Chunky Corn Chowder
A hearty, comforting corn chowder with tender potatoes, sweet creamed corn, and smoky bacon bits, perfect for a cozy family meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook potatoes in a small amount of water until tender.
- Saute chopped onion and chopped pepper in 1/2 stick of margarine until softened.
- Add creamed corn, Niblets Mexicorn, and mushroom soup to the skillet.
- Mix all ingredients and heat through until hot.
- Crumble crisp bacon into bits and sprinkle on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier chowder, consider substituting half the milk with heavy cream or using a non-dairy milk alternative for a vegan option. If you don’t have Niblets Mexicorn, regular corn can be used, but add a pinch of cayenne for extra flavor. To enhance the taste, try adding herbs like thyme or parsley. You can also include diced ham as a twist, reminiscent of Pork recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chunky corn chowder with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Bacon-Cheddar Potato Topping for an extra indulgent twist. Garnish with fresh herbs or additional crumbled bacon for added flavor and presentation. It makes a comforting dish for chilly evenings or casual gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the chowder thickens upon cooling, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency when reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chunky Corn Chowder contains roughly 891 calories, with 14g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (134% of the Daily Value), potassium (33% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1706mg per serving (74% 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 corn chowder vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of water for boiling the potatoes. You can also add extra vegetables like zucchini or carrots for more texture and flavor.
How can I thicken the chowder if it's too thin?
If your chowder turns out thinner than desired, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold milk and adding it to the pot. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes until thickened. Alternatively, blend a portion of the chowder and stir it back in.
Can I freeze the chunky corn chowder?
Yes, this chowder can be frozen, but the texture may change slightly upon reheating. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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).