Ingredients
Scale
For the Chowder:
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
For Serving:
- Extra crispy bacon bits
- Chopped green onions
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Crusty bread for dipping
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Leave about 1 tbsp of bacon fat in the pot for extra flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- Add butter to the pot with the bacon fat.
- Stir in onions and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Potatoes and Corn
- Add diced potatoes and corn to the pot.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Cover and let cook for 15-20 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Blend for Creaminess
- Use an immersion blender to partially blend the chowder, leaving some texture.
- If using a regular blender, blend half the soup and return it to the pot.
Step 5: Add Cream and Seasonings
- Stir in heavy cream, whole milk, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne.
- Let the chowder simmer for 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
- For extra richness, stir in shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Ladle the chowder into bowls.
- Top with crispy bacon bits, chopped parsley, and green onions.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or oyster crackers
Notes
✅ Use fresh corn when in season for the sweetest flavor.
✅ Crisp the bacon well before adding it to the soup for texture contrast.
✅ For a thicker chowder, mash some of the potatoes with a fork.
✅ To make it dairy-free, use coconut milk instead of cream.
✅ Want a smoky flavor? Add a dash of smoked paprika.
- Prep Time: 15minutes
- Cook Time: 30minutes