Creamy Corn Chowder with Bacon 🌽🥓✨

“A Hearty and Comforting Bowl of Creamy Goodness!”

This Creamy Corn Chowder is the perfect blend of sweet corn, smoky bacon, and a rich, velvety broth. It’s a quick and satisfying dish for lunch, dinner, or any time you’re craving comfort food.

Ingredients

For the Base:

• 4 slices of bacon, diced
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced

For the Chowder:

• 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth of flavor)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Shredded cheese (cheddar works great!)
• Additional crumbled bacon

How to Make Creamy Corn Chowder

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

1. In a large pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy.
2. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Add the butter (if needed) to the pot.
2. Stir in the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Chowder Base

1. Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to coat evenly. Cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
2. Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.

Step 4: Add Corn and Potatoes

1. Stir in the corn kernels and diced potatoes.
2. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Step 5: Add the Cream

1. Stir in the milk or heavy cream.
2. Add the smoked paprika (if using) and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 6: Blend (Optional)

1. For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup while leaving some chunks intact. Alternatively, blend about half of the soup in a blender and return it to the pot.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

1. Ladle the chowder into bowls and top with crispy bacon, parsley, or shredded cheese.
2. Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers on the side.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy: A velvety texture that’s both satisfying and comforting.
• Sweet and Smoky: The combination of corn and bacon creates a perfect balance of flavors.
• Customizable: Add other vegetables, spices, or even seafood for variety.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Corn: If in season, fresh corn cut from the cob adds an extra layer of sweetness and flavor.
2. Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed.
3. Make It Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth for a delicious meat-free version.

This Creamy Corn Chowder with bacon is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible. Perfect for cozy nights or when you need a quick and satisfying meal. 🌽🥓✨ Enjoy!