When there’s a chill in the air, nothing lifts my spirits quite like a steaming bowl of Corn Chowder. This velvety soup bursts with sweet corn, creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, and a kiss of cheddar—each spoonful delivers a hug from the inside out!

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Ultimate Comfort Food: Few things say cozy quite like a hearty bowl of homemade Corn Chowder, especially when bacon and melted cheddar are involved!
Ready in 30 Minutes: You can whip up this entire recipe in just half an hour—quick enough for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner guests.
Flexible & Family-Friendly: Use frozen or fresh corn, swap out the bacon for a vegetarian version, and get creative with your toppings—it’s impossible to mess this up.
Packed with Flavor: From smoky bacon to sweet corn and creamy potatoes, every ingredient adds its own special touch for a chowder that’s anything but ordinary.

Cheesy Bacon Corn Chowder Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients & Substitutions

Each ingredient in this Corn Chowder shines—including the humble potato—and together they create an irresistible balance of creamy, salty, sweet, and savory. Don’t worry if you need to make a few swaps; it’s a forgiving recipe!

Bacon: Adds delicious smokiness and a savory crunch—turkey bacon or plant-based bacon can work in a pinch.
Yellow onion: Sweet and aromatic, it forms a flavorful base for the chowder.
Russet potatoes: Their starchy texture naturally thickens the soup and provides hearty bites throughout.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps things rich and savory—swap for veggie broth for a meatless version.
Whole milk: Adds creaminess without heaviness; 2% milk can be used if you prefer.
All-purpose flour: Just enough to thicken the chowder to that perfect, silky consistency.
Fresh or frozen corn: The true star—fresh if it’s summer, frozen if not. Both add natural sweetness and a pop of color.
White cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and brings tangy depth; sharp yellow cheddar or even pepper jack is a fun twist.
Heavy cream: Makes every bite luxurious and extra comforting—feel free to use half-and-half for a lighter result.
Kosher salt & fresh black pepper: Essential for seasoning and keeping each flavor in balance.
Chives: These vibrant herbs are more than garnish—they brighten up the whole bowl!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Corn Chowder

Step 1: Crisp Up the Bacon

Start by frying the bacon strips in your favorite large pot or Dutch oven—it’s the first building block of flavor. Stir occasionally until the bacon is golden, then set most of it aside on a paper towel (save some for topping!), leaving just a bit of that wonderful fat behind to infuse the rest of the soup.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion & Simmer Potatoes

Add chopped onion straight into the bacon-infused pot. Let it soften and turn translucent for about 5-7 minutes—the aroma alone will have everyone circling the kitchen! Stir in your cubed potatoes and pour in the chicken broth, then simmer until the potatoes are perfectly fork-tender.

Step 3: Blend Creaminess with Milk & Flour

In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and flour to make a smooth mixture that’ll thicken your chowder just right. Stir this into the simmering soup so it can work its magic, making your chowder thick and hearty without lumps!

Step 4: Add Corn, Bacon, Cheese, and Cream

It’s the main event! Fold in the corn (fresh or frozen), shredded cheddar, luscious heavy cream, and most of your bacon. Let everything come to a gentle boil until the cheese is melted and the chowder is rich and creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper—remember, you’re the boss here.

Step 5: Serve & Top with Chives

Ladle your homemade Corn Chowder into bowls, then shower with fresh chives and that reserved, crispy bacon. The final touch makes each bite pop with color, freshness, and wickedly good flavor!

How to Serve Corn Chowder

Garnishes

There’s nothing like a shower of freshly chopped chives, extra bacon bits, or a generous sprinkle of cheese to make your Corn Chowder look (and taste) extra special. For a little zip, add a crack of black pepper or even a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving.

Side Dishes

Corn Chowder pairs beautifully with crusty sourdough or a hunk of warm, buttered cornbread. If you’re looking for something lighter, a peppery arugula salad or simple green salad makes the meal complete without overshadowing that creamy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this comforting dish into a showstopper by serving it in bread bowls or mini mason jars for parties. Swirl a bit of sour cream on top, or sprinkle with microgreens for a modern, bistro-style presentation—so beautiful, everyone will reach for their camera before their spoon!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Corn Chowder cool to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days—perfect for easy lunches or a speedy dinner round two.

Freezing

This chowder freezes like a dream! For best results, cool it completely and store in freezer-safe bags or containers (leaving a bit of room for expansion). Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating, and don’t forget to give it a good stir when warming up.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm your chowder on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally—this keeps it creamy and prevents scorching. If it thickens too much, just add a splash of broth or milk until it’s your preferred consistency.

FAQs

Can I make Corn Chowder vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just skip the bacon, swap chicken broth for vegetable broth, and boost the flavor with a bit of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke if you’d like that classic smoky depth.
Can I use canned corn if I don’t have fresh or frozen?

Yes, canned corn works just fine—just make sure to drain it well before adding it to your chowder. Fresh and frozen have a slightly sweeter flavor, but canned definitely gets the job done.
What makes chowder different from regular soup?

Chowder is known for its creamy, hearty base and chunky ingredients—like potatoes and corn—making it richer and more filling than most brothy soups.
Can I make Corn Chowder dairy-free?

Definitely! Use your favorite unsweetened non-dairy milk and a plant-based cream or cashew cream. For added richness, try blending in some soft, cooked potatoes or using a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving comfort in a bowl, this Corn Chowder is just the thing to warm your heart and fill your kitchen with happy faces. Give it a try—with all those layers of cozy flavor, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Cheesy Bacon Corn Chowder Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 95 reviews

Author: Susan
Prep Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Stovetop
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This hearty and creamy Corn Chowder is the ultimate comfort food that is perfect for any time of year. Loaded with bacon, potatoes, corn, and cheese, this soup is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Ingredients

Bacon:

6 slices, cut into small strips

Yellow Onion:

1 large, chopped

Russet Potatoes:

1 lb., peeled, cut into small cubes

Low-Sodium Chicken Broth:

4 cups

Whole Milk:

1/2 cup

All-Purpose Flour:

2 Tbsp.

Corn:

3 cups fresh or frozen, defrosted and drained if frozen

White Cheddar:

4 oz. shredded (about 1 cup)

Heavy Cream: