Bluegill Fish Chowder with Sweet Corn and Potatoes
A comforting chowder featuring flaky bluegill, sweet corn kernels, and tender potatoes in a creamy, savory broth infused with smoky bacon and herbs. This american-inspired soups ready in about 55 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch pieces bluegill fillets, chopped bacon slices, medium, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch pieces bluegill fillets
- 4 slices, chopped bacon slices
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 2, diced celery stalks
- 2 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 medium, peeled and diced red potatoes
- 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot over medium heat, cook 4 chopped bacon slices until crispy, about 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Step 2: Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and 2 diced celery stalks to the bacon fat and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Sprinkle 3 tbsp all-purpose flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes to form a roux.
- Step 4: Gradually whisk in 4 cups chicken broth until smooth. Add 3 peeled and diced red potatoes and 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Step 5: Add 1 cup frozen corn kernels and 1 lb cut bluegill fillets to the pot. Simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until the fish flakes easily.
- Step 6: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Heat through without boiling.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and the cooked bacon pieces. Serve warm with crusty bread if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Bluegill Fish Chowder with Sweet Corn and Potatoes take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Bluegill Fish Chowder with Sweet Corn and Potatoes?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chopped bacon slices from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Bluegill Fish Chowder with Sweet Corn and Potatoes?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Bluegill Fish Chowder with Sweet Corn and Potatoes for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Bluegill Fish Chowder with Sweet Corn and Potatoes?
American soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
