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Creamy Corn Chowder with Crispy Bacon

creamy corn chowder with crispy bacon - featured image
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A comforting and creamy corn chowder featuring sweet corn and crispy bacon, perfect for cozy fall dinners or gatherings. This easy recipe blends fresh corn, potatoes, and smoky bacon for a rich and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 5 ears) or frozen corn
  • 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 4 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped (optional)
  • Chives or green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Place bacon slices in a cold large pot or Dutch oven. Turn heat to medium and cook until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate using tongs. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot.
  2. Add butter to the pot with bacon fat. Once melted, add chopped onions and celery. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and chopped thyme (if using). Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  4. Sprinkle flour over the vegetable mixture and stir well to coat. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to eliminate raw flour taste.
  5. Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add diced potatoes. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
  6. Stir in fresh corn kernels and continue simmering uncovered for 10 minutes to keep corn sweet and slightly crisp.
  7. Remove about 2 cups of chowder and puree using an immersion blender or regular blender. Return pureed mixture to the pot and stir well for creamy texture.
  8. Lower heat and stir in heavy cream. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Warm gently without boiling.
  9. Serve hot, crumbled bacon on top, and garnish with chopped chives or green onions. Enjoy with crusty bread or oyster crackers.

Notes

For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and olive oil instead of butter. Blend part of the chowder for creamy texture without losing corn bite. Add broth or water if chowder is too thick; simmer longer if too thin. Cook bacon slowly for best crispiness without bitterness.

Nutrition

Keywords: corn chowder, creamy corn chowder, bacon chowder, fall recipes, comfort food, easy soup, creamy soup, crispy bacon, chowder recipe

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/creamy-corn-chowder-with-crispy-bacon-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-fall/