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Creamy Corn Chowder with Bacon Bits

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A cozy and comforting creamy corn chowder featuring smoky bacon bits, tender potatoes, and a velvety broth perfect for chilly nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 slices thick-cut smoked bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 3 cups corn kernels, fresh or frozen
  • 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (optional)
  • Green onions or chives, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the chopped bacon in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp and golden, about 6-8 minutes. Remove bacon bits with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the rendered bacon fat in the pot.
  2. Add butter to the bacon fat and melt over medium heat. Add diced onion, celery, and garlic. Stir frequently and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for about 2 minutes to cook off the raw taste.
  4. Slowly add 4 cups chicken broth while whisking gently to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  5. Stir in cubed Yukon Gold potatoes and fresh thyme. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
  6. Add corn kernels and cook for another 5 minutes until heated through.
  7. Use an immersion blender to puree about half of the chowder in the pot for a creamy texture, or transfer half to a blender, pulse until smooth, then return to the pot.
  8. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and fold in the crispy bacon bits. Warm gently without boiling for 5 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Ladle chowder into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions or chives.

Notes

If chowder is too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen. Stir frequently during simmering to prevent sticking. Use fresh corn when possible for best flavor. Do not boil after adding cream to avoid curdling. For gluten-free, substitute flour with cornstarch. For dairy-free, use coconut milk and olive oil instead of cream and butter. Vegetarian version omits bacon and uses smoked paprika or liquid smoke.

Nutrition

Keywords: corn chowder, bacon bits, creamy soup, comfort food, easy chowder recipe, cozy soup, bacon corn chowder

Find it online: https://ariaappetite.com/creamy-corn-chowder-with-bacon-bits-easy-recipe-for-cozy-comfort/