This Creamy Corn Chowder is the epitome of comfort food, featuring a rich blend of sweet corn, smoky bacon, and hearty potatoes in a creamy soup base. Ideal for a cozy night in or a satisfying lunch, this chowder is a one-pot meal that’s both fulfilling and easy to prepare. It’s sure to become a family favorite, with its delightful combination of flavors and textures that invite everyone to have a second helping.
Recipe Overview and Ingredients
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of bacon, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups corn kernels, fresh or frozen
- 2 large Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cooking Instructions
Directions:
In a large soup pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium-high heat until crispy, about 10 minutes. Use kitchen shears for easy cutting directly into the pot.
Remove the crispy bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Drain all but two tablespoons of bacon fat from the pot.
Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots to the pot with the remaining bacon fat. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, stirring constantly, and cook for about a minute.
Pour in the chicken broth, stirring well to combine and to loosen any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Add the heavy cream, corn, diced potatoes, Italian seasoning, and cayenne pepper. Return most of the bacon to the pot, reserving some for garnish.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer (medium-low heat), and partially cover with a lid. Let simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Once cooked, the chowder should be thick and creamy.
Serve hot, garnished with the reserved crispy bacon.
Notes and Tips
Preparation Tip: Prep your vegetables while the bacon cooks to streamline your cooking process.
Storage: Leftover chowder may thicken in the fridge. Add a little chicken broth when reheating to adjust consistency.
Dairy Tip: Stick with heavy cream as it resists curdling under high heat, unlike milk or half-and-half.
Nutritional Information: The nutritional values provided are estimates based on the ingredients used and may vary.
This Creamy Corn Chowder is not only nourishing but also a joy to prepare and serve, filling your kitchen with the inviting aromas of simmering soup and crispy bacon. Enjoy this delightful chowder with a side of crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal.