Creamed Corn and Potato Chowder with Bacon

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-30 · Updated 2026-04-30

A rich and satisfying chowder combining sweet corn, tender potatoes, and crispy bacon in a creamy broth, perfect for a filling lunch. This american-inspired soups ready in about 55 minutes pairs bacon strips, yellow onion, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 5, 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.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 5 American cuisine 450 cal/serving

Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

6, chopped bacon strips
1 medium, diced yellow onion
2, minced garlic cloves
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 medium, peeled and diced 1/2 inch potatoes
2 cups (about 3 ears) fresh corn kernels
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 1/2 tsp salt
3/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp, for garnish chopped chives

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot over medium heat, cook 6 chopped bacon strips until crispy, about 7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving bacon fat in the pot.
Step 2: Add 1 medium diced yellow onion to the bacon fat and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
Step 3: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Sprinkle 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour over the onions and garlic; cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes to form a roux.
Step 5: Gradually whisk in 4 cups chicken broth, ensuring smoothness.
Step 6: Add 3 medium peeled and diced potatoes (1/2 inch cubes) and 2 cups fresh corn kernels. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
Step 7: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, and cooked bacon pieces. Simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
Step 8: Season with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 3/4 teaspoon black pepper. Garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped chives before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamed Corn and Potato Chowder with Bacon 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 Creamed Corn and Potato Chowder with Bacon?

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 bacon strips from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Creamed Corn and Potato Chowder with Bacon?

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 Creamed Corn and Potato Chowder with Bacon for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 5 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 5). 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 Creamed Corn and Potato Chowder with Bacon?

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.