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Creamy Corn Chowder Recipe with Crispy Bacon and Fresh Thyme

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A comforting and creamy corn chowder featuring crispy bacon and fresh thyme, perfect for cozy dinners and easy to prepare in about 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Place 6 slices of thick-cut bacon in a cold large Dutch oven. Turn heat to medium and cook until bacon is crispy, about 8 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove bacon and set aside on paper towels to drain, leaving bacon fat in the pot.
  2. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the bacon fat. Once melted, add the diced onion and cook until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and thicken the chowder.
  4. Slowly pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, whisking to avoid lumps. Add the cubed Yukon Gold potatoes. Increase heat and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
  5. Stir in 4 cups corn kernels and 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme. Simmer for another 5 minutes to meld flavors.
  6. Slowly stir in 1 cup heavy cream. Chop half the cooked bacon and add it to the pot, reserving the rest for garnish. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Heat gently without boiling until warmed through.
  7. Ladle chowder into bowls, sprinkle with remaining crispy bacon and a few thyme leaves for garnish. Optionally, blend about a third of the chowder with an immersion blender before adding cream for a smoother texture.

Notes

Render bacon slowly starting in a cold pan to evenly crisp without burning. Cook the roux thoroughly to avoid raw flour taste. Simmer potatoes gently to keep chunks intact. Add fresh thyme near the end to preserve brightness. Add cream off heat or on low to prevent curdling. Season at the end to avoid over-salting. If chowder is too thick, stir in more broth or cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: corn chowder, creamy soup, bacon, fresh thyme, comfort food, easy recipe, cozy dinner

Find it online: https://milacook.com/creamy-corn-chowder-recipe-with-crispy-bacon-and-fresh-thyme-easy-perfect-comfort-food/