Soul-Warming Hearty Corn Chowder with Crispy Bacon Recipe
When comfort meets flavor, this hearty corn chowder with crispy bacon becomes the ultimate winter companion.
Cold evenings call for warm, satisfying meals that hug your soul.
Rich kernels of sweet corn mingle with smoky bacon pieces, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.
Each spoonful promises a creamy blend of ingredients that dance across your palate.
The soup bursts with robust ingredients simmered to perfection.
Crispy bacon adds a delightful crunch that elevates every bite.
Prepare to savor a bowl of pure culinary comfort that will warm you from the inside out.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: 380 kcal
Servings: 6
Creamy Corn Chowder with Bacon Ingredients
For Protein and Flavor Base:
Bacon: Adds smoky, rich depth and crispy texture to the chowder, choose thick-cut for maximum flavor complexity.
For Vegetables and Aromatics:
Onion: Provides sweet, foundational flavor that builds the soup's aromatic base, look for firm, glossy bulbs.
Celery: Introduces subtle herbal notes and delicate crunch, select stalks that are bright green and rigid.
Garlic: Delivers intense, pungent undertones that enhance overall taste profile, pick plump cloves without sprouts.
Fresh Corn Kernels: Brings natural sweetness and classic chowder texture, choose bright, tight kernels from fresh ears.
Potatoes: Creates hearty, creamy base and adds substantial, comforting texture, select waxy varieties like Yukon Gold.
For Liquid and Creaminess:
Chicken Broth: Establishes rich, savory liquid foundation, opt for low-sodium versions for better flavor control.
Heavy Cream: Delivers luxurious, silky smoothness and rounds out the chowder's rich character, use full-fat for best results.
Milk: Lightens the soup's density while maintaining creamy consistency, whole milk provides optimal richness.
Gear You Need to Whip Up This Hearty Soup
Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking bacon and creating the chowder base, providing even heat distribution.
Slotted Spoon: Perfect for removing crispy bacon while leaving behind the flavorful fat.
Paper Towels: Helps drain excess grease from the cooked bacon, keeping the dish less oily.
Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable and ingredient preparation.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
Cooking Instructions for Corn Chowder That Comforts
Sizzle Bacon Start frying bacon in a large pot over medium heat until it turns golden and crisp. The goal is to create deliciously crunchy bacon pieces and render out some flavorful fat.
Bacon Prep Remove the crispy bacon using a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain. Keep about a tablespoon of the savory bacon drippings in the pot for the next steps.
Sauté Vegetables Add diced onions, celery, and bell peppers to the bacon fat. Cook until the vegetables become soft and start to release their aromatic flavors, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Create Base Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat, creating a roux that will help thicken the chowder. Cook for a minute to remove the raw flour taste.
Liquid Magic Pour in chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Add corn kernels and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Simmer and Thicken Let the chowder cook for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly. The corn will become tender and infuse the broth with sweet, fresh flavor.
Final Touches Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with the crispy bacon pieces and optional fresh herbs like chives or parsley for extra brightness.
Additions to Elevate Your Chowder Game
Bacon Bliss: Save extra crispy bacon bits as a topping or mix into salads for added crunch and flavor.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lactose-free version that's equally rich and creamy.
Vegetarian Twist: Replace bacon with smoked paprika and use vegetable broth to create a smoky depth without meat, perfect for plant-based diets.
Texture Trick: For an ultra-smooth chowder, blend half the corn kernels before adding to create a silkier consistency without losing kernel texture.
Seasonal Swap: Experiment with fresh summer corn when in season or use frozen corn kernels during winter months for consistent flavor and availability.
Serving Suggestions for a Cozy Corn Bowl
Cozy Comfort Bowl: Serve this chowder in deep ceramic bowls that showcase its rich, creamy texture and highlight the golden corn kernels.
Bacon Crunch Topping: Crumble the crispy bacon pieces over each serving, adding a delightful salty crunch and smoky flavor that complements the smooth chowder.
Fresh Herb Finishing Touch: Sprinkle chopped chives or fresh parsley on top to bring a bright, green pop of color and add a light, fresh note to the hearty soup.
Bread Pairing Perfection: Offer warm, crusty sourdough or cornbread on the side to soak up the creamy broth and complete this satisfying meal.
Tips for Saving and Reheating Chowder Properly
Smart Refrigeration: Store chowder in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, keeping flavors fresh and texture smooth.
Freezing Magic: Cool soup completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, where it can stay delicious for 2-3 months without losing its creamy consistency.
Reheating Hack: Gently warm chowder on stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and maintain its rich, velvety texture. Add a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
Bacon Crunch Tip: Keep crispy bacon bits separate from the chowder when storing, sprinkling them just before serving to maintain their satisfying crackle and prevent sogginess.
1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth of flavor)
½ tsp dried thyme or 1 tsp fresh thyme
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
2 green onions (chopped)
Extra crispy bacon pieces
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
Bacon Preparation: Render bacon in a spacious pot over medium heat until golden-brown and crispy, developing a rich, smoky essence. Transfer crisp pieces onto paper towels, reserving 1 tablespoon of rendered fat.
Aromatic Base: Sauté diced onions in bacon fat until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook briefly to unlock its pungent flavor without burning.
Vegetable Integration: Introduce diced potatoes and kernel corn to the pot, stirring to coat with the flavorful base and ensure even cooking.
Liquid Foundation: Pour chicken broth into the pot, allowing vegetables to simmer until potatoes become fork-tender and ingredients meld together harmoniously.
Creamy Transformation: Gently stir heavy cream into the mixture, creating a luxuriously smooth consistency and enriching the chowder’s depth.
Seasoning and Finishing: Enhance with salt, pepper, and optional herbs like thyme or chives. Ladle into serving bowls, topping with reserved crispy bacon pieces for a delightful textural contrast.
Notes
Bacon Brilliance: Render bacon slowly to extract maximum flavor, ensuring crispy texture without burning. Pat bacon with paper towels to remove excess grease for a lighter dish.
Potato Perfection: Cut potatoes into uniform, small cubes to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the chowder.
Cream Control: Add heavy cream at the end and avoid boiling to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, silky consistency.
Flavor Boosting: Experiment with smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne for added depth, or swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
Food styling and photography for digital platforms.
Education
Box Hill Institute, Melbourne
Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.
William Angliss Institute, Melbourne
Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.
Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes.
Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.
Jenna Hartley
Founder & Recipe Creator
Expertise
Education
Box Hill Institute, Melbourne
William Angliss Institute, Melbourne
Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes.
Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.