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Creamy One-Pot Corn Chowder with Smoked Bacon

creamy one-pot corn chowder with smoked bacon - featured image
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A cozy, creamy corn chowder made in one pot with smoky bacon, potatoes, and sweet corn. Perfect for quick weeknight meals or comforting lunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 slices smoked bacon, diced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium russet potatoes (about 500g), peeled and cubed
  • 2 cups canned sweet corn kernels, drained
  • 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat and add the diced smoked bacon. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until bacon is crisp and fat is rendered. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving fat in the pot.
  2. Add chopped onion and diced celery to the bacon fat. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring frequently. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the veggies and stir well to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns slightly golden and thickened.
  4. Gradually pour in chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
  5. Add cubed potatoes and thyme. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender but not falling apart.
  6. Stir in drained corn kernels and milk or half-and-half. Heat gently without boiling and simmer for 5-7 minutes until heated through and chowder thickens slightly.
  7. Return cooked bacon to the pot and stir in butter if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve warm, garnished with extra thyme or crispy bacon bits if desired.

Notes

Render bacon fat slowly for best flavor. Do not skip the flour to achieve creamy texture. Warm milk before adding and avoid boiling after adding milk to prevent curdling. Russet potatoes are preferred for thickening, Yukon golds can be used for creamier texture. Adjust seasoning gradually as bacon adds saltiness. If chowder is too thick, add broth or milk; if too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce.

Nutrition

Keywords: corn chowder, creamy soup, smoked bacon, one-pot meal, comfort food, easy recipe, cozy meals

Find it online: https://dahliadishes.com/creamy-one-pot-corn-chowder-with-smoked-bacon-easy-recipe-for-cozy-meals/