Corn chowder is the quintessential comfort food, and this recipe, inspired by the hearty and wholesome style of the Pioneer Woman, is set to become a family favorite. Imagine a creamy, flavorful soup, brimming with sweet corn, smoky bacon, and tender potatoes – perfect for warming you up on a chilly evening or celebrating the last flavors of summer as fall approaches. This Corn Chowder Recipe Pioneer Woman style, is not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly easy to make right in your own kitchen.
This isn’t just any corn chowder; it’s a hearty, satisfying meal in a bowl. Taking cues from the Pioneer Woman’s love for simple, flavorful, and family-friendly recipes, this chowder emphasizes fresh, quality ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques. We’re talking about a creamy base that’s rich but not heavy, perfectly balanced with the sweetness of corn and the saltiness of bacon. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this corn chowder recipe pioneer woman inspired will guide you through creating a soup that tastes like it came straight from a country kitchen. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your home with a wonderful aroma and brings everyone to the table with smiles.
Corn Chowder Ingredients: Simple, Fresh, and Flavorful
Just like the Pioneer Woman herself, this recipe focuses on accessible and delicious ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting corn chowder:
- Sweet Corn: The star of our chowder! Fresh corn off the cob is highly recommended for the best flavor, embodying the fresh-from-the-farm spirit of the Pioneer Woman. About 5-6 ears, or 4 cups of kernels, will be perfect. Frozen corn can be a convenient substitute when fresh isn’t available, but aim for fresh when you can.
- Chicken Broth: A good quality chicken broth forms the flavorful base of our soup. Low sodium is a great choice to control the salt level, allowing the other flavors to shine. You’ll need 4 cups.
- Applewood Smoked Bacon: Bacon adds a wonderful smoky depth that complements the sweetness of the corn beautifully, a classic Pioneer Woman touch. One pound of diced Applewood smoked bacon is ideal, but any bacon you love will work.
- Heavy Cream: For that signature creamy texture, heavy cream is essential. It creates a rich and luxurious chowder without being overly heavy. We’ll use 1 ⅓ cups to achieve the perfect consistency.
- Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor to the base of the chowder, just like in many of the best comfort food recipes. 4 tablespoons of butter will enhance the overall taste.
- Celery: Celery provides a subtle savory note and aromatic depth to the chowder. 9 stalks, finely chopped, including the leaves for extra flavor, will be perfect.
- Red Bell Peppers: Red bell peppers not only add a touch of sweetness but also a vibrant color to the chowder, making it visually appealing and adding nutritional value. 2 finely chopped red bell peppers are recommended.
- Russet Potatoes: Hearty russet potatoes are perfect for chowder, adding substance and creaminess as they cook down. 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into ⅓ inch cubes, will provide the right texture and bite.
- Yellow Onion: Yellow onion forms the aromatic foundation of the soup, providing a subtle sharpness that balances the richness. One large yellow onion, finely chopped, is what you need.
- Garlic: Garlic is a must-have for adding savory depth to almost any soup, and this chowder is no exception. 2 large cloves, minced, will infuse the chowder with their wonderful aroma.
- Dried Thyme: Dried thyme adds a warm, earthy, and slightly minty note that complements the corn and bacon. 1 teaspoon of dried thyme brings a subtle but essential flavor.
- Bay Leaf: A single bay leaf infuses the entire pot with a subtle layer of flavor as it simmers, enhancing the overall complexity of the chowder. Just one bay leaf is needed.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
- Fresh Chives: For garnish. Snipped fresh chives add a fresh, herbaceous touch and a pop of color to finish the chowder beautifully.
How to Make Pioneer Woman Inspired Corn Chowder: Step-by-Step
Making this corn chowder recipe pioneer woman style is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps to create a pot of creamy, comforting goodness:
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the diced bacon. Sauté until it’s crispy and has rendered its fat. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave the flavorful bacon drippings in the pot.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add the butter to the pot with the bacon drippings. Once melted, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes softened and translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Step 3: Simmer Potatoes and Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, add the diced potatoes, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients and Simmer Again
Stir in the cooked bacon (reserving a bit for garnish, if desired), corn kernels, chopped celery, and red bell peppers. Pour in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together gently. Cover the pot and let the chowder simmer for another 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Remove the bay leaf from the chowder. Ladle the hot corn chowder into bowls. Garnish with snipped fresh chives and a sprinkle of reserved crispy bacon, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting, Pioneer Woman inspired creation!
Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Style Corn Chowder
To ensure your corn chowder recipe pioneer woman inspired turns out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:
- Fresh Corn is Best: Whenever possible, use fresh corn kernels cut straight from the cob. The flavor is noticeably sweeter and brighter, making a big difference in the final dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: Simmer the chowder until the vegetables are tender but still have a little bit of texture. Overcooked vegetables can become mushy and lose their flavor.
- Adjust Creaminess to Your Preference: This recipe creates a creamy but not overly thick chowder. For an extra creamy chowder, you can add an extra ⅓ cup of heavy cream. If you prefer a slightly thinner chowder, use 1 cup of cream instead of 1 ⅓ cups.
- Taste and Season: Always taste the chowder before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make Ahead: Corn chowder is often even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together. It’s a great make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions about Corn Chowder
Can I use frozen corn?
Yes, absolutely! While fresh corn is preferred, frozen corn is a convenient and perfectly acceptable substitute, especially when fresh corn is out of season. Just make sure to thaw it before adding it to the chowder.
How should I store leftover corn chowder?
Leftover corn chowder can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully and is often even more flavorful the next day.
What’s the best way to reheat corn chowder?
The best way to reheat corn chowder is gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 45-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed.
Can I freeze corn chowder?
Freezing cream-based soups like corn chowder is not generally recommended as the cream can sometimes separate and become grainy upon thawing. However, if you need to freeze it, cool it completely, then freeze in airtight containers. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently, being aware the texture might slightly change.
How can I make this corn chowder vegetarian?
To make this chowder vegetarian, simply omit the bacon. The chowder will still be delicious and flavorful with all the fresh vegetables and creamy base. You might consider adding a drizzle of smoked paprika oil at the end to enhance the smoky flavor profile if desired.
How can I thicken my corn chowder if it’s not thick enough?
If you prefer a thicker chowder, you can add an extra ⅓ cup of heavy cream. Alternatively, you can create a slurry by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water until smooth, then stir it into the simmering chowder and cook for a few minutes until thickened.
Serving Suggestions for Pioneer Woman Corn Chowder
This corn chowder recipe pioneer woman inspired is delicious on its own as a hearty and comforting meal. For a complete and satisfying dinner, consider serving it with:
- Crusty Bread: A side of crusty bread, like a sourdough loaf or French baguette, is perfect for dipping into the creamy chowder and soaking up every last drop.
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chowder.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: For ultimate comfort food indulgence, pair your corn chowder with a classic grilled cheese sandwich.
- Biscuits or Cornbread: Homemade biscuits or cornbread are wonderful accompaniments, adding another layer of hearty goodness to the meal.
- Garnishes: Besides fresh chives, consider other garnishes like scallions, a sprinkle of black pepper, shredded cheddar cheese, or a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche for extra richness.
Enjoy this delightful corn chowder recipe pioneer woman inspired! It’s a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make soup that’s perfect for any occasion. Let us know in the comments below how yours turned out and if you made any delicious variations!
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