Creamy Corn Chowder

This creamy corn chowder recipe is a comforting, hearty soup made with fresh ingredients like Yukon Gold potatoes, sweet corn, and crispy bacon. Perfect for chilly days, this rich and flavorful chowder is easy to make with a simple combination of chicken broth, vegetables, and heavy cream. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this corn chowder is a great choice for a filling, savory meal. Plus, it can easily be adjusted to suit vegetarian diets by swapping out the bacon and using vegetable broth.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices bacon, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 large onion, chopped
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 3 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup heavy cream, warmed to room temperature
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until browned and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve the bacon grease in the pot.
2. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots to the bacon grease. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Reduce the heat to low, then add the garlic and cayenne pepper, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Increase the heat to medium and sprinkle the flour over the vegetables. Stir for about 2 minutes to cook the flour.
5. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly. Add the chopped potatoes, corn, and most of the cooked bacon (reserve a small amount for garnish). Bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 10-12 minutes.
7. Remove the pot from heat and slowly stir in the warmed cream. Add the chopped thyme, and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
8. Garnish the chowder with the reserved bacon and additional fresh thyme. Serve warm.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy corn chowder is the perfect combination of comforting and satisfying. The rich bacon flavor adds depth to the sweetness of the corn, while the creamy texture makes it a hearty meal. It’s a great dish for chilly days or when you’re craving a filling, flavorful soup.

Tips

• Bacon Crispiness: For crispier bacon, cook it over medium-low heat to avoid burning. Pat the cooked bacon with paper towels to remove excess grease before adding it to the chowder.
• Blend for Smoothness: If you prefer a smoother texture, blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender before adding the cream.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed to enhance the flavors.

Variations and Substitutions

• Make It Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the bacon or substitute with a vegetarian bacon alternative.
• Add Herbs: Experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or sage for added flavor.
• Swap Potatoes: If you don’t have Yukon Gold potatoes, you can use russet potatoes or even sweet potatoes for a twist.

FAQs

• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, this chowder stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat gently and add a bit more cream if it thickens too much during storage.
• Can I use canned corn? Yes, canned corn works well in this recipe. Drain and rinse it before adding it to the soup to remove excess salt.
• Can I make it spicier? If you want more heat, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Serving

This creamy corn chowder is a perfect meal on its own or served with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad. It’s great for lunch, dinner, or even as a starter for a larger meal.

Suggestions

• Top with Cheese: For an extra touch, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top before serving.
• Add Croutons: For some crunch, garnish with homemade croutons or a sprinkle of toasted nuts.