The Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy Slow Cooker Bacon Corn Chowder
There’s an undeniable magic that happens when you combine the convenience of a slow cooker with the comforting embrace of a hearty soup. For those of us who appreciate a delicious meal without the constant fuss, a slow cooker is a kitchen hero. Imagine the savory aroma of a rich chowder wafting through your home all day, a promise of the delightful meal to come. This Crock Pot Bacon Corn Chowder recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, a deliciously creamy concoction that embodies warmth and flavor, made incredibly simple.
Effortless Indulgence: Slow Cooker Bacon Corn Chowder
This particular recipe for creamy corn chowder is a testament to simplicity meeting sensational taste. One of our main goals is to empower you to create incredible meals while saving precious time in the kitchen. We believe that delicious food shouldn’t demand your entire evening, leaving you more moments to pursue your passions, relax, or simply enjoy life’s simple pleasures. This slow cooker marvel allows you to set it and forget it, letting the appliance do the heavy lifting while you tackle your to-do list, enjoy your favorite book, or perhaps even catch up on those undeniably entertaining cat videos!
The beauty of slow cooking lies in its ability to meld flavors slowly and deeply, resulting in a rich, harmonious dish with minimal effort. Our Crockpot Bacon Corn Chowder is no exception. It’s a wonderfully creamy and satisfying soup, bursting with the sweetness of corn, the savory depth of bacon, and the hearty texture of potatoes. It’s the kind of comfort food that nourishes the soul, perfect for a cozy night in or a casual gathering. The initial crispness of the bacon adds a layer of texture and a smoky undertone that elevates the entire dish, making it truly unforgettable.
Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing dish for entertaining, or simply a delicious way to warm up, this slow cooker corn chowder with bacon is an absolute winner. Its creamy texture and rich flavor profile make it a versatile meal that can be enjoyed year-round, not just during cooler months. The fresh taste of corn, combined with the savory bacon and tender potatoes, creates a balanced and deeply satisfying experience in every spoonful. You’ll find yourself adding this easy slow cooker soup recipe to your regular rotation!
The Heart of the Chowder: Essential Ingredients
Crafting the perfect Slow Cooker Bacon Corn Chowder begins with selecting fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the robust and creamy flavor that defines this dish. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to create this comforting masterpiece:
- Bacon: The star ingredient, offering a smoky, salty foundation. We recommend cooking and dicing it finely before adding it to the slow cooker to ensure its flavor permeates the chowder beautifully. A touch of reserved crispy bacon for garnish is always a good idea.
- Cream Corn: Provides a natural sweetness and thickens the soup, contributing to its luscious texture. It’s a key secret to achieving that rich, creamy consistency without excessive dairy.
- Corn Kernels: Whether fresh, frozen, or canned, corn kernels add texture and bursts of sweet flavor. Using a combination of creamed and whole corn creates a dynamic and appealing mouthfeel.
- Onion: Finely diced, it provides an aromatic base, adding a subtle sharpness and depth that balances the sweetness of the corn.
- Potatoes: Diced potatoes are essential for body and creaminess. They soften beautifully in the slow cooker, contributing to the chowder’s hearty nature. Russet or Yukon Gold varieties work best for their starch content.
- Half and Half & Whole Milk: This dairy duo creates the signature creamy, velvety texture of the chowder. The combination offers richness without being overly heavy, allowing the other flavors to shine.
- Celery: Diced celery adds a fresh, crisp note and another layer of aromatic complexity, complementing the onion and tying the flavors together.
- Chicken Stock: Forms the liquid base of the chowder, infusing it with savory chicken flavor. Opt for a low-sodium version to control the overall saltiness of the dish, especially with the addition of bacon.
- Garlic Powder: A convenient way to add a warm, pungent garlic flavor that enhances the savory elements without needing fresh garlic prep.
- Thyme: This aromatic herb pairs wonderfully with corn and potatoes, contributing an earthy, slightly floral note that rounds out the flavor profile.
Recommended Equipment for Your Slow Cooker Corn Chowder
To make this recipe truly effortless, a reliable slow cooker is key. We highly recommend a crockpot with a digital timer that automatically switches to a “warm” setting after the cooking time is complete. This feature is a game-changer, ensuring your chowder cooks to perfection without the risk of overcooking, even if you’re not home precisely when it finishes. It adds an extra layer of convenience and peace of mind, making slow cooking an even more enjoyable experience.
Recipe Tips & Delicious Variations
This Crockpot Bacon Corn Chowder is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit various dietary preferences and flavor cravings. Here are some tips to make it your own:
- Vegetarian Corn Chowder: Easily adapt this recipe for vegetarians by simply omitting the bacon and substituting chicken stock with a high-quality vegetable stock. You can even add a smoky flavor with a pinch of smoked paprika or liquid smoke.
- Fresh vs. Canned Corn: While canned creamed corn and kernels are convenient, feel free to use 2 to 3 cups of fresh or frozen corn kernels for an even brighter, sweeter flavor. If using fresh corn, you can cut it directly from the cob.
- Add Protein: For a more substantial meal, consider adding cooked shredded chicken, diced ham, or even small shrimp during the last 30 minutes of cooking. These additions complement the flavors beautifully.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a little heat, incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper, a diced jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat), or a dash of hot sauce into the chowder.
- Extra Creaminess: For an even richer chowder, you can stir in a small amount of cream cheese or heavy cream during the last hour of cooking.
- Thicker Consistency: If you prefer a very thick chowder, you can remove about a cup of the cooked chowder, blend it, and then return it to the slow cooker before serving. Alternatively, a cornstarch slurry (1-2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with equal parts cold water) can be stirred in during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken.
- Garnish Galore: Beyond extra crispy bacon, consider garnishing your chowder with fresh chopped chives, green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese for an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal.
Serving Your Perfect Corn Chowder
This creamy bacon corn chowder is a satisfying meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides for soup to create a complete and delightful culinary experience. Consider serving it with a crusty loaf of bread or homemade cornbread to soak up every last drop of the rich broth. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette makes for a perfect refreshing counterpoint to the chowder’s creaminess. For a heartier meal, a grilled cheese sandwich or a simple quesadilla can be an excellent accompaniment. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives right before serving to add a vibrant finish.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
One of the best things about making a big batch of slow cooker corn chowder is enjoying the leftovers! Store any remaining chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm the chowder on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. If the chowder has thickened significantly in the fridge, you may want to add a splash of milk or chicken stock to thin it back to your desired consistency. Freezing is also an option, though potatoes can sometimes become a bit mealy after freezing and thawing. If freezing, allow the chowder to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
This Slow Cooker Bacon Corn Chowder isn’t just another recipe; it’s a culinary journey to comfort and ease. It’s perfect for busy individuals, families, or anyone who cherishes delicious, homemade meals without the stress. The simple ingredient list, combined with the hands-off approach of the slow cooker, makes this recipe a true gem. Imagine coming home to the comforting aroma and a ready-to-eat meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but only took minutes of active prep. It’s wholesome, hearty, incredibly flavorful, and sure to become a cherished family favorite. Give it a try, and prepare to be delighted!
If you’re a fan of slow cooker soups, be sure to explore some of our other fantastic creations. Each one offers the same promise of deliciousness with minimal effort:
- Thai Coconut Soup
- Crock Pot Creamy Bacon Potato Soup
- Cabbage Roll Soup
- Crock Pot Vegetable Soup
- Crockpot Meatball Stroganoff Soup
Don’t stop there! Our site is a treasure trove of deliciousness. Dive into our copycat recipes for your favorite restaurant dishes, explore a world of dessert recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth, and discover even more convenient Crock Pot recipes that will simplify your meal planning.
Slow Cooker Corn Chowder Recipe
Print
Rate
Ingredients
- ½ C Bacon cooked, diced fine
- 1 can Cream Style Corn
- 2 cup Corn
- ½ Onion diced
- 1– 2 Potatoes diced
- 1 C Half and Half
- 1 C Whole Milk
- 2 Celery diced/sliced
- 2 C Chicken Stock
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 2 Teaspoon Thyme
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients into the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6 – 8 hours.
- An optional step is at the end of the cooking process, blend the soup slightly with an immersion blender or a regular blender for a thicker soup. If you choose this option, be very careful not to burn yourself, and cover the top of the blender with a clean kitchen towel instead of the lid to let steam escape.
- Garnish with a bit of extra bacon if you wish. Enjoy!
Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 108
Recipe originally shared on January 5, 2017. Updated on May 15, 2020.