, here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect for a serving of this corn and bacon chowder:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Sodium: 800mg
These values give you an idea of the chowder’s heartiness, but feel free to adjust ingredients to fit your dietary needs. Enjoy with confidence!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen corn?
Absolutely! Frozen corn works wonderfully in this corn and bacon chowder. Just toss it in the pot with the chicken broth and let it simmer as you would with fresh corn. It’ll thaw and cook beautifully, giving you that sweet corn flavor you crave without any extra prep time!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is a breeze! Just let the chowder cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You might want to add a splash of cream or broth to loosen it up as it reheats.
Can I make this chowder vegetarian?
Definitely! To make a vegetarian version of this chowder, simply swap the bacon for some sautéed mushrooms or smoked paprika for that smoky flavor. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Trust me, you won’t miss the bacon—this chowder will still be rich and satisfying!
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this corn and bacon chowder a try! It’s such a comforting dish that brings warmth and joy to any table. If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments or snap a pic and tag me on social media. Happy cooking!
For more delicious recipes, check out easy casserole recipes or vegetable soup with chicken meatballs. You can also learn more about the health benefits of corn here.
Corn and Bacon Chowder
Equipment
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
For the Chowder
- 4 slices bacon Chopped
- 1 cup onion Diced
- 2 cups corn Fresh or frozen
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
For Garnish
- 1/4 cup green onions Chopped
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside.
- Add onion to the pot and sauté until translucent.
- Add corn and chicken broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and return to a gentle simmer. Add cooked bacon back to the pot.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions.
Notes
If you loved this recipe, you’ll want to explore more of our easy dinner favorites! Check out our collection of easy casserole recipes for more one-pan wonders, browse these easy chicken breast recipes that transform plain chicken into something amazing, or try our crockpot chicken soup recipes for ultimate comfort food. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest so you can find it again later, and follow us on Pinterest for hundreds more delicious recipes and meal ideas!