Creamy Corn Chowder with Bacon: Sweet, Smoky, and Satisfying

Few dishes hit the comfort-food sweet spot like a bowl of Creamy Corn Chowder—especially when it’s enhanced with crispy, smoky bacon. This upgraded version of the classic slow-cooked chowder blends the natural sweetness of corn with savory potatoes and a whisper of paprika, all wrapped in a velvety broth. The addition of bacon not only adds depth and smokiness but also a satisfying crisp texture to each bite.

Ideal for chilly evenings, potlucks, or when you just want a cozy meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, this recipe is easy to prepare in a crockpot. You’ll love how it transforms simple ingredients into a heartwarming, one-pot delight.

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Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Corn kernels (fresh or frozen)	4 cups
Potatoes (diced)	3 medium
Onion (chopped)	1 medium
Garlic (minced)	3 cloves
Vegetable broth	4 cups
Heavy cream or coconut cream	1 cup
Bacon slices (chopped)	6 slices
Smoked paprika	1 teaspoon
Salt	To taste
Black pepper	To taste
Fresh chives or green onions	For garnish

Ingredient Notes:

• Bacon: Use thick-cut, smoky bacon for bold flavor. Cook it separately to maintain crispness.
• Corn: Fresh offers best flavor, but frozen works great year-round.
• Potatoes: Yukon Golds hold their shape and turn creamy when blended.
• Cream: For a non-dairy version, use coconut cream—equally rich with a slightly sweet note.
• Paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness to complement the bacon.

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Equipment Needed

• Crockpot/Slow Cooker: Essential for gentle, even cooking.
• Skillet: For frying bacon until golden and crispy.
• Immersion Blender: Partially purees the soup for a creamy texture with chunky bites.
• Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board: For chopping veggies and bacon.
• Measuring Tools: Keeps seasoning and liquids balanced.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy and golden brown. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Set aside half for garnishing and the rest for mixing into the soup.

2. Prep the Vegetables
Dice the potatoes, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. If using fresh corn, slice kernels off the cob.

3. Load the Crockpot
Add the corn, potatoes, onion, garlic, and vegetable broth to the crockpot. Stir in smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and half the cooked bacon.

4. Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover and cook:

• On low for 6–7 hours, or
• On high for 3–4 hours
  until the potatoes are fork-tender and the flavors have melded.

5. Blend for Texture
Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup directly in the crockpot. Blend just enough to thicken the base while keeping some chunks for texture.

6. Add Cream and Finish
Stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream. Let it warm through on low for an additional 15 minutes, then taste and adjust seasoning.

7. Garnish and Serve
Ladle into bowls and top with remaining crispy bacon and chopped chives or green onions. Serve hot.

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Tips and Variations

• Make It Smokier: Add a dash of liquid smoke or more smoked paprika if you love intense smoky flavor.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and replace with smoked paprika and sautéed mushrooms for umami depth.
• Cheesy Twist: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar along with the cream for a cheesier, thicker chowder.
• Spice It Up: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne for a little heat.
• Corn Variation: Mix white and yellow corn for a layered sweetness and color contrast.

Texture Tip: For best results, don’t over-blend—keeping chunks of corn and potato provides the signature chowder consistency.

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Serving Suggestions

Plating Style:
Serve the chowder in wide soup bowls or rustic stoneware to showcase its creamy texture and colorful garnishes. For a polished look, swirl a bit of cream on top before adding bacon and herbs.

Toppings to Elevate It:

• Crispy bacon bits
• Fresh chives or scallions
• Extra smoked paprika or chili flakes
• Shredded cheese (for a richer finish)
• Crushed oyster crackers or buttered croutons

Perfect Sides:

• Warm, crusty artisan bread or cornbread muffins
• Simple arugula or baby spinach salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Grilled cheese sandwiches for an ultra-comforting combo

Create a cozy vibe by serving with a cloth napkin, a wood-handled spoon, and small bowls of toppings for a build-your-own experience.

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Pairings

Wines:

• Chardonnay (lightly oaked): Balances creaminess and bacon’s richness.
• Riesling (dry): Brightens the dish with its acidity and slight sweetness.

Beers:

• Amber Ale or Cream Ale: Their smooth maltiness complements the bacon and cream.
• IPA (balanced): Offers a hop-forward counterpoint that cuts through richness.

Non-Alcoholic Options:

• Sparkling Apple Cider: Tart and slightly sweet, pairs beautifully with smoky flavors.
• Iced Black Tea with Lemon: A classic, refreshing contrast to the creamy base.
• Cucumber-mint water: Keeps the meal light and invigorating.

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Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate:
Cool completely before storing in airtight containers. Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freeze:
Omit the cream before freezing for best results. Store in freezer-safe containers up to 2 months. Add cream and fresh bacon when reheating.

Reheat:

• Stovetop: Warm gently over medium heat, stirring frequently.
• Microwave: Heat in intervals, stirring in between.
  Add a splash of broth if it becomes too thick.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~410 kcal
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Protein: 11g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: Varies by bacon and broth
• Allergens: Contains dairy and pork (unless using alternatives)

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Conclusion

Creamy Corn Chowder with Bacon is everything you want in a cozy meal—rich, hearty, and full of bold, savory flavor. The bacon adds just the right amount of smokiness and crunch to transform this classic into something special. Whether you’re serving it to guests or curling up with a bowl on the couch, it’s a recipe worth returning to time and again.

If you make this chowder, tag your creation online or leave a comment below—we love seeing your kitchen magic!

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