Creamy Slow Cooker Bacon Corn Chowder

When the weather turns cool and you want a cozy meal that warms you from the inside out, this Crock Pot Bacon Corn Chowder is a comforting slow cooker recipe that delivers every time.

This Crock Pot Bacon Corn Chowder is warm, hearty, creamy, and full of simple flavor. It is the kind of easy slow cooker soup recipe that feels especially satisfying on chilly fall and winter days. Tender potatoes, sweet corn, savory chicken broth, and crisp bacon come together in a rich chowder that is filling enough to serve as a complete meal.

One of the best things about this slow cooker corn chowder is how simple it is to prepare. You only need a handful of everyday ingredients, and the crock pot does most of the work. The potatoes cook until tender, the corn adds natural sweetness, and the bacon brings a smoky, salty flavor that makes every spoonful even better. A mixture of half-and-half and cornstarch is stirred in near the end to give the chowder a creamy, slightly thickened texture without making the process complicated.

What You Need

You do not need a large slow cooker for this recipe. A 3-quart or 4-quart crock pot works well and gives the ingredients enough room to cook evenly. This makes the recipe a great option for family dinners, meal prep, or a cozy weekend lunch.

• Diced potatoes
• Corn, frozen or canned and drained
• Chicken broth
• Diced onion
• Salt and pepper
• Half-and-half
• Bacon
• Cornstarch

How To Make

To make this Crock Pot Bacon Corn Chowder, add the potatoes, onion, corn, chicken broth, salt, and pepper to a 3 1/2- to 4-quart slow cooker. Stir everything together so the ingredients are evenly combined. Cover the slow cooker and cook on the High setting for 3 to 4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Note: You can also cook this chowder on Low for 6 to 8 hours. However, the potatoes may become very soft and could begin to fall apart. The chowder will still taste delicious, but the texture may be thicker and less chunky than when cooked on High.

Once the potatoes are tender, whisk the half-and-half and cornstarch together in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth. Pour it into the slow cooker and stir gently. Add the cooked, crumbled bacon and stir again. Cover the crock pot and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chowder has thickened slightly. Serve hot and add your favorite toppings if desired.

Potatoes

This recipe uses small red potatoes because they are naturally tender and help create a creamy, comforting chowder. They hold up well in the slow cooker and work nicely with the corn and bacon. That said, you can use the potatoes you already have on hand and still get a delicious result.

Cut the potatoes into 1-inch cubes so they cook evenly. Before adding the half-and-half mixture, check the potatoes for tenderness. They should be soft enough to eat but not so overcooked that they completely break down, unless you prefer a thicker chowder with a more blended texture.

Serving

This slow cooker bacon corn chowder is satisfying all on its own, but toppings make it even better. Try serving each bowl with shredded cheese, extra bacon crumbles, and diced green onions. These simple additions add color, texture, and extra flavor.

Like many creamy soup and chowder recipes, this dish also pairs well with warm crusty bread. The bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth and makes the meal feel even more hearty. Serve it for dinner on a cold night, enjoy it as a make-ahead lunch, or bring it to the table when you want an easy comfort food recipe with minimal effort.

Storage

Store any leftover bacon corn chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm a larger amount on the stovetop over medium heat until hot, stirring as needed.

You can also freeze this chowder. Leave 1/2 inch to 1 inch of space at the top of the freezer-safe container to allow for expansion. Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw the frozen chowder in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Warm it gently over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.

Gluten Free

This Crock Pot Bacon Corn Chowder can be gluten free as written, but it is important to check every ingredient label. Chicken broth and bacon can sometimes contain hidden gluten depending on the brand, so choose products that are clearly labeled gluten free if needed.

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