Creamy Bacon & Corn Chowder with Broccoli
Indulge in this rich and creamy Bacon & Corn Chowder, bursting with fresh flavors and hearty ingredients. Perfectly slow-cooked to achieve a harmonious blend of tender Yukon gold potatoes, sweet corn, and vibrant broccoli, this soup is elevated by the savory goodness of crispy bacon. Finished with a touch of whipping cream and topped with sharp cheddar cheese, this chowder is ideal for family dinners or cozy nights in. Share this delightful recipe that serves 6-8 and experience the warmth and comfort it brings during cool evenings or rainy days.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Yukon Gold Potatoes
2 (peeled and diced)
Onions
2 (diced)
Garlic Clove
1 (minced)
Bacon
3-5 pieces (chopped)
Corn Kernels
2.5 cups (fresh or frozen)
Paprika
1 teaspoon (smoked or sweet)
Dried Thyme
1/2 teaspoon
Table Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Ground Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Chicken Broth
2 cups
Water
2 1/4 cups
All-Purpose Flour
4 teaspoons
Broccoli Florets
2 cups
Whipping Cream
1/3 cup (35% fat)
Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
1/2 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
In a slow cooker, combine the diced Yukon gold potatoes, diced onions, minced garlic, chopped bacon, 2 cups of corn, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
2
Pour in the chicken broth and 2 cups of water, and stir everything together.
3
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender. Once cooked, gently break up the potatoes using a potato masher, leaving some chunks for texture.
4
In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour with 1/4 cup of water until smooth. Stir the flour mixture into the slow cooker to help thicken the chowder.
5
Next, add the remaining corn kernels, broccoli florets, and whipping cream to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for an additional 20 minutes, or until the chowder is slightly thickened and the broccoli is tender.
6
Serve hot, topping each bowl with a generous pinch of shredded sharp cheddar cheese for added richness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Bacon & Corn Chowder with Broccoli?
It is a rich, hearty slow-cooked soup featuring Yukon gold potatoes, sweet corn, savory bacon, and broccoli, finished with whipping cream and cheddar cheese.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The recipe makes approximately 6 to 8 servings.
What type of potatoes are best for this chowder?
The recipe specifically calls for Yukon gold potatoes because they become tender and mash well for a creamy texture.
Can I use frozen corn kernels?
Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen corn kernels for this chowder.
Is this chowder cooked in a slow cooker?
Yes, this is a slow cooker recipe designed to cook on low for several hours.
How long does the chowder need to cook on the low setting?
The initial cook time is 6 to 8 hours on the low setting until the potatoes are tender.
How do you thicken the chowder?
The chowder is thickened by mashing some of the potatoes and adding a slurry made of 4 teaspoons of all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup of water.
When should the broccoli be added to the slow cooker?
Add the broccoli florets during the final 20 minutes of cooking on the high setting.
Can I substitute the whipping cream?
While 35% whipping cream is used for maximum richness, you could use a lighter cream, though the final texture may be less thick.
What type of cheese is recommended for topping?
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for adding a bold, rich flavor to each serving.
Do I need to mash the potatoes during the cooking process?
Yes, after 6 to 8 hours, you should gently break up the potatoes with a masher while leaving some chunks for texture.
What spices are used to flavor this chowder?
The recipe uses smoked paprika, dried thyme, table salt, and ground black pepper.
Does this recipe include garlic?
Yes, it includes one minced garlic clove added at the start of the slow cooking process.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, you can substitute the 2 cups of chicken broth with vegetable broth if preferred.
How much broccoli is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 cups of broccoli florets.
Is the bacon cooked before going into the slow cooker?
The instructions state to add the chopped bacon at the beginning of the slow cooker cycle to cook with the potatoes and onions.
How much flour is used as a thickening agent?
The recipe uses 4 teaspoons of all-purpose flour.
What is the total amount of water used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 1/4 cups of water in total: 2 cups for the base and 1/4 cup for the flour slurry.
Is this recipe suitable for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as an ideal comfort food for cool evenings or rainy days.
What is the total amount of corn required?
A total of 2.5 cups of corn kernels are used: 2 cups at the start and the remaining 0.5 cups at the end.
Can I use sweet paprika instead of smoked?
Yes, the recipe allows for either smoked or sweet paprika depending on your preference.
Are onions used in this chowder?
Yes, the recipe calls for two diced onions.
How long is the final cooking step on high heat?
After adding the cream and broccoli, the chowder should cook on high for an additional 20 minutes.
Is this chowder gluten-free?
No, it contains all-purpose flour which contains gluten.
Do the potatoes need to be peeled?
Yes, the recipe recommends peeling and dicing the Yukon gold potatoes.
How many pieces of bacon are used?
The recipe suggests using 3 to 5 pieces of chopped bacon.
What makes the consistency of this soup a 'chowder'?
The combination of mashed potatoes, a flour-based thickener, and the addition of whipping cream creates the classic thick chowder consistency.
How many total ingredients are involved in this recipe?
There are 15 distinct ingredients used in this recipe.
When is the whipping cream added?
The whipping cream is added at the very end of the cooking process along with the broccoli and the remaining corn.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to serve the chowder hot, topped with a generous pinch of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.