Why You’ll Love this Creamy Bacon Corn Chowder
Everyone needs a go-to comfort food recipe in their arsenal, and this Creamy Bacon Corn Chowder might just become your new favorite.
I’m talking about a bowl of pure comfort – smoky bacon, tender potatoes, and sweet corn swimming in a velvety cream broth. What’s not to love?
The combination of fresh and creamed corn gives this chowder an incredible texture, while the herbs add depth without overwhelming the star ingredients.
And the bacon? Well, it infuses every spoonful with that irresistible savory flavor. Perfect for chilly evenings when you need something warm to hug you from the inside.
What Ingredients are in Creamy Bacon Corn Chowder?
This creamy bacon corn chowder combines all the elements of pure comfort food – smoky bacon, sweet corn, tender potatoes, and a velvety, herb-infused broth. What makes this recipe special is how the bacon sets the foundation for flavor, with its rendered fat becoming the magical medium for sautéing the aromatics. The combination of both creamed and frozen corn creates the perfect texture balance, while heavy cream adds that luxurious mouthfeel that defines a truly great chowder.
- 1 pound bacon
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups diced potatoes
- 1 diced onion
- 2 cans (8 1/4 ounce) creamed corn
- 1 bag (15 ounce) frozen corn
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper (to taste)
When shopping for ingredients, quality matters for a few key components. Look for thick-cut bacon if possible – it provides more substantial bites and renders more fat for cooking. For potatoes, russets work well but Yukon golds hold their shape better while still contributing to the chowder’s creaminess. And while the recipe calls for dried herbs, you could certainly substitute fresh herbs if you have them on hand – just use about three times the amount since fresh herbs are less concentrated in flavor than their dried counterparts.
How to Make this Creamy Bacon Corn Chowder
This chowder begins with the star ingredient – 1 pound of bacon – which sets the foundation for layers of flavor throughout the dish. Start by frying the bacon until it’s perfectly crisp, then set it aside, but here’s the vital part: save that liquid gold bacon grease! It’s going to transform this from an ordinary soup into something truly special.
Transfer about 2 tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat to a large soup pot, where you’ll cook 1 diced onion until it becomes soft and translucent, soaking up all those smoky flavors.
Next comes the backbone of our chowder. Add 4 cups of chicken broth, 4 cups of diced potatoes, and the aromatic blend of 1 teaspoon each of cumin, dried basil, dried thyme, and dried parsley, along with 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper (though you can always adjust these to taste).
Let this mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, or until you can easily pierce the potatoes with a fork – we want them tender but not falling apart. Once the potatoes have softened, it’s time for the corn duo: stir in 2 cans of creamed corn and the 15-ounce bag of frozen corn, then bring everything back to a gentle simmer until thoroughly heated.
For the grand finale that makes this chowder truly decadent, pour in 2 cups of heavy cream and continue cooking just until the soup is heated through – but don’t let it boil or the cream might separate. Having fish spatulas in your kitchen arsenal makes it easier to gently stir delicate mixtures like this creamy chowder without breaking up the tender potatoes.
Remember that bacon we crisped up at the beginning? Crumble it and stir most of it into the chowder, reserving some for garnishing each bowl. The magic of this recipe is in the layering – the bacon fat flavoring the onions, the herbs infusing the broth, the creaminess from both the corn and the heavy cream.
With each spoonful delivering potatoes, sweet corn, and smoky bacon in a velvety base, this chowder is pure comfort in a bowl. For an authentic touch, consider using traditional Mexican kitchen appliances to enhance the flavors of this hearty dish.
Creamy Bacon Corn Chowder Substitutions and Variations
While great recipes deserve to be followed exactly, I’m a firm believer that the kitchen is a place for creativity and working with what you’ve got.
Don’t have bacon? Turkey bacon or ham works wonderfully, or skip the meat for a vegetarian version with a dash of smoked paprika.
Short on heavy cream? Half-and-half or whole milk can step in, though your chowder won’t be quite as rich.
Fresh corn off the cob adds amazing texture when in season, and swapping red potatoes for russets changes the texture completely.
Feeling adventurous? A pinch of cayenne adds subtle heat, or stir in some cheddar for a cheesy twist.
What to Serve with Creamy Bacon Corn Chowder
What could possibly make a steaming bowl of creamy bacon corn chowder even more satisfying?
I’m thinking crusty, warm bread—perfect for dipping into that velvety broth. A classic grilled cheese sandwich with sharp cheddar creates the ultimate comfort food pairing.
For something lighter, try a crisp green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Fresh cucumber and tomato slices work beautifully too.
Speaking of fresh, a sprinkle of chopped chives or parsley on top of your chowder adds both color and flavor.
Trust me, these simple sides transform an already delicious meal into a complete dining experience.
Final Thoughts
After trying this creamy bacon corn chowder, I can confidently say it’s become one of my go-to comfort food recipes. The way the smoky bacon complements the sweet corn creates a perfect balance of flavors that simply warms the soul.
What makes this recipe special is its versatility. Don’t have heavy cream? Half-and-half works in a pinch. If you’re craving something with a bit more kick, you could add chipotle peppers for a smoky heat similar to Mexican-inspired soups.
Need to feed a crowd? It doubles beautifully.
I think you’ll find this chowder isn’t just delicious, it’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table, conversation flowing as freely as seconds into bowls. Much like a good creamy mac and cheese, this chowder combines simple comfort with rich flavors that satisfy with every bite.
