Creole Corn Chowder
A hearty Creole corn chowder bursting with smoky bacon, vibrant peppers, and flavorful seasonings, perfect for comforting gatherings or a flavorful weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 2 c. bacon, finely diced ⓘ
- 2 c. onion, finely diced ⓘ
- 2 c. green pepper, finely diced ⓘ
- 2 c. red pepper, finely diced ⓘ
- 2 c. ham, finely diced ⓘ
- 4 c. corn ⓘ
- 3 c. tomatoes, diced ⓘ
- 1/2 c. tomato juice ⓘ
- 1 tsp. oregano, crumbled ⓘ
- 1 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. thyme leaves ⓘ
- 1 tsp. red pepper, ground ⓘ
- 1 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 2 c. milk ⓘ
- 1/4 c. flour ⓘ
- 1/4 c. oil ⓘ
Instructions
- In a heavy Dutch oven, saute bacon until crisp.
- Add onion and green pepper, cook until limp.
- Add red pepper, ham, corn, tomatoes, and seasonings; simmer for 30 minutes.
- Make a roux by combining flour and oil; add to the corn mixture.
- Bring milk to a boil, then add to the corn mixture.
- Simmer for an additional 15 to 30 minutes.
- When ready to serve, add cream and heat through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a few dashes of hot sauce to the chowder. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute turkey bacon for the regular bacon. Also, canned corn can be used in place of fresh or frozen, but make sure to drain it well before adding it to the mixture. This chowder can also be made vegetarian by omitting the bacon and ham and using vegetable broth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Creole Corn Chowder hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color and flavor. It pairs beautifully with Collard Greens A La Hurt for a complete meal. For a heartier experience, consider serving it alongside a crusty bread or a light salad. This chowder can also be a delightful starter before a main dish like Pork Tender Loin.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chowder on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, but be cautious not to overheat as it may curdle the milk.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creole Corn Chowder contains roughly 2074 calories, with 44g protein, 296g carbohydrates, and 117g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (498% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 612mg per serving (27% 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 freeze Creole Corn Chowder?
Yes, you can freeze the chowder! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little extra milk if needed to restore its creamy texture.
What can I substitute for the bacon?
If you're looking for a substitute for bacon, turkey bacon or pancetta can be great alternatives that still provide a savory flavor. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the bacon and ham altogether. You can add some smoked paprika to maintain a depth of flavor in the chowder.
Is this chowder spicy?
The chowder has a mild spice level due to the ground red pepper, but it is generally not considered very spicy. If you prefer a kick, you can increase the amount of ground red pepper or add a dash of cayenne pepper. Adjusting the seasonings allows you to customize the heat to your liking.
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).