Bacon Potato Corn Chowder Recipe

Cozy Bacon Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Comfort Lovers

Crafting a comforting bacon potato corn chowder brings warmth to chilly evenings and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Crisp bacon bits dance alongside tender potato chunks in this creamy soup.

Kernels of sweet corn add delightful bursts of freshness throughout each spoonful.

Hearty ingredients combine effortlessly to create a soul-satisfying meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Every bite promises rich, smoky flavors that comfort and delight.

Your taste buds will thank you for this simple yet luxurious culinary experience.

Grab a ladle and savor the magic of this incredible chowder.

Storing and Reheating Bacon Corn Chowder

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing.
  • Freeze: Transfer cooled chowder to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing if potatoes are cut very small.
  • Reheat on Stovetop: Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of milk or potato water to restore original creamy consistency.
  • Microwave Reheating: Place chowder in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs About Bacon Potato Corn Chowder

  • Is this chowder suitable for a large family gathering?

Yes, the recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve more people, making it perfect for potlucks and family dinners.

  • Can I use fresh corn instead of cream-style corn?

Fresh corn can work, but you’ll need to puree a portion to create a similar creamy texture that cream-style corn provides.

  • What type of potatoes work best for this chowder?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and provide a creamy, hearty texture when cooked.

  • How can I make this chowder more nutritious?

Add diced carrots or celery during the onion sautéing stage, or include some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for extra nutrition and flavor.

Why Bacon Potato Corn Chowder Hits All the Right Notes

  • Savor Comfort: A hearty, soul-warming dish that wraps you in cozy flavors perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings.
  • Master with Ease: Simple step-by-step instructions make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, even beginners can create a delicious meal.
  • Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: Uses common kitchen staples like potatoes, corn, and bacon, allowing you to whip up a satisfying meal without special shopping trips.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup with just a skillet and saucepan, reducing kitchen mess and making dinner preparation stress-free for busy households.

What You’ll Need for Bacon Potato Corn Chowder

Proteins:
  • Bacon: Adds rich, smoky flavor and crispy texture to the chowder.
Vegetables:
  • Onion: Provides a savory and aromatic base for the chowder.
  • Potatoes: Offers hearty substance and creamy texture to the soup.
  • Cream-Style Corn: Brings natural sweetness and helps thicken the chowder.
Dairy and Seasonings:
  • Evaporated Milk: Creates a smooth and creamy consistency for the chowder.
  • Salt, Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Water and Drippings:
  • Potato Water: Helps to create depth of flavor and adds starchiness to the soup.
  • Bacon Drippings: Provides additional richness and intensifies the bacon flavor.

Simple Instructions for Creamy Chowder

Step 1: Sizzle Bacon to Crispy Perfection

Grab a large skillet and cook chopped bacon over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it turns deliciously crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon onto paper towels, letting excess grease drip away.

Leave just a tiny splash of bacon drippings in the pan.

Step 2: Caramelize Onions with Bacon Essence

Toss chopped onions into the skillet with the reserved bacon drippings.

Sauté over medium-high heat, stirring until the onions become soft, translucent, and wonderfully fragrant.

Step 3: Boil Potatoes to Tender Goodness

Fill a large saucepan with cubed potatoes and cover completely with water.

Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and let simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 4: Preserve Potato Liquid Gold

Drain the potatoes carefully, but save 1 cup of the starchy cooking water.

This liquid will add amazing depth to your chowder.

Step 5: Blend Creamy Chowder Base

Return potatoes to the saucepan and add:
  • Reserved potato water
  • Cream-style corn
  • Evaporated milk
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Gently stir and warm the mixture over medium heat until everything is heated through and beautifully combined.

Step 6: Final Flavor Flourish

Just before serving, sprinkle in the crispy bacon bits and caramelized onions. Give a gentle stir and ladle into bowls for a comfort food masterpiece that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

Tips for the Richest Bacon Corn Chowder

  • Save bacon grease for extra flavor in future recipes by straining and storing it in a sealed container.
  • Swap evaporated milk with half-and-half or heavy cream for a richer texture and creamier consistency.
  • Cut potatoes into uniform small cubes to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the chowder.
  • Add fresh herbs like thyme or chives at the end for a burst of bright, fresh flavor and visual appeal.
  • For a lighter version, use turkey bacon and low-fat milk while maintaining the same delicious taste profile.

Flavor Ideas to Customize This Chowder

  • Seafood Chowder Spin: Replace bacon with cooked shrimp or crab meat, using butter instead of bacon drippings for sautéing onions.
  • Vegetarian Comfort Bowl: Swap bacon for smoked paprika and add sautéed mushrooms for depth, using vegetable broth instead of potato water.
  • Spicy Southwest Version: Mix in diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap evaporated milk for Mexican crema, then top with cilantro and crispy tortilla strips.
  • Herb-Infused Classic: Incorporate fresh thyme, rosemary, and add a splash of white wine during onion sautéing for enhanced flavor complexity.

Pairings That Make This Chowder Even Better

  • Savor Rustic Red Wine Pairing: Full-bodied red wines like Pinot Noir perfectly complement the smoky bacon and creamy texture, enhancing the chowder's rich flavors with their subtle fruitiness.
  • Elevate with Crusty Bread: Serve warm, crusty sourdough or French bread alongside the chowder to soak up the creamy broth and add delightful textural contrast.
  • Match with Fresh Salad: Create a light green salad with crisp mixed greens, vinaigrette dressing, and toasted nuts to balance the chowder's richness and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
  • Craft Beer Companion: Choose a malty amber ale or wheat beer that can stand up to the chowder's robust flavors while cutting through its creamy consistency.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Bacon Potato Corn Chowder Recipe

Bacon Potato Corn Chowder Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy bacon potato corn chowder brings hearty comfort straight from midwestern kitchens to your dinner table. Rich layers of smoky bacon, tender potatoes, and sweet corn create a soul-warming meal you’ll crave during chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1/2 pound (227 grams) bacon strips, chopped
  • 1 can (14.75 ounces / 418 grams) cream-style corn
  • 1 can (12 ounces / 354 milliliters) evaporated milk

Supporting Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) chopped onion
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Crisp bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring periodically until golden brown. Transfer bacon to paper towels using a slotted spoon, reserving 1-1/2 teaspoons of drippings in the pan.
  2. Sauté chopped onions in the reserved bacon drippings over medium-high heat until translucent and aromatic, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  3. Simultaneously, prepare potatoes by submerging cubed pieces in a large saucepan with water. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes until fork-tender.
  4. Carefully drain potatoes, preserving 1 cup of the starchy cooking liquid.
  5. Combine drained potatoes, reserved potato water, cream-style corn, evaporated milk, salt, and pepper in the saucepan. Gently warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
  6. Just before serving, fold in the crispy bacon and caramelized onions, ensuring even distribution throughout the chowder.
  7. Ladle into warm bowls and serve immediately for optimal flavor and temperature.

Notes

  • Save bacon grease for extra flavor by storing it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for future cooking.
  • For a lighter version, substitute evaporated milk with low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk to reduce calories.
  • Enhance the chowder’s texture by slightly mashing some potatoes to create a thicker, creamier consistency without adding extra cream.
  • Customize the recipe by adding fresh herbs like thyme or chives for a burst of freshness and complexity to the dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star