Yummy Corn and Bacon Chowder

Corn and Bacon Chowder

Get ready to cozy up with the creamiest, chunkiest, bacon-studded chowder that’ll have everyone begging for seconds!

 

Corn and Bacon Chowder

Imagine a steaming bowl of golden chowder, brimming with tender potatoes, sweet corn kernels, and smoky bacon bits, all bathed in a luxuriously creamy sauce. Every spoonful feels like a nostalgic hug from your coziest blanket—comfort food at its happiest. Whether it’s a blustery evening, a laid-back family dinner, or the star of your next potluck, this Corn and Bacon Chowder will steal the show.

The flavors dance between sweet and savory, while the texture offers just the right balance of silky broth and hearty chunks. Trust us: once you’ve tried this recipe, it becomes your kitchen’s MVP for life.

I love soup! For me, it doesn’t matter if it’s cold outside or hot, I love me some soup! I will admit that it is completely a comfort food in the Winter.

My favorite soups are the creamy soups in any form, in fact, I haven’t come across a soup that I didn’t love.  It’s a perfect solution for a weeknight dinner or if you have a big crowd for the holidays. It will not disappoint!

 

Corn and Bacon Chowder

Shayna requested this for her birthday dinner. We had two different soups and I was convinced that we would have leftovers but, there wasn’t any soup left after the celebration. There are so many different layers of flavor that it will delight your taste buds, and satisfy your appetite.

Cooking Tips

• Use a mix of russet and Yukon Gold potatoes for a balance of fluffiness and buttery texture.
• For extra smokiness, stir in 1 teaspoon of smoked salt or a dash of chipotle powder.
• If your chowder is too thick, thin it with a splash of broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency.
• To avoid grainy cream, temper your half-and-half: whisk in a ladle of hot broth before adding it to the pot.
• Hands-off hack: prepare up to step 4 ahead of time, refrigerate the base covered, then reheat and finish with corn, cream, and bacon when ready to serve.
• Veggie boost: toss in diced carrots or celery with the onions for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Gluten-free swap: use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry (mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with cold water) instead of flour for thickening.
• Make it dairy-free by swapping half-and-half for canned coconut milk. The subtle coconut flavor pairs beautifully with sweet corn.
• For a chunk-lover’s dream, reserve some potato and corn before blending. Stir them back in after pureeing part of the soup for silky texture with hearty bites.
• Always garnish last-minute: fresh herbs and crispy bacon lose their crunch if added too early.

Corn and Bacon Chowder

Recipe Variations

• Tex-Mex Twist: Add 1 diced poblano pepper with the onions and finish with a squeeze of lime juice and chopped cilantro. Sprinkle tortilla strips on top.
• Cheesy Overload: Stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese after adding cream. Melt gently, then top with extra cheese and scallions.
• Seafood Sensation: Omit bacon and potatoes. Simmer corn in broth, then add peeled shrimp and chunks of white fish in the last 5 minutes. Finish with cream.
• Garden Veggie Medley: Bulk up with zucchini, green beans, and peas. Sauté extra veggies with onions or stir in frozen peas at the end.
• Ham Hock Heritage: Replace bacon with a smoked ham hock. Simmer it in the broth with potatoes, then shred the meat back into the chowder.
• Spicy Kick: Stir in 1 minced jalapeño with the onions and top with pickled jalapeños and a dash of hot sauce.
• Pumpkin-Corn Fusion: Substitute half the potatoes with canned pumpkin purée and half-and-half with coconut milk. Finish with a pinch of allspice and nutmeg.
• One-Pot Slow Cooker: Combine all ingredients except cream in a slow cooker on low for 6 hours. Stir in cream in the last 30 minutes.
• Sheet-Pan Chowder Bowls: Roast potatoes, corn, and bacon on a sheet pan until golden. Transfer to a pot, add broth and cream, then simmer briefly before serving.

 

CORN AND BACON CHOWDER

Ingredients

• 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 3 cups peeled and diced russet potatoes (about 2 large potatoes)
• 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
• 1 cup half-and-half (or whole milk for a lighter twist)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley, for garnish

Corn and Bacon Chowder

Instructions

1. Crisp the Bacon
In a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook diced bacon until it’s deep golden and extra-crunchy, about 8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a paper towel–lined plate, reserving 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot.
2. Sauté Aromatics
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter to the bacon fat, swirl to melt, then stir in chopped onion. Cook until translucent and lightly caramelized, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Build the Base
Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic. Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste and create a roux. The mixture will bubble and thicken slightly.
4. Add Broth & Potatoes
Gradually whisk in chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Turn heat up to medium and add diced potatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, or until potatoes are just tender when pierced with a fork.
5. Stir in Corn & Cream
Add corn kernels, smoked paprika, thyme, and half-and-half. Stir gently and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to meld flavors and heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Finish & Serve
Fold in half of the crispy bacon, reserving the rest for garnish. Ladle chowder into bowls, sprinkle with remaining bacon and fresh chives, and serve immediately with warm crusty bread or buttery biscuits.

Calorie Count

Each generous 1½-cup serving of Corn and Bacon Chowder clocks in at approximately 370 calories. This includes the creamy broth, potatoes, corn, and bacon bites. Adjust by swapping half-and-half for milk to shave off about 50 calories per bowl.

Corn and Bacon Chowder

Nutritional Facts

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	370
Total Fat	19g
Saturated Fat	9g
Cholesterol	45mg
Sodium	780mg
Total Carbohydrate	36g
Dietary Fiber	4g
Sugars	6g
Protein	12g

This chowder delivers a hearty dose of carbs and a comforting hit of fat from bacon and cream, balanced by fiber-rich potatoes and veggies. Opting for low-fat milk can lower the fat content without sacrificing creaminess

 

Corn and Bacon Chowder

Kid Tips

• Let little sous-chefs shuck fresh corn or rinse frozen kernels—kids love sensory tasks.
• Use cookie cutters to turn toasted bread into fun shapes for dunking.
• Tame the bacon flavor by setting aside a small scoop of chowder before adding bacon bits to kids’ bowls.
• Turn it into a “chowder hunt” by hiding mini cheese cubes or extra corn kernels for kids to find.
• Offer build-your-own toppings: grated cheese, diced avocado, or croutons let kids customize each bite.
• Teach safe stirring: give children heat-proof spoons and supervise while whisking in the cream.
• Mini chowder mugs are both adorable and perfect for portion control at family dinners.
• Encourage taste testing: let kids pinch-salt their own bowls to explore how seasoning changes flavor

Corn and Bacon Chowder

Corn and Bacon Chowder will quickly become the recipe you reach for when you need a bowl of pure, creamy comfort. It’s oozing with sweet corn, smoky bacon, hearty potatoes, and an indulgent sauce that feels like a warm embrace. Party hosts, busy parents, and weeknight warriors alike will appreciate its ease, adaptability, and soul-warming vibes.
Every spoonful tells a story: of family, cozy nights, laughter around the table, and the simple joy of good food. So grab your pot, gather those fresh ingredients (or raid your freezer), and dive into the rich, flavorful world of this irresistible chowder. May your kitchens always be warm, your hearts full, and your spoons ever ready for the next comforting bite! Tag us on Instagram! 
Happy cooking, chowder champs!