The gentle hum of a slow cooker is more than just a kitchen appliance at work; it’s a promise of warmth, comfort, and effortless culinary delight. For those of us who work from home, or simply appreciate the magic of set-it-and-forget-it meals, the aroma wafting through the house all day long builds an irresistible anticipation. There’s a unique satisfaction in knowing a hearty, flavorful dish is simmering away, ready to embrace you with its goodness at the end of a busy day. Today, we’re diving into a recipe that embodies this very essence: a truly exceptional Slow Cooker Bacon Corn Chowder. This dish isn’t just “good”; it’s a creamy, smoky, and utterly comforting experience that will quickly earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. And let’s be honest, how can you ever go wrong when crispy, savory bacon meets the sweet embrace of corn in a rich chowder?
Unlocking Effortless Flavor: Slow Cooker Bacon Corn Chowder
Life can be hectic, and finding time to prepare wholesome, delicious meals often feels like a constant challenge. This year, my personal mission, and one I love sharing with you, is to simplify your kitchen routine. We aim to free up as much of your valuable time as possible, allowing you to focus on your personal goals, chase your dreams, unwind, catch up on sleep, or perhaps even indulge in a few more hilarious cat videos—because, let’s face it, those are undeniably important life to-dos! This Slow Cooker Bacon Corn Chowder recipe perfectly aligns with that philosophy. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal hands-on effort, yet it delivers a depth of flavor that tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. It’s the ultimate antidote to busy weeknights, offering a comforting embrace without the stress.
The beauty of slow cooking lies in its ability to transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary. This Crock Pot Bacon Corn Chowder is a shining example. The flavors meld together beautifully over hours, creating a rich, creamy, and undeniably satisfying soup that is both hearty and incredibly approachable. It’s a fantastic addition to your collection of easy slow cooker soup recipes, guaranteed to become a family favorite. Whether you’re seeking a soul-warming dish for a chilly evening or a light yet filling meal for a spring or summer day, this chowder fits the bill perfectly. It’s designed to be comforting without feeling overly heavy, making it versatile enough for any season.
For a truly complete meal, consider pairing this delightful chowder with one of these epic sides for soup. A crusty loaf of bread for dipping, a fresh green salad to add a bright contrast, or even a grilled cheese sandwich for extra comfort can elevate your dining experience. The versatility of this chowder means it can stand alone as a satisfying lunch or serve as the star of a more elaborate dinner spread. Its creamy texture and savory notes make it a harmonious partner for a variety of complementary dishes.
Ingredients for Your Best Slow Cooker Corn Chowder
The magic of this Slow Cooker Corn Chowder recipe comes from a careful balance of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the robust flavor profile that makes this chowder so irresistible.
- Bacon: The star ingredient that brings an incredible depth of smoky, salty flavor. Dicing it finely ensures that every spoonful gets a hint of that irresistible crispiness.
- Cream Corn: This provides the rich, velvety base that defines a great chowder, contributing sweetness and thickening the soup naturally.
- Corn: Whether fresh, frozen, or canned, corn adds bursts of sweet texture and a vibrant color, complementing the creamed corn perfectly.
- Onion: Finely diced, it adds a foundational layer of aromatic flavor that deepens as it slow cooks.
- Potatoes: Diced potatoes lend a hearty, starchy element, making the chowder incredibly filling and comforting. They break down slightly during cooking, contributing to the creamy consistency.
- Half and Half: This dairy addition is key to achieving that luxurious, creamy texture without making the chowder too heavy.
- Whole Milk: Further enriches the chowder, balancing the richness of the half and half and contributing to a smooth consistency.
- Celery: Diced celery adds a subtle crunch and a fresh, aromatic note that brightens the overall flavor profile.
- Chicken Stock: The liquid base for our soup, chicken stock (or broth) brings savory umami and ensures all the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Garlic Powder: A convenient way to infuse a mild, warm garlic flavor throughout the chowder without the intensity of fresh garlic.
- Thyme: This aromatic herb adds an earthy, slightly floral note that perfectly complements the corn and bacon, elevating the soup’s overall complexity.
Essential Equipment: Your Trusted Slow Cooker
For this recipe, your slow cooker is more than just a piece of equipment; it’s your culinary partner. It does all the heavy lifting, allowing you to enjoy a delicious, homemade meal with minimal fuss.
A reliable Crockpot is essential. We highly recommend opting for a model that features a digital timer. This isn’t just a convenience; it’s a game-changer for stress-free cooking. A digital timer allows you to set the exact cooking duration, after which it automatically switches the slow cooker to a “warm” setting. This feature is invaluable as it ensures your dinner cooks to perfection without the risk of overcooking, even if you’re running errands, working on a project, or simply losing track of time. It takes the guesswork and the clock-watching out of your day, guaranteeing a perfectly cooked, warm meal exactly when you’re ready for it.
Recipe Tips and Delicious Variations
This Slow Cooker Bacon Corn Chowder is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to customize it to your taste and dietary preferences. Here are a few tips to make it truly your own:
- Vegetarian Corn Chowder: Easily transform this recipe into a vegetarian delight by omitting the bacon entirely. Simply swap out the chicken stock for a good quality vegetable stock. You’ll still achieve a rich, flavorful chowder, especially if you add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky hint.
- Fresh Corn vs. Canned: While canned corn is incredibly convenient and works perfectly, you can absolutely use 2 to 3 cups of fresh corn kernels if they are in season. Simply cut the kernels directly from the cob. Frozen corn is also an excellent option and can be added directly to the slow cooker without thawing.
- Adding Extra Vegetables: Feel free to boost the nutritional content and flavor by adding other diced vegetables. Carrots, bell peppers, or even a handful of spinach can be added to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.
- Thickening Your Chowder: For an even thicker, more luscious chowder, consider an optional step at the end of the cooking process. Carefully use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup directly in the slow cooker. Alternatively, scoop out a couple of cups of the soup, blend it in a regular blender (being very cautious with hot liquids and venting steam), and then stir it back into the pot. This creates a creamier consistency while still leaving plenty of chunky texture.
- Garnish for Flair: A little garnish goes a long way! Besides extra crispy bacon, consider topping your chowder with fresh chopped chives, green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
More Irresistible Slow Cooker Soup Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the ease and deliciousness of slow cooker soups, you’re in for a treat! There’s a vast world of effortless culinary creations waiting to be discovered. Here are some other fantastic recipes to expand your slow cooker repertoire:
- Thai Coconut Soup: A fragrant and exotic soup that’s surprisingly easy to make in your slow cooker.
- Crock Pot Creamy Bacon Potato Soup: Another creamy, bacon-filled delight for ultimate comfort.
- Cabbage Roll Soup: All the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls, simplified into a hearty soup.
- Crock Pot Vegetable Soup: A wholesome and customizable soup packed with healthy goodness.
- Crockpot Meatball Stroganoff Soup: A comforting and satisfying twist on a classic dish.
Beyond soups, our site is brimming with culinary inspiration. Explore our extensive collection of copycat recipes to recreate your restaurant favorites at home, indulge your sweet tooth with our delightful dessert recipes, and uncover even more time-saving wonders with our wide array of Crock Pot Recipes.
Slow Cooker Corn Chowder Recipe
Print
Rate
10 minutes
6 hours
6 hours 10 minutes
8
273kcal
Tammilee Tips
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
This recipe was originally shared on January 5, 2017, and updated on May 15, 2020, to bring you the best possible version of this comforting classic. We hope you enjoy making and savoring this delightful Slow Cooker Bacon Corn Chowder!