Slow Cooker Potato Corn Chowder with Bacon – Creamy, Hearty & Comforting
When it comes to cozy comfort food, few things beat a warm bowl of Slow Cooker Potato Corn Chowder with Bacon. This creamy, flavorful soup combines tender potatoes, sweet corn, and smoky bacon to create a rich and satisfying meal — all made effortlessly in your slow cooker!
Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or a family gathering, this chowder will quickly become one of your favorite slow cooker recipes.
Ingredients
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4 slices of bacon, chopped
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1 medium onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
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3 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
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4 cups chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika
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2 tablespoons butter
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Chopped chives for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Once done, remove the bacon pieces and set them aside on a paper towel to drain. Leave the flavorful bacon drippings in the pan — they’ll add incredible depth to your chowder.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet with bacon drippings, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This step builds the savory base for your soup.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to your slow cooker. Add the diced potatoes, corn kernels, chicken broth, thyme, and smoked paprika. Stir everything to combine.
Step 4: Cook Until Tender
Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
Step 5: Add Cream and Butter
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and butter. Let the chowder continue cooking on Low, allowing it to become rich and creamy.
Step 6: Season to Taste
Add salt and pepper as needed. The amount may vary depending on your broth and bacon, so taste before seasoning.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Ladle the chowder into bowls and top with crispy bacon and fresh chopped chives for the perfect finishing touch. Serve warm with crusty bread or biscuits.
Variations & Tips
Vegetarian Option:
Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can enhance the flavor with a touch of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke.
Add More Veggies:
For a heartier chowder, include diced bell peppers, carrots, or even celery.
Blend for Creaminess:
If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree part of the chowder before adding the bacon back in.
Make It Spicy:
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños for a flavorful kick.
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Potato Corn Chowder
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Effortless preparation – just a few minutes of sautéing before the slow cooker does the work
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Creamy and rich with a smoky bacon flavor
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Family-friendly and customizable with your favorite add-ins
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Perfect for meal prep or cozy weeknight dinners