Chile Corn Chowder
A hearty, creamy chili corn chowder infused with smoky bacon, mild Italian sausage, green chiles, and pimentos, perfect for cozy gatherings and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 4 to 5-quart saucepan, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp.
- Remove bacon from pan, drain, crumble, and set aside. Discard all but 2 tablespoons of drippings.
- Add sausage and chopped onion to the drippings in the pan; cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and the sausage slices are browned, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the peeled and diced potato and water; bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the potato is tender when pierced, about 15 minutes.
- Stir in the cream-style corn, diced green chiles, sliced pimentos, and half and half.
- Heat, stirring occasionally, just until steaming, being careful not to boil.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve the chowder garnished with the cooked bacon pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked bacon or spicy Italian sausage. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with mushrooms or extra vegetables. You can also use frozen corn if canned isn't available, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. To thicken the chowder, mash some of the cooked potatoes before adding the cream-style corn.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with the crumbled bacon on top. This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. For a hearty lunch, consider serving it alongside Ham Salad Sandwiches for a satisfying combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pour the chowder into a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to achieve your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chile Corn Chowder contains roughly 220 calories, with 9g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value) and potassium (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1453mg per serving (63% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chowder ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chowder a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to step 7, then cool and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove, stirring to combine. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
Is there a way to make this chowder spicier?
Absolutely! To add heat, consider using hot Italian sausage or incorporating more diced green chiles. You can also add a few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the chowder while it simmers. Adjust according to your heat preference for a satisfying kick.
Can I freeze Chile Corn Chowder?
While it's not ideal due to the dairy content, you can freeze the chowder if necessary. Allow it to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, expect some texture changes; stir well and add a bit of cream to restore creaminess.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).