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Close-up of a bowl of creamy fresh corn chowder with Yukon gold potatoes, crispy bacon, diced carrots, and chopped chives in a blue-rimmed bowl

Fresh Corn Chowder with Yukon Gold Potatoes and Crispy Bacon

This fresh corn chowder is loaded with sweet corn, Yukon gold potatoes, and crispy bacon in a creamy, homemade corn stock. Comforting, hearty, and easy to make!
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 303 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Corn Stock:

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 ½ cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Reserved corn cobs from 4–5 ears

For the Chowder:

  • 4 cups corn kernels fresh, or substitute frozen
  • 4 oz 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 large onion finely diced (1½ cups)
  • 1 large carrot cut into ¼″ dice (1 cup)
  • 3 stalks celery finely diced (1 cup)
  • 1 lb Yukon gold potatoes about 3 medium, peeled and cut into ¼″ thick pieces
  • 2 –3 tsp sea salt or to taste
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper or to taste
  • 2 Tbsp chopped chives to garnish

Instructions
 

Make the Corn Stock

  • Place the reserved corn cobs in a large pot along with chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then lower the heat and let it cook uncovered for 20–30 minutes. Remove the cobs and discard. Keep the stock warm.
  • Pro Tip: This step infuses the liquid with extra corn sweetness and enhances the depth of flavor in the chowder.

Sauté the Base

  • In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove and set aside, leaving about 1–2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot.
  • Add onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 6–8 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.

Build the Chowder

  • Add potatoes, corn kernels, warm corn stock, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Stir and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Blend (Optional)

  • For a creamier consistency, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup. Blend about 1/3 of the chowder right in the pot. You can also transfer a few ladlefuls to a blender and pulse briefly.

Finish and Serve

  • Stir in crispy bacon (reserve some for topping) and adjust seasoning to taste. Ladle into bowls, garnish with chives and remaining bacon, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 303kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 8gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 51mgSodium: 831mgPotassium: 546mgFiber: 3gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 1897IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 98mgIron: 1mg
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