Experience the ultimate comfort food with our Slow Cooker Bacon Corn Chowder recipe. Bursting with flavor and loaded with wholesome ingredients, this creamy chowder is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day. Packed with tender vegetables, crispy bacon, and sweet corn, every spoonful is a delight for the senses. Best of all, it’s made effortlessly in your slow cooker, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal with minimal effort. Join us as we journey through the steps of making this comforting classic from scratch.
Ingredients:
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 small sweet onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 small red potatoes, chopped
- 4 cups (700 grams) frozen corn
- 1 lb. (450 grams) bacon, cooked and crumbled, 1/4 cup reserved
- 1 teaspoon (1 gram) dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon (.5 gram) dried oregano
- 1 1/2 teaspoons (10 grams) salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (1 gram) pepper
- 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth
- 1- 12 oz. (340 grams) can evaporated milk
- 2 tablespoons (16 grams) cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare Ingredients: Start by dicing the carrots, celery, onion, and potatoes. Mince the garlic and set aside. Cook and crumble the bacon, reserving 1/4 cup for garnish.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: In the slow cooker, combine the diced carrots, celery, onion, minced garlic, chopped potatoes, frozen corn, cooked and crumbled bacon (except for the reserved 1/4 cup), dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add Liquid: Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is evenly submerged.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Thicken the Chowder: In a small bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk and cornstarch until smooth. Stir the mixture into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the chowder.
- Optional: Add Butter: For added richness, stir in butter until melted. This step is optional but adds a luxurious creaminess to the chowder.
- Serve: Once the chowder is thickened and heated through, ladle it into bowls. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of the reserved crumbled bacon.
- Enjoy: Serve the Slow Cooker Bacon Corn Chowder hot, alongside crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying meal.
Cook’s Notes:
- Bacon Crispness: For extra crispy bacon, you can cook it in the oven or in a skillet until golden brown and fully crisped before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to customize the chowder with your favorite vegetables. You can add diced bell peppers, peas, or spinach for additional flavor and nutrition.
Variations:
- Seafood Chowder: For a seafood twist, add cooked shrimp, crabmeat, or diced fish fillets during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a hearty seafood chowder.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to create a vegetarian version of this chowder. You can also add extra vegetables or tofu for protein.
Keto Version:
To make a keto-friendly version of Slow Cooker Bacon Corn Chowder, you can make a few simple substitutions to reduce the carb content. Replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnips for a low-carb alternative. Use heavy cream instead of evaporated milk, and thicken the chowder with xanthan gum or glucomannan powder instead of cornstarch. Omit the sweet onion or use it sparingly to further reduce the carb content.
Low-Carb Version:
For a low-carb version of this chowder, follow the same instructions as the keto version but also consider reducing the amount of carrots and corn or omitting them altogether to lower the overall carb content. You can also add extra low-carb vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or spinach to bulk up the chowder without adding extra carbs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen? A: Yes, you can use fresh corn kernels instead of frozen. Simply cut the kernels off the cob and add them to the slow cooker.
Q: Can I make this chowder on the stovetop instead of using a slow cooker? A: Yes, you can make this chowder on the stovetop by following the same instructions but simmering the ingredients in a large pot over medium heat until the vegetables are tender.
Q: Can I freeze leftover chowder? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover chowder in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q: Can I add herbs or spices to customize the flavor? A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices such as smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to enhance the flavor of the chowder.
Q: Can I use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon as a substitute? A: Yes, you can use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon as a substitute for traditional bacon if desired. Simply cook according to package instructions before adding to the chowder.
With its rich and creamy texture, hearty vegetables, and crispy bacon, our Slow Cooker Bacon Corn Chowder is a true comfort food classic. Whether enjoyed on a cold winter’s night or as a comforting meal any time of year, this chowder is sure to warm your soul and satisfy your cravings. Plus, with the convenience of a slow cooker, it’s easy to whip up a batch for a crowd or enjoy leftovers throughout the week. So grab your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and get ready to savor the comforting goodness of Slow Cooker Bacon Corn Chowder.
