Creamy Corn Chowder with Crispy Bacon: Easy, Delicious Recipe

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

The sound of bacon sizzling in a heavy pot brings me back to Julia’s kitchen on crisp October afternoons. There’s something magical about how that smoky aroma fills the house, promising warmth and comfort in every spoonful. This creamy corn chowder with crispy bacon delivers that same feeling rich, soul-warming, and made for chilly weather.

Contents show

This hearty soup combines tender potatoes, sweet corn, and crispy bacon in a velvety cream base that feels indulgent yet remains simple enough for a busy weeknight dinner. The bacon works double-time infusing the base with smoky depth and providing a satisfying crunch on top. Scroll down for the full recipe details!

I’ve spent years refining Julia’s original handwritten recipe, experimenting with different corn types and playing with the structure until it hit that perfect creamy consistency no flour required. The secret? A careful trick with the potatoes and just the right timing. After many test batches, this chowder is finally ready to be shared and I know you’ll fall in love with it.

Why This Creamy Corn Chowder with Crispy Bacon Will Win Your Heart

There’s something truly special about the burst of sweet corn surrounded by hearty, velvety chowder, punctuated by smoky bites of crispy bacon. This soup feels like a cozy hug in a bowl soothing, delicious, and endlessly comforting.

One of the best things about this recipe is how ordinary pantry staples are transformed into a dish that tastes like you spent hours simmering. The bacon fat lays down a rich foundation, while the potatoes create a naturally thick base without needing a separate thickener.

Ready in under an hour: Perfect for those busy evenings when comfort food is in order.
Minimal ingredients: Uses common kitchen staples to produce incredible flavor.

Creamy without fuss: Potatoes naturally thicken the soup without needing flour or cream-heavy shortcuts.

Key Ingredients That Make the Magic Happen

The magic of this chowder is found in its simplicity. Every ingredient contributes to the comfort factor the smoky bacon, the pop of sweet corn, the rich cream, and the starchy potatoes that give the soup body.

I always have frozen corn on hand for dishes like this it’s sweet, consistent, and available year-round. While fresh corn is a treat when in season, frozen works perfectly. The potatoes are key: as they soften in the simmer, they release starch that thickens everything without extra effort.

Ingredients neatly arranged for creamy corn chowder with crispy bacon in natural light

Ingredient	Why It Matters	Easy Swap
Bacon	Builds the flavor base and adds crispy topping	Turkey bacon or pancetta
Corn Kernels	Add natural sweetness and texture	Fresh, frozen, or drained canned corn
Heavy Cream	Gives a rich, silky finish	Use half-and-half for a lighter alternative
Potatoes	Thickens the soup naturally	Yukon Golds or Russet varieties work best

Step-by-Step: How This Easy Corn Chowder Recipe Comes Together

Nailing a great chowder is all about building flavor step-by-step. Start with crisping up your bacon don’t rush this part, as it lays the foundation for every bite to come.

Then comes the roux. Let the flour cook for at least a minute to remove that raw taste. You’re aiming for a nutty aroma before you add broth. From there, introduce your potatoes and corn, and simmer away into creamy perfection.

Cook the bacon: Render it fully crispy, then remove and reserve. Leave the fat in the pot.

Sauté aromatics: Use the bacon fat to cook onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant.
Prepare the roux: Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, letting it toast slightly.
Simmer with veggies: Add broth, corn, and potatoes. Let it simmer uncovered until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Add dairy last: Gently stir in cream and/or milk at the end to prevent curdling and maintain creaminess.

Timing and Troubleshooting for Perfect Results

The most common question I hear about this chowder? Cooking times. Good news it’s very flexible. Just make sure your potatoes are completely tender before adding the dairy. Once you’ve added cream, keep the heat gentle to avoid curdling.

Pro Tip: If your chowder is too thin, extend the simmer time uncovered. Or lightly mash some of the potatoes within the pot to boost creaminess fast.

Step	Time	What to Watch For
Cook bacon	5–7 minutes	Crispy, not burnt
Sauté vegetables	6 minutes	Onions soft, garlic aromatic
Simmer with potatoes	15–20 minutes	Potatoes fully tender
Final simmer with cream	5–10 minutes	Slightly thickened, gently bubbling

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

This creamy corn chowder with bacon is a meal on its own, but I love serving it with warm crusty bread or classic oyster crackers for dunking. It stores wonderfully and actually improves after a day in the fridge as the flavors meld.

For reheating, stir in a splash of milk or broth to loosen the texture. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, to regain that silky consistency without breaking the cream.

Refrigerator: Store in a covered container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months (noting the texture may be slightly grainier after thawing).
Reheating: Gently warm on the stove; add liquid as needed to restore consistency.

Expert Says: The Comfort of Creamy Corn Chowder with Crispy Bacon

Creamy corn chowder with crispy bacon offers a rich, velvety texture balanced by savory crunch. Whether you’re using seasonal sweet corn or frozen kernels, this comforting dish brings depth and satisfaction perfect for cozy dinners or make-ahead meals.

For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!

The Journey to the Creamy Corn Chowder with Crispy Bacon

Perfecting this creamy corn chowder with crispy bacon was a labor of love from burned beginnings to blissfully creamy bowls. Through trial and error, I honed this recipe into the hearty, flavorful chowder I craved, one that brings sweet corn and smoky bacon together in a way that’s comforting and unforgettable.

FAQs ( Creamy Corn Chowder with Crispy Bacon )

How do I make this chowder thicker?

To thicken this dish, simmer it longer uncovered to reduce the liquid slightly. You can also mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot and stir them back in for a creamy texture. Another trick is to add a small amount of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) for a quick thickening boost without altering the flavor.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

This recipe holds up well when made a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and gently reheat on the stove, adding a splash of milk or broth if it thickens too much. The flavors often deepen after resting, making it perfect for a make-ahead meal.

What type of bacon works best?

Thick-cut bacon is ideal for this dish as it crisps nicely without burning. Use center-cut slices for a balance between fat and meat, which adds rich flavor without overpowering the chowder. Cook it slowly over medium heat to render fat and achieve that perfect crispy texture.

Can I substitute fresh corn with frozen?

Absolutely, frozen corn is a convenient substitute that works well in this recipe. Use roughly the same amount and add it during the simmering process to allow the flavors to meld. Frozen corn retains sweetness and texture, making it a great option outside of fresh corn season.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

Swap the cream with unsweetened coconut milk or a plant-based milk thickened with a bit of blended potato or cashew cream. Opt for dairy-free butter or olive oil for sautéing. These changes keep the chowder creamy and flavorful while making it dairy-free friendly.

Finished bowl of creamy corn chowder with crispy bacon, garnished with fresh herbs and crispy bits

This creamy corn chowder with crispy bacon comes together in about 45 minutes but tastes like you’ve been stirring all afternoon. Bacon fat adds deep flavor, potatoes thicken naturally, and the result is a crave-worthy soup you’ll want to make again and again.

Pro tip from Julia: save extra crispy bacon for garnishing each bowl! You can also add a pinch of fresh thyme or smoked paprika for an aromatic twist. This soup stores well and becomes even more delicious as flavors meld overnight it might just become your new favorite comfort food.

I’d love to see your version of this cozy dish! Share your chowder moments and let me know did your family have a go-to soup growing up? There’s something truly special about cooking up warm bowls of nostalgia for the people we love. Save or pin this recipe for your next sweater-weather dinner!