What if I told you that you can enjoy this hearty creamy Bacon Corn Chowder soup not just during the winter but also in summer with seasonal corn? This delicious and easy corn chowder with bacon is loaded with potatoes, corn, bacon, and so much more. I must say it is the ultimate comfort food!
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5-Star Reviews
“Had my last ears of sweet corn for the season in the fridge, and wanted to make a chowder. Looked at a dozen different recipes online, and decided on yours. Outstanding recipe! The herbs and nutmeg elevated the finished dish. Definitely a keeper! I’ll be making this again (and again)!” -Renee
Bacon Corn Chowder Recipe
Nothing is as comforting as a big bowl of hearty soup for a lazy weeknight dinner. And my corn chowder with bacon is just that—a warm hug in a bowl! This recipe is a twist on traditional chowder. It is loaded with potatoes, fresh corn, and crispy bacon bites.
Of all the soups I’ve shared, some of my favorites are Creamy Chicken Soup, Skinny Chicken Tortilla Soup, and Thai Coconut Chicken Soup. But my absolute favorite right now is this Bacon Corn Chowder! This chowder has a creamy thick base made and is ready in under an hour! I love to bring it to my dinner table for those cold evenings.
Tips for Beginners
- For a creamier, thicker soup, use full cream instead of half and half or add 1 tablespoon cornflour in the half and half and slowly add to the recipe. Keep stirring.
Bacon Corn Chowder Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon crisped & crumbled; divided in half
- 1 medium sweet yellow onion diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups unsalted vegetable or chicken broth/stock
- 2 bay leaves
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon dried chives
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes peeled & diced
- 1 cup half and half
- 6 cups corn kernels (approx. 8 ears of fresh corn) or a 28.8 oz. bag of frozen corn
- garnish with crumbled bacon chopped fresh parsley and a couple of dashes of Smoked Paprika or nutmeg
Instructions
- Cut bacon into lardoons (1/8” slices) and cook until almost crisp. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, and discard all except 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.6 slices bacon
- Cook diced onion in the bacon grease until onion is translucent.1 medium sweet yellow onion
- Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds.2 garlic cloves
- Dust cooked onions with flour and stir to mix well.3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Pour in the vegetable/chicken broth, bay leaves, thyme, parsley, chives, nutmeg, black pepper, salt, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes and diced potatoes. Stir well.Bring liquid to a boil and boil for 10 minutes or just until the potatoes begin to fall apart. With a potato masher, mash the mixture until approximately half the potatoes are mashed.4 cups unsalted vegetable or chicken broth/stock, 2 bay leaves, ¼ teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley, 1/4 teaspoon dried chives, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes
- Add half and half and corn kernels. Mix thoroughly.1 cup half and half, 6 cups corn kernels
- Taste the chowder and season with more salt, if needed.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes over low heat to thicken. Be careful the milk in the chowder doesn’t scald.
- To serve, place soup in bowls. Top with crumbled bacon, fresh chopped parsley, and a couple of dashes of nutmeg or smoked paprika. Enjoy!garnish with crumbled bacon
Becky’s Tips
- Add pre-cooked chicken like rotisserie chicken in place of bacon for variety.
- For a vegetarian chowder, leave out the bacon and use vegetable broth.
- Adjust heat/spiciness per taste.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
Bacon Corn Chowder in the Slow Cooker
You can also make this bacon corn chowder in slow cooker. Cook bacon on a skillet, and then add onion and garlic. Transfer to the slow cooker and add everything except the half and half. Cook on slow for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add half and half and corn. Top with crispy bacon bites before serving!
How to Store
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for 3-5 days. For reheating, microwave it in 30 second intervals or use a sauce pan over the stovetop.
Freeze: I don’t recommend freezing homemade corn chowder soup due to dairy and vegetables. After thawing vegetables become very mushy (especially potatoes) and the soup base may curdle.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving Bacon Corn Chowder soup as an appetizer, or as an entire meal with Garlic Bread. It could be the perfect starter if you’re having a light chicken or seafood meal, just the right amount of added flavor.
Pull Apart Cheese Bread, Dutch Oven Jalapeno Bread, or Focaccia also pair well with this chowder.
A bit too bland for me
Had my last ears of sweet corn for the season in the fridge, and wanted to make a chowder. Looked at a dozen different recipes online, and decided on yours. Outstanding recipe! The herbs and nutmeg elevated the finished dish. Definitely a keeper! I’ll be making this again (and again)!
We’re so happy to hear you loved it, Renee! Thanks so much for stopping by!
What would “Half ‘n half” be????? I am Australian & have no idea what you mean…
Half whole milk, half heavy cream!
My husband and I both liked the chowder. I personally thought that the 28 oz bag of corn was too much! It was mainly a bowl of corn and potatoes with little “chowder.” I plan to try it again & play with the amount of corn.
Definitely adjust to your taste preferences!
Such a Tasty Recipe!
Thanks, Cherry!
You’re making me hungry… I think I just heard my tummy growl. hahaha!
It’s delicious! Thank you!
I love corn chowder and adding bacon and those beautiful garnishes will make this dish a looker as well as great comfort food. Can’t wait to try the chodwer recipe!
Corn Chowder is so good, huh? I hope you try this and love it!
This was delicious.
Looks delicious! I think I want to eat them today!
Thankyou for sharing. amazing your website is amazing!
Thank you so much!