Get ready to transform your dinner table with a soul-warming dish that will have everyone begging for seconds! This isn't just another soup recipe—it's a creamy, smoky, and utterly irresistible corn chowder that combines the rich flavors of crispy bacon, sweet potatoes, and corn in one incredible bowl. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug, this recipe promises to become your new go-to comfort food that will make you the culinary hero of your household.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 6 slices of bacon, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup of corn kernels
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy and the fat has rendered, about 6-8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon grease in the pot.
- Add butter to the bacon grease and melt completely. Introduce the diced onions and cook until they become translucent and softened, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the garlic's aromatic flavors.
- Add the diced sweet potatoes to the pot and stir to coat them in the butter and bacon grease. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sweet potatoes to start softening and develop some color.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Stir in the corn kernels and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to incorporate and prevent curdling.
- Season the chowder with salt and pepper to taste. If the chowder seems too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Return the crispy bacon pieces to the pot, reserving a few for garnish. Stir to distribute the bacon throughout the chowder.
- Ladle the hot chowder into serving bowls and garnish with the reserved bacon pieces. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Bacon Quality Matters: Use thick-cut, high-quality bacon for the best flavor and crispiness.
- Don't Rush the Onions: Take your time caramelizing the onions to build a deep, rich flavor base.
- Prevent Cream Curdling: Always add cream on low heat and stir continuously to maintain a smooth texture.
- Sweet Potato Sizing: Cut sweet potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Corn: While fresh corn is fantastic, high-quality frozen corn works perfectly in this recipe.
- Consistency Control: If the chowder is too thick, gradually add more chicken broth to achieve your desired texture.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This chowder tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 45mg
