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Creamy Sweet Corn Chowder with Crispy Bacon and Cheddar

creamy sweet corn chowder - featured image
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A comforting and creamy chowder featuring sweet corn, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and tender potatoes. Perfect for cozy dinners and easy to prepare in about 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 large Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped fresh chives or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat a sauté pan over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy, stirring occasionally. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
  2. In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 4 to 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in diced potatoes. Sprinkle flour over the veggies and stir well to coat evenly. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid lumps and cook off raw flour taste.
  4. Slowly add 4 cups chicken broth while stirring. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
  5. Stir in sweet corn kernels and thyme leaves. Simmer for another 5 minutes to soften corn and meld flavors.
  6. Lower heat to very low. Stir in heavy cream and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir gently until cheese melts and chowder is creamy and smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
  7. Stir half of the crispy bacon into the chowder. Serve bowls topped with remaining bacon and a sprinkle of chopped fresh chives or parsley.

Notes

If chowder is too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen. If too thin, simmer a few minutes longer to reduce. Crisp bacon separately to maintain crunch and flavor. Use freshly shredded sharp cheddar for best melting and flavor. Avoid boiling after adding cream to prevent curdling. For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour. Vegetarian and dairy-free adaptations are possible.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet corn chowder, creamy chowder, bacon chowder, cheddar cheese soup, easy chowder recipe, comfort food, corn soup

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/creamy-sweet-corn-chowder-recipe-with-crispy-bacon-and-cheddar-easy-and-delicious/