Pioneer Woman Potato Corn Chowder: A Hearty and Creamy Delight

Is there anything more comforting than a warm bowl of creamy soup on a chilly day? We think not! This Potato Corn Chowder Pioneer Woman recipe is the epitome of comfort food, bringing together the smoky flavor of bacon, the sweetness of corn, and the creamy goodness of potatoes in one satisfying bowl. This isn’t just any corn chowder; it’s a hearty, flavorful meal that’s surprisingly easy to make in just about 30 minutes. Get ready to enjoy a family-favorite dish that will warm you from the inside out.

bowl of corn chowder with bacon pieces green onions and bread on the side.

This Pioneer Woman Potato Corn Chowder recipe takes the classic corn chowder to the next level. It’s packed with tender potatoes, sweet corn kernels, and savory bacon, all simmered in a rich and creamy broth. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table and leaves them feeling happy and full. Serve it with some crusty bread or homemade buns for dipping, and you’ve got a complete and delicious dinner. For those who love variations, you can also explore our Chicken Corn Chowder or Instant Pot Potato Corn Chowder recipes for a twist on this classic.

What You’ll Need to Make Pioneer Woman Potato Corn Chowder

Before you start cooking this delicious potato corn chowder Pioneer Woman style, gather your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Bacon: 2 slices of thick-cut bacon, diced. The bacon fat is crucial for flavor, so avoid turkey bacon here.
Aromatics: Diced onion, celery, and minced garlic form the flavorful base of this chowder.
Seasoning: Simple yet effective – salt, dried thyme, and black pepper to enhance the natural flavors.
Chicken Broth: Low sodium chicken broth is recommended to control the salt level.
Potatoes: Any type of potato works well. Dice them uniformly for even cooking.
Corn: Fresh or frozen corn kernels will both work perfectly in this recipe.
Milk or Cream: For the creamiest chowder, use whole milk or cream. Higher fat content prevents curdling and adds richness.
Cornstarch: Used to create a slurry with milk or cream, thickening the chowder to the perfect consistency.
Toppings (Optional): Shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and crispy bacon bits for serving.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pioneer Woman Potato Corn Chowder

This potato corn chowder Pioneer Woman recipe is incredibly easy to follow. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a pot of creamy, comforting chowder ready to enjoy.

Sauté Bacon and Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy and browned. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot. Add the diced onion and celery to the bacon fat and cook until the onion becomes translucent and softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, salt, thyme, and pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

bacon cooking in bottom of pot.

Add Vegetables and Broth: Pour the chicken broth into the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom – this adds extra flavor! Add the diced potatoes and corn kernels. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.

potatoes and corn added to soup.

Thicken and Finish: In a small bowl, whisk together the milk or cream and cornstarch until smooth. Gradually whisk this slurry into the simmering chowder. Continue to stir gently until the chowder thickens to your desired consistency. This should take just a few minutes.
Serve: Ladle the potato corn chowder Pioneer Woman into bowls. Garnish with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, green onions, and crispy bacon bits. Serve hot and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Potato Corn Chowder

Making potato corn chowder Pioneer Woman recipe is straightforward, but here are some common questions and answers to help you along the way:

Q: How long do potatoes take to cook in chowder?

A: Potatoes typically take about 15-20 minutes to become tender in chowder, depending on the size of the dice. Ensure they are fork-tender before moving to the next step.

Q: How do you thicken corn chowder?

A: This recipe uses a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with milk or cream) to thicken the chowder. Whisking it in and simmering briefly creates a lovely creamy texture. Alternatively, you can blend a cup or two of the chowder and stir it back in for a thicker consistency.

Q: Can I make potato corn chowder in a slow cooker?

A: Yes, you can! To make this potato corn chowder Pioneer Woman recipe in a slow cooker, first cook the bacon in a skillet and sauté the onions and celery in the bacon fat as directed. Then, transfer the bacon, vegetables, broth, potatoes, and corn to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are tender. In the last 30 minutes, stir in the milk or cream mixed with cornstarch and cook until thickened.

Q: How should I store leftover potato corn chowder?

A: Store leftover potato corn chowder Pioneer Woman in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop until heated through. Freezing is not recommended due to the dairy and potatoes, which can change texture upon thawing.

Delicious Variations to Try

Want to customize your potato corn chowder Pioneer Woman recipe? Here are a few tasty variations:

Add More Vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables like diced carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrients and flavor.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Make it Vegetarian: Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth to create a delicious vegetarian version.
Add Different Meats: Try adding cooked sausage, shredded chicken, or ham for a heartier chowder.
Extra Creamy Chowder: For an even creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup before adding the milk/cream mixture.

Serving Suggestions for Potato Corn Chowder

This potato corn chowder Pioneer Woman recipe is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also wonderful served with:

Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping into the creamy chowder.
Side Salad: A fresh green salad provides a nice contrast to the richness of the soup.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing for a comforting soup.

More Comforting Chowder Recipes

If you love this potato corn chowder Pioneer Woman recipe, you might also enjoy these other delicious chowder recipes:

This Quinoa Corn Chowder is an easy meal in one! It

Quinoa Corn Chowder

instant pot corn chowder recipe overhead

Instant Pot Potato Corn Chowder

Enjoy this creamy and satisfying Potato Corn Chowder Pioneer Woman recipe! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and perfect for any cozy meal.

Potato Corn Chowder Recipe

written by Ashley Fehr

4.96 from 279 votes

This Potato Corn Chowder Pioneer Woman recipe is a creamy, hearty, and flavorful soup, ideal for cooler weather. Made with bacon, potatoes, and sweet corn, it’s pure comfort in a bowl.

Print Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Cuisine: American
Course: Soup
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 281 kcal

Ingredients

2 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
1 medium onion, diced
1 rib celery, sliced
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon black pepper
3 cups low sodium chicken broth
4 medium potatoes, diced
3 cups fresh or frozen corn
¾ cup whole milk or cream
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Optional toppings: cheese, green onions, bacon bits

Instructions

In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook bacon until browned and crisp.
Add onion and celery; cook until onion softens. Stir in garlic, salt, thyme, and pepper; cook 1 minute.
Stir in broth, scraping up any browned bits.
Add potatoes and corn. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Reduce heat to low. Combine milk and cornstarch; whisk into soup until thickened.
Serve hot with desired toppings.

Nutrition Information

Keywords: potato corn chowder, corn chowder recipe, creamy soup, bacon chowder, Pioneer Woman recipe

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