Corn chowder is a quintessential comfort food, and when you add smoky bacon and take inspiration from the queen of home cooking, the Pioneer Woman, you’re in for a real treat. This recipe takes the classic corn chowder to the next level with simple ingredients and a flavor that’s both rich and satisfying, perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Inspired by the hearty, no-fuss cooking style of the Pioneer Woman, this corn chowder is all about bringing delicious, wholesome food to the table without any complicated steps. It’s packed with sweet corn, savory bacon, and tender potatoes in a creamy, flavorful broth. Just like Ree Drummond’s recipes, this chowder is designed to be a crowd-pleaser, easy to make, and utterly comforting. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and rewarding.
This bacon corn chowder is more than just a soup; it’s a bowl of warmth and happiness. Imagine the aroma of bacon sizzling in the pot, followed by the sweetness of corn and the creaminess that envelops every spoonful. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel good from the inside out, perfect for chilly evenings or any time you crave a taste of home-style goodness. And like any great chowder, it gets even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers.
Key Ingredients for Your Pioneer Woman Corn Chowder
To create this delicious corn chowder, you’ll need simple, readily available ingredients, true to the Pioneer Woman’s style of cooking:
- Sweet Corn: The star of the show! Fresh corn off the cob is highly recommended when in season for the best flavor and sweetness. Frozen corn is a great substitute when fresh isn’t available.
- Bacon: Applewood smoked bacon adds a wonderful smoky depth that complements the sweetness of the corn. Any bacon you love will work, adding that essential savory element.
- Potatoes: Russet potatoes are perfect for chowder as they become tender and creamy when cooked, contributing to the soup’s hearty texture.
- Chicken Broth: Low sodium chicken broth forms the base of the soup, adding savory notes without overpowering the other flavors.
- Heavy Cream: For that signature creamy texture, heavy cream is essential. It creates a rich and velvety base for the chowder.
- Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor, sautéing the vegetables in butter at the beginning builds a flavorful foundation for the entire soup.
- Vegetables: A mix of yellow onion, celery, red bell pepper, and garlic provides layers of flavor and texture. These vegetables are classic chowder additions and bring a touch of freshness.
- Seasoning: Dried thyme and a bay leaf infuse the chowder with subtle herbal and aromatic notes, enhancing the overall depth of flavor. Salt and pepper are crucial for bringing all the flavors together.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Corn Chowder with Bacon
Making this Pioneer Woman inspired corn chowder is easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps for a pot of creamy, comforting goodness.
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Start by dicing the bacon and cooking it in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook until the bacon is crispy and has rendered its fat. Remove the crispy bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the flavorful bacon drippings in the pot.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add butter to the pot with the bacon drippings. Once melted, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. This step is crucial for building the flavor base of your chowder.
Step 3: Simmer Potatoes and Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, add the diced potatoes, dried thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Simmering the potatoes in the broth allows them to absorb flavor and become perfectly soft.
Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients
Stir in the cooked bacon (reserving a bit for garnish if desired), corn, chopped celery, red bell pepper, and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and bring back to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for another 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully and the vegetables to become tender-crisp.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Before serving, remove the bay leaf. Ladle the corn chowder into bowls, garnish with fresh chives and the reserved crispy bacon, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this hearty, Pioneer Woman inspired meal!
Tips for the Best Corn Chowder
- Fresh Corn is King: If you can get your hands on fresh corn, it will make a noticeable difference in the sweetness and flavor of your chowder. Learn how to easily shuck corn for the best results.
- Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: Simmering for the right amount of time ensures the vegetables are tender but still retain a bit of texture. Overcooked vegetables can become mushy.
- Adjust Creaminess to Your Liking: This recipe is designed to be creamy but not overly thick. For a richer, thicker chowder, you can add a bit more heavy cream or even a touch of cream cheese. For a lighter chowder, use slightly less cream or a combination of cream and milk.
- Make it Vegetarian: Easily make this chowder vegetarian by simply omitting the bacon. The corn and vegetable flavors will still shine through. You can add a drizzle of olive oil or a pat of butter to enhance the richness if desired.
- Spice it Up: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the chowder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen corn?
Yes, absolutely! Frozen corn is a convenient and readily available option, especially when fresh corn is out of season. No need to thaw it before adding to the chowder.
How should I store leftover corn chowder?
Corn chowder is even more flavorful the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
What’s the best way to reheat corn chowder?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 45-second intervals, stirring in between.
Can I freeze corn chowder?
While you can freeze it, cream-based soups sometimes change in texture after freezing. If you do freeze it, do so in freezer-safe containers and thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating gently. Be aware the texture might be slightly grainier.
How can I make the chowder thicker?
If you prefer a thicker chowder, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the soup during the last 15 minutes of simmering. Stir it in and let it thicken. Alternatively, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot to release starch and thicken the soup naturally.
Serving Suggestions for Corn Chowder
Corn chowder is delicious on its own as a hearty main course or as a comforting appetizer. Here are some serving suggestions to make it a complete meal:
- Garnish: Fresh chives are classic, but you can also use scallions, a sprinkle of extra crispy bacon, a dollop of sour cream or a swirl of hot sauce.
- Bread: Serve with crusty bread, oyster crackers, or cornbread for dipping and soaking up every last bit of the creamy broth.
- Salad: A light side salad with a vinaigrette dressing pairs beautifully with the richness of the chowder.
- Grilled Cheese: For a truly comforting meal, serve alongside a grilled cheese sandwich.
More Hearty Soup Recipes to Explore
If you love this corn chowder, you might also enjoy these other creamy and satisfying soup recipes:
Sausage Tortellini Soup
White Bean Soup (Ready in 30 Minutes!)
Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
New England Fish Chowder
This Pioneer Woman inspired corn chowder with bacon is a guaranteed family favorite. It’s comforting, flavorful, and easy to make – everything you want in a perfect soup recipe. Give it a try and bring a taste of home-style goodness to your table!
Pioneer Woman Inspired Corn Chowder Recipe with Bacon
By Pioneer Technology Content Creator
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6 medium bowls
Pin Recipe Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 5-6 ears) or frozen corn
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 pound Applewood smoked bacon, diced
- 1 ⅓ cups heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 9 celery stalks with leaves, finely chopped
- 2 red bell peppers, finely chopped
- 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced into ⅓ inch cubes
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh chives, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving some for garnish if desired. Leave bacon drippings in the pot.
- Add butter to the pot and let it melt. Add chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, add diced potatoes, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in cooked bacon (reserve some for garnish), corn kernels, chopped celery, red bell peppers, and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring back to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for another 20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender-crisp and flavors have melded.
- Remove bay leaf before serving. Ladle corn chowder into bowls and garnish with fresh chives and reserved crispy bacon. Serve hot.
Notes
- Frozen Corn: Can be substituted for fresh corn.
- Creamier Chowder: Add an extra ⅓ cup of heavy cream for a richer, creamier texture.
- Lighter Chowder: Use 1 cup of heavy cream instead of 1 ⅓ cups for a slightly lighter consistency.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated gently. Freezing is not recommended due to potential texture changes.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit bacon for a vegetarian version.
Enjoy your homemade Pioneer Woman inspired corn chowder with bacon! Let us know in the comments below how you liked it and if you made any variations. Don’t forget to give it a star rating!
