Easy Slow Cooker Corn Chowder with Bacon Recipe

Warm up with creamy Slow Cooker Corn Chowder with Bacon, packed with savory flavors and easy ingredients for a cozy meal anytime. This hearty soup combines sweet corn, smoky bacon, and tender potatoes in a rich, creamy base that’s effortlessly cooked in your slow cooker. Perfect for busy days or when you just want a comforting bowl of deliciousness, this recipe brings together simple pantry staples and bold flavors you and your loved ones will cherish. Let’s dive into all the reasons why this Slow Cooker Corn Chowder with Bacon recipe deserves a spot in your weekly meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Toss all ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work while you focus on your day.
• Rich and Creamy Texture: The chowder is luxuriously smooth without needing complicated steps or heavy cream.
• Family-Friendly Flavors: Everyone loves the balance of sweet corn and crispy bacon creating that irresistible taste combo.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Ideal for making ahead and reheats beautifully for leftovers or lunches.
• Flexible and Adaptable: Easy to tweak ingredients to suit dietary needs or what’s available in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Slow Cooker Corn Chowder with Bacon relies on simple ingredients that each play a key role in delivering flavor, texture, and color. Every item is accessible yet essential, transforming a handful of basics into a mouthwatering dish.

• Bacon: Adds a smoky, salty crunch that infuses the entire soup with savory depth.
• Corn kernels: Fresh or frozen, they provide natural sweetness and a pop of texture.
• Potatoes: Cubed and tender, they create the hearty, comforting body of the chowder.
• Onion and garlic: Classic aromatics that build the soup’s flavorful base.
• Chicken broth: Delivers a savory liquid foundation, perfect for slow cooker use.
• Milk or half-and-half: Adds creaminess while keeping the mixture light and satisfying.
• Butter: Boosts richness and helps blend flavors beautifully.
• Flour: Used to thicken the chowder naturally for that perfect creamy consistency.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient in the pot.
• Fresh herbs (optional): Parsley or chives brighten the final presentation both visually and flavor-wise.

Variations for Slow Cooker Corn Chowder with Bacon

This recipe is a fantastic base that you can customize easily. Whether you want to adjust for dietary preferences, add extra veggies, or switch up the protein, there are plenty of ways to make this chowder your own.

• Vegetarian Version: Replace bacon with smoked paprika and sautéed mushrooms for smoky depth without meat.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in shredded cheddar or pepper jack for extra richness and flair.
• Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for a gentle heat kick.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk or almond milk and skip butter for a creamy, plant-based chowder.
• Loaded Vegetable: Incorporate diced bell peppers, celery, or carrots to boost nutrition and texture.

How to Make Slow Cooker Corn Chowder with Bacon

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start by frying the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crisp and golden. Remove and drain on paper towels, reserving about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan for additional flavor in the next step.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add diced onions and minced garlic to the bacon fat and cook until soft and fragrant, usually about 3-5 minutes. This step builds the foundational flavors of the chowder.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to your slow cooker. Add the cooked bacon, corn kernels, diced potatoes, chicken broth, butter, and season with salt and pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to combine.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for about 3-4 hours. This slow simmer allows all the flavors to meld and the potatoes to become tender.

Step 5: Thicken the Chowder

About 30 minutes before serving, whisk the flour and milk (or half-and-half) together in a separate bowl to create a slurry. Slowly stir this into the crockpot, then let it cook until the chowder thickens to your desired creamy consistency.

Step 6: Final Touches

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle fresh herbs on top for color and a bright burst of flavor right before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Corn Chowder with Bacon

• Use Starchy Potatoes: Russets or Yukon Gold hold their shape but become tender and creamy inside the chowder.
• Don’t Skip Sautéing: Cooking the onions and garlic first deepens the flavor far beyond simply adding raw aromatics later.
• Reserve Bacon Fat: It enhances the smoky profile and adds richness when sautéing other ingredients.
• Make the Flour Slurry Slowly: Adding it gradually prevents lumps and ensures your chowder thickens evenly.
• Adjust Liquid Levels: If your chowder is too thin, let it cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to concentrate flavors and thicken naturally.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Corn Chowder with Bacon

Garnishes

Crispy bacon bits, freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese add beautiful texture and flavor contrasts that bring your chowder to life.

Side Dishes

Pair this comforting chowder with crusty bread, buttery garlic rolls, or a simple green salad for a well-rounded, satisfying meal that hits all the right notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the chowder in mini bread bowls for a fun twist, topped with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of chili oil to excite your guests’ palates visually and gastronomically.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer leftover chowder to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even better after a day, making your next meal even tastier.

Freezing

This chowder freezes well for up to 2 months. Cool it completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. You may want to whisk in a splash of milk to restore creaminess after freezing.

FAQs

Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh corn adds freshness and sweetness, just be sure to shave the kernels off the cob directly into the slow cooker to preserve flavor.

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute milk with coconut or almond milk and use dairy-free butter or olive oil to keep the creamy texture without lactose.

Can I prepare the ingredients the night before?

Definitely. Chop veggies and cook bacon ahead, then refrigerate everything separately. Assemble and start slow cooking the next day for a hassle-free dinner.

What can I substitute for potatoes?

Sweet potatoes or cauliflower florets work nicely, offering unique textures and flavors while maintaining the chowder’s heartiness.

How do I prevent the bacon from getting soggy in the chowder?

Reserve some crispy bacon to sprinkle on top just before serving, while mixing the rest into the soup allows the smoky flavor to infuse.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Corn Chowder with Bacon hits all the marks when you’re craving something warm, creamy, and satisfying without the fuss. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxing weekend, this recipe delivers comfort and flavor effortlessly. Grab your slow cooker, gather those simple ingredients, and treat yourself to the cozy goodness waiting in every spoonful.

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