Loaded Cheesy Bacon Corn and Potato Chowder
Try this Loaded Cheesy Bacon Corn and Potato Chowder recipe
Try this Loaded Cheesy Bacon Corn and Potato Chowder recipe
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 4 garlic cloves finely minced
- pinch cayenne pepper optional and to taste
- 1 teaspoon pepper or to taste
- 12 ounces (3/4 of one pound) bacon diced small
- 2 cups sweet vidalia or yellow onions peeled and diced smallâ (about 1â medium/large onion)
- 1 cupâ carrots, peeled and dicedâ smallâ (about 2 large
- 1 cup celery diced smallâ (about 2 stalks)
- 32 ounces (4 cups) low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 cups milk or as needed (i use silk unsweetened cashewmi
- 2 1/2 cupsâ russet potatoes peeled and diced into 1/4-inc
- 2 cups corn (i used frozen and added it straight from the
- 8 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese (grate it yourself pre-grated cheese in plastic bags is resistant to melting)
- 1/3 cupâ fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves finely chopped
- Carbohydrate 2.39979000285224 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.0424200000222239 g
- Fiber 0.136425000766207 g
- Protein 0.322340000376205 g
- Saturated Fat 0.00815500000187605 g
- Serving Size 1 1 cup (151g)
- Sodium 39.7162500505455 mg
- Sugar 2.26336500208603 g
- Trans Fat 0.0124500000100379 g
- Calories 11 calories
Step-by-step
- To a large Dutch oven or stockpot, add the bacon and cook over medium-high heat until crisp, about 10 minutes; stir intermittently.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove bacon from pot and place on paper towels; set aside. Keep the bacon grease in the stockpot. You could drain some off if desired but I didn't because there are a lot of vegetables that need to sauté in it.
- Add the onion, carrots, celery, and sauté for about 7 to 9 minutes, or until vegetables begin to soften. Stir intermittently.
- Add the garlic and sauté for another 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add the flour and whisk constantly until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
- Add the chicken broth, milk, potatoes, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, optional cayenne, and bring to a boil.
- Allow chowder to boil fairly rapidly for about 15 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender; stir intermittently. At any time while the chowder is boiling, if the overall liquid level is lower than you like and the chowder is too thick, adding a cup of extra chicken broth (or milk or water) is okay.
- At the end you will adjust the seasoning levels.
- After potatoes are soft, add the corn, and boil for 1 to 2 minutes to warm the corn through.
- Reduce the heat to low, add most of the bacon bits (reserve about 1/4 cup for garnishing), and add the cheese slowly, and stir continuously until melted and combined.
- Add the parsley and stir to combine.
- Taste chowder and add salt to taste. It will vary based on how salty the brand of chicken broth used is, how salty the bacon and cheese are, and personal preference.
- Make any necessary seasoning adjustments (i.e. more salt, pepper, herbs, etc.), garnish with bacon and cheese if desired, and serve immediately.
- Chowder will keep airtight in the fridge for 5 to 7 days; reheat very gently prior to serving so it doesn't 'break'. I haven't tried freezing the chowder.
My Comfort Food Confession: Loaded Cheesy Bacon Corn and Potato Chowder
Let's be honest, folks. Sometimes, the best things in life are simple. And incredibly cheesy. I'm talking about the kind of cheesy that coats your spoon, clings to your lips, and leaves you happily dreaming of warm, comforting bowls for days. That's exactly what my Loaded Cheesy Bacon Corn and Potato Chowder is all about. This isn't some fussy, gourmet creation; it's the kind of hearty, soul-satisfying dish that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a blanket and a good book (or maybe just a good nap!).
As a busy working mom, time is a precious commodity. Weeknights often find me scrambling to get dinner on the table without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. This chowder is my answer to those frantic evenings. It's surprisingly quick to prepare, especially if you use pre-diced vegetables, and it's endlessly customizable. Feel free to add other vegetables you have on hand—broccoli, peas, or even some leftover roasted chicken would be delicious additions. The bacon adds a smoky depth that complements the sweetness of the corn and potatoes beautifully. And that cheese? Oh, that glorious, melty cheese. It's the crowning glory of this dish, the element that transforms it from a simple soup into an experience.
I love the versatility of this recipe. Sometimes, I'll use a different kind of cheese, like a sharp cheddar or even a creamy Gruyere. On other occasions, I'll experiment with spices—a dash of smoked paprika or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. But no matter how I tweak it, the core of the recipe remains the same: a flavorful broth, tender potatoes, sweet corn, and plenty of smoky, crispy bacon. It's a dish that nourishes not just the body, but also the soul.
One thing I've learned in my kitchen adventures is that the best recipes are often the simplest. This chowder is a testament to that philosophy. It’s a perfect example of how a few humble ingredients, when combined with love and a touch of creativity, can create something truly special. It’s not just a meal; it's a memory in the making, a warm hug in a bowl, and a reminder that the simplest joys are often the most satisfying.
So, gather your ingredients, put on some relaxing music, and let the aroma of bacon and cheese fill your kitchen. Trust me, you won’t regret it. This chowder is the perfect antidote to a long day, a cozy treat for a chilly evening, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. And perhaps, most importantly, it’s a delicious way to remind myself and my family that even amidst the chaos of everyday life, there's always time for a little bit of comfort food bliss.
I often make a double batch on the weekends and store half in the fridge for a quick weeknight meal. It reheats beautifully, maintaining its creamy texture and delicious flavor. It’s also a great dish to share with friends and family—everyone raves about it! It’s comforting, satisfying, and effortlessly delicious. What more could you ask for?
This recipe is a keeper, a go-to in my recipe arsenal, a constant source of culinary comfort. It’s simple to make, yet tastes like something special. And that, my friends, is the magic of good food.
