Creamy Corn Chowder (with Bacon and Potatoes!)
It’s chilly out, and this potato corn chowder recipe is just the thing to warm you up. Easy and ready in about 45 minutes, it’s the ultimate comfort food. It’s loaded with savory bacon, juicy corn, tender potatoes, sweet Vidalia onions, carrots, and celery which all add texture and flavor. I need texture and a variety of vegetables to keep me interested, and this combination does the trick. The chowder is thick, creamy, rich, hearty, and wonderfully cheesy. Your house will smell cozy and comforting, complete with the scent of bacon, onions, garlic, and potatoes wafting through the air long after the soup is done simmering. Plus, all the ingredients combine and cooked in one pot for an easy, cheesy corn chowder you can have on the table in just over 30 minutes.
Loaded Potato Corn Chowder Ingredients
To make the corn chowder with potatoes and bacon, you’ll need:
Bacon Vidalia or yellow onion Carrots Celery Fresh cloves garlic All-purpose flour Chicken broth Milk – I use Silk Unsweetened Cashewmilk, but any non-dairy or dairy milk will work Russet potatoes Dried thyme and oregano Salt and pepper Optional cayenne pepper – Substitute red pepper flakes if preferred Corn – I use frozen corn, and add it straight from the freezer. However, you can also use fresh sweet corn kernels if preferred Sharp cheddar cheese – For the best results, buy a block of cheese and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting Fresh parsley
Note: Scroll down to the recipe card section of the post for the ingredients with amounts included and for more complete directions.
How to Make Bacon Potato Corn Chowder
This is a quick and easy recipe for corn chowder with potatoes. The hands-on prep takes 10 to 15 minutes, and then it’s just a matter of simmering the mixture on the stove until the veggies are tender. Here’s an overview of the process:
Recipe Variations to Try
This loaded corn and potato chowder is easy to customize using whatever ingredients you have in your refrigerator. Or, my loaded cheesy chicken potato chowder is a hearty soup or chowder made with tender, juicy chicken, sweet corn, fresh veggies, and lots of cheese!
Add veggies. This chowder is already packed with veggies so it doesn’t really ‘need’ anymore. However, you’re welcome to toss in a handful or two of spinach, kale, chopped bell peppers, etc. if it’s a case of using them now or throwing them away tomorrow. Omit the oregano. I’ve gotten some comments from readers saying the oregano flavor was too pronounced for them. If you’re sensitive to herbs like oregano, start with 1/4 teaspoon, taste the soup near the end of the cook time, and add more if desired. Add a protein. You’re welcome to add leftover roast chicken or poached chicken that’s been shredded or cubed. Or, add browned Italian sausage for even more flavor.
More Easy Potato Soup Recipes:
Loaded Baked Potato Soup — In this loaded baked potato soup, potatoes are baked until tender before being simmered with garlic, milk, cheese, sour cream, bacon, and green onions. Tried this recipe? Leave a review! Consider leaving a 5 star rating if you’ve made and loved one of my recipes! Loaded Cheesy Chicken Potato Chowder – Potatoes, chicken, carrots, corn and more! Thick, creamy, rich, and wonderfully cheesy! Fast and easy comfort food that everyone loves! Easy Slow Cooker Potato Soup — This LOADED potato soup is reminiscent of your favorite LOADED baked potato recipe, but conveniently made in your Crock-Pot! Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup — A decadent dish that’s like eating a loaded cheeseburger, but in soup form! Ground beef, bacon, cheese, and an array of vegetables give fantastic depth of flavor. SO EASY because your slow cooker does ALL the work! A guaranteed family favorite especially when it’s chilly. Chicken Pot Pie Soup — All the comfort food feels of pot pie, but in soup form! Rich, hearty, creamy and ready in just 30 minutes! Use canned biscuit dough to save time on busy weeknights when you’re craving a hot homemade meal! Loaded Zuppa Toscana Soup — This COPYCAT version of the Olive Garden classic can be made either on the STOVETOP, INSTANT POT, or SLOW COOKER!! A comforting classic Tuscan kale soup that’s loaded with bacon, sausage, potatoes, Parmesan, cream, and more!! Jalapeno Popper Soup — If you like jalapeno poppers, you’re going to LOVE this EASY soup that’s ready in 30 minutes! Hearty, comforting, loaded with bacon, potatoes, and jalapeno in a creamy, cheesy, rich broth! The PERFECT cold weather recipe the whole family will adore!
