Kernel Corn Chowder

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy, smoky chowder featuring sweet corn kernels and bacon, perfect for cozy dinners with a hint of garden freshness. This american-inspired soups ready in about 45 minutes pairs bacon, medium, diced onion, stalks, diced celery for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 4 slices bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crisp, about 5 minutes; remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving 2 tablespoons bacon fat in the pot.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium diced onion and 2 diced celery stalks to the pot; cook for 5 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 cups diced potatoes, 4 cups corn, 4 cups chicken broth, and 1 teaspoon dried thyme; bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
  4. Step 4: Whisk in 1 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup crumbled reserved bacon; cook for 3 minutes until heated through, stirring gently to prevent curdling.
  5. Step 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Kernel Corn Chowder take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Kernel Corn Chowder?

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 from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Kernel Corn Chowder?

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 Kernel Corn Chowder for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Kernel Corn Chowder?

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.

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