Bacon-Corn Chowder Recipe 🌽🥓

Overview:

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6

Description:

Indulge in the delightful flavors of this hearty Bacon-Corn Chowder, a comforting dish perfect for any time of the year. Bursting with the sweetness of corn and the savory goodness of bacon, this chowder is sure to become a family favorite. This recipe yields a generous batch, making it ideal for sharing or storing leftovers for later enjoyment.

Ingredients:

• 6 slices of bacon
• 2 cups of water
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 1/2 cup diced carrot
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 can (14.75 ounces) creamed corn
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 cups milk
• 1 1/2 – 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chowder Base:

   • In a large soup pot with a 12-cup capacity, combine water, diced potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
   • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and allow it to simmer for about 15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
   • Do not drain the vegetables.

2. Add Bacon and Creamed Corn:

   • Stir in the creamed corn and cooked bacon into the simmering vegetable mixture.
   • Keep the pot covered and continue to cook over very low heat to meld the flavors together.

3. Prepare the White Sauce:

   • While the chowder is simmering, prepare the white sauce.
   • In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
   • In a separate glass measuring cup, combine the milk and cornstarch, stirring until smooth.
   • Gradually pour the milk-cornstarch mixture into the saucepan with melted butter, stirring constantly.

4. Thicken and Add Cheese:

   • Increase the heat slightly and continue stirring the mixture until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
   • Once thickened, add the shredded cheddar cheese to the saucepan, stirring until the cheese is completely melted and incorporated into the sauce.

5. Combine and Serve:

   • Pour the prepared white sauce into the simmering corn chowder, stirring gently to combine.
   • Allow the chowder to heat through thoroughly, but be careful not to let it boil, as this could cause the dairy to curdle.
   • Once heated through, remove the chowder from the heat and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions:

Garnish each bowl of Bacon-Corn Chowder with additional crispy bacon bits and a sprinkle of chopped fresh chives or parsley for added flavor and visual appeal. Serve alongside crusty bread or cornbread for a satisfying meal that will warm both body and soul. Enjoy this comforting chowder as a hearty lunch or dinner option, perfect for any occasion or season.