Slow Cooker Creamy Bacon Corn Chowder

When the weather turns chilly or you simply crave a comforting bowl of chowder, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a Slow Cooker Creamy Bacon Corn Chowder. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with hearty ingredients, rich flavors, and that irresistible aroma that fills your home while it cooks. Imagine coming home after a long day to the warm, inviting scent of bacon, corn, and spices wafting through the air. With minimal effort, your slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, flavorful dish that is perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings with friends.

This chowder is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you’re a fan of extra spices, love a little heat, or want to add more veggies, the possibilities are endless. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some vegetables for the kids who can resist a bowl of creamy goodness topped with crispy bacon? Get ready to fall in love with your slow cooker all over again as we dive into this delicious recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the best things about the Slow Cooker Creamy Bacon Corn Chowder is its ease of preparation. Just chop, toss, and let the slow cooker work its magic. The bacon adds a depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the corn and the creaminess of the chowder. Each spoonful is a delightful mix of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more.

This chowder is also highly adaptable. If you want to make it vegetarian, simply swap the bacon for smoked paprika or a plant-based bacon alternative. You can add in seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or even some diced ham if you’re looking to mix it up further. The recipe is designed to be forgiving, allowing you to experiment while still hitting the mark for a comforting meal.

Moreover, this dish is ideal for meal prep. Make a big batch, and you’ll have leftovers that taste even better the next day! The flavors deepen and meld overnight, making it a perfect candidate for lunch or dinner throughout the week. Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal that your family will love.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

The Slow Cooker Creamy Bacon Corn Chowder is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that highlights the best of comfort food. The combination of bacon, corn, and cream creates a rich, satisfying dish that warms you from the inside out. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for company.

In addition, using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it! You can go about your day, knowing that a delicious meal is waiting for you when you return. This is a significant time-saver for busy families, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying life. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze just rinse out the slow cooker and you’re done!

For those who love to entertain, this chowder makes a fantastic appetizer for gatherings. Serve it in small cups or bowls as part of a buffet spread. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser, and you’ll be showered with compliments for your culinary prowess!

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Ingredients

• 6 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups frozen corn
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives (for garnish)

Necessary Utensils

• Slow cooker
• Skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Chopping board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Serving bowls for chowder

Having the right tools not only makes the cooking process smoother but also ensures that your ingredients are prepared correctly. The slow cooker is the star of this recipe, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over time, while the skillet helps render the bacon to a crispy perfection before adding it to the chowder.

Detailed Recipe Steps

Making Slow Cooker Creamy Bacon Corn Chowder is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps for a delicious outcome:

1. Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pan and place it on a paper towel to drain excess grease. This step is crucial as it adds that wonderful smoky flavor to the chowder.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. This will create a base of flavor that enhances the overall taste of the chowder.
3. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: In your slow cooker, add the cooked bacon, sautéed onion and garlic, frozen corn, diced potatoes, vegetable or chicken broth, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Stir to combine all the ingredients well.
4. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender. The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying chowder.
5. Add Cream: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream. This step will add the creaminess that makes the chowder so delicious. Allow the chowder to heat through for the final half hour.
6. Serve: Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh chives. You can also add a sprinkle of bacon bits or a dash of smoked paprika on top for added flair. Enjoy your warm and creamy bacon corn chowder!

For best results, ensure that all your vegetables are chopped evenly. This ensures even cooking and texture throughout the chowder. Also, feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste; some might prefer a little more salt or a kick of heat.

FAQs

Conclusion

The Slow Cooker Creamy Bacon Corn Chowder is your go-to recipe for comfort food that warms the soul. With its creamy texture, delicious bacon flavor, and easy preparation, it’s perfect for any occasion be it a cozy night in or a gathering with friends. So why not give this recipe a try? Your taste buds will thank you!

Have you tried this recipe? Please let us know how it turned out in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family so they can enjoy this delicious chowder too!

For more delightful recipes, check out Crispy Chicken Meatballs with Honey Mustard Dip.

Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Creamy Bacon Corn Chowder

A rich and hearty chowder filled with sweet corn, crispy bacon, and creamy goodness, perfect for a cozy dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Main Dish, Soup

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Skillet

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 6 slices Bacon Chopped
• 1 medium Onion Diced
• 3 cloves Garlic Minced
• 4 cups Frozen Corn
• 3 medium Potatoes Peeled and diced
• 3 cups Vegetable or Chicken Broth
• 1 cup Heavy Cream
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried Thyme
• 1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Chives For garnish

Instructions

 

Instructions

• In a skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pan and place it on a paper towel to drain excess grease.
• In the same skillet, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
• In your slow cooker, add the cooked bacon, sautéed onion and garlic, frozen corn, diced potatoes, vegetable or chicken broth, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme.
• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
• About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream. Allow the chowder to heat through.
• Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh chives.

Notes

For a spicier version, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

Keyword bacon, Chowder, corn, creamy, slow cooker