Description
This creamy and comforting Corn Chowder with Bacon combines the natural sweetness of corn with crispy bacon for a rich and savory soup perfect for cozy meals. The chowder features tender potatoes, sautéed onions, and a smooth milk-based broth, optionally garnished with chives or cheddar cheese for extra flavor.
Ingredients
Meat
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
Dairy
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 cups milk
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cups corn (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups potatoes, diced
Liquids
- 1 cup chicken broth
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Chives
- Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook bacon: In a pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it becomes crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pot for additional flavor.
- Sauté onions: Add 1 tablespoon butter to the same pot with the bacon fat. Sauté the chopped onion until it softens and becomes translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the corn and diced potatoes into the pot with the onions. Cook for a few minutes to combine flavors and slightly soften the vegetables.
- Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the milk and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Cook until tender: Let the chowder simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Finish with bacon: Stir the previously cooked crispy bacon back into the soup to evenly distribute its salty flavor.
- Season and serve: Season the chowder with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve warm, optionally garnished with chopped chives or shredded cheddar cheese for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender or in a blender and return it to the pot for a creamier chowder texture.
- For a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version, use plant-based milk and omit the bacon.
- You can use fresh corn when in season or frozen corn for convenience without sacrificing flavor.
- Adjust the thickness by varying the amount of milk or broth according to your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
