Potato-Bacon-Corn Chowder
A hearty, creamy chowder combining crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and sweet corn, perfect for comforting gatherings and loved by those craving savory, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 3-quart saucepan, cook bacon until brown.
- Add chopped onions and cook until tender.
- Add cubed potatoes, water, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Continue cooking for 15 to 20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Reduce heat to low and add cream of chicken soup, drained corn, milk, and sour cream.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using smoked bacon instead of regular. You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with homemade or a vegetarian option if preferred. If you want a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. Adjust the thickness of the chowder by varying the amount of milk; for a creamier texture, add more milk or use half-and-half.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot, topped with crispy bacon bits and fresh herbs like parsley or chives. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple side salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a protein dish like Chicken Breasts Piquant or a light vegetable dish such as Mint Glazed Carrots.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the chowder thickens too much, add a splash of milk or water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Potato-Bacon-Corn Chowder contains roughly 988 calories, with 22g protein, 145g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (50% of the Daily Value), protein (43% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of water. Replace the cream of chicken soup with a creamy vegetable soup or a homemade equivalent, and the chowder will still be delicious!
How can I thicken the chowder?
To thicken the chowder, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot, or add a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water) and stir until it thickens. You can also reduce the amount of liquid used in the recipe for a heartier texture.
Can I freeze the potato-bacon-corn chowder?
Freezing is possible, but the texture may change upon reheating. If you plan to freeze it, avoid adding milk until you reheat it. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container, and use it within 3 months for the best flavor.
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).