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Creamy Corn Chowder Recipe Easy Homemade Comfort Soup for Fall

creamy corn chowder - featured image

A warm, hearty, and creamy corn chowder that balances sweet corn, smoky bacon, and tender potatoes for a comforting fall soup that’s quick and easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 slices bacon strips
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 cups peeled and diced russet potatoes (~1/2 inch pieces)
  • 3 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until crisp, about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels. Leave the rendered fat in the pot.
  2. Add unsalted butter to the bacon fat. Once melted, add chopped onion, diced celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes, without browning the onion.
  3. Stir in diced potatoes and corn kernels. Cook for 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
  4. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for about 2 minutes to cook off raw flour taste and form a light roux.
  5. Gradually pour in broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
  6. Stir in milk and heavy cream. Heat through gently without boiling to avoid curdling. The chowder should thicken to a creamy texture.
  7. Crumble half of the cooked bacon into the chowder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer on low for another 5 minutes to meld flavors.
  8. Ladle chowder into bowls, top with remaining bacon and chopped parsley. Serve with crusty bread or a fresh salad.

Notes

Render bacon slowly over medium heat to avoid bitterness. Stir flour well to avoid raw taste. Simmer gently after adding dairy to prevent curdling. Adjust thickness by adding broth or simmering longer uncovered. Reheat gently on stovetop for best texture. Optional splash of white wine during sauté adds depth.

Nutrition

Keywords: corn chowder, creamy soup, comfort food, fall recipe, easy soup, bacon chowder, homemade soup