Country Potato Chowder
Country Potato Chowder is a hearty, comforting soup combining the richness of cream, smoky bacon, and tender vegetables. Its savory flavors and creamy texture make it perfect for family dinners or cold days, offering a satisfying meal that warms both body and soul.
Ingredients
- 6 bacon strips, diced ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 3 celery ribs, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 quart half-and-half cream ⓘ
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes ⓘ
- 2 cans (10 3/4 oz each) condensed Cream of Celery soup, undiluted ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp dried parsley flakes
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced carrots ⓘ
- 1 cup green beans, cut into 2-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 can (14 3/4 oz) cream-style corn ⓘ
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, cook diced bacon over medium heat until crisp; remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels.
- Drain excess bacon drippings, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pan.
- In the drippings, sauté chopped onion and chopped celery until tender.
- Sprinkle with flour and stir until blended.
- Gradually add half-and-half cream, stirring constantly.
- Add peeled and cubed potatoes, undiluted cream of celery soup, dried parsley flakes, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1 minute.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add sliced carrots and cut green beans; cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in cream-style corn and cooked bacon; heat through before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier chowder, consider using heavy cream instead of half-and-half. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked bacon or turkey bacon as a lighter alternative. Fresh herbs like thyme or chives can enhance the flavor. To add a bit of heat, include a pinch of cayenne pepper. This chowder pairs beautifully with Avice'S Beans(Crock-Pot) for a heartwarming meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chowder with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. It also goes well with a side of Bacon-Sizzler Appetizers for an indulgent touch. Garnish with extra parsley or crispy bacon bits for added flavor and texture. This dish is perfect for cozy gatherings or family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to maintain the chowder's creamy consistency. Heat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until warmed through. Avoid boiling to prevent separation.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country Potato Chowder contains roughly 677 calories, with 16g protein, 107g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (88% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value), and protein (32% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 944mg per serving (41% 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, this chowder can be prepared a day in advance. Just follow the recipe up to the point before adding the cream-style corn and bacon. Store it in the refrigerator, then reheat gently, adding the corn and bacon just before serving to maintain their texture.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
While you can freeze this chowder, the texture may change upon thawing. To freeze, let the chowder cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on low heat, stirring frequently to restore creaminess.
What can I substitute for cream of celery soup?
If you don't have cream of celery soup, you can use cream of mushroom soup or homemade white sauce with sautéed celery for a fresh flavor. Alternatively, blend cooked celery with chicken broth and cream for a similar effect. This allows you to customize the chowder to your taste.
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).