The Corn and Cheese Chowder is a cozy, indulgent dish that blends sweet corn kernels, savory bacon, vibrant bell peppers, and gooey cheese into one hearty bowl of comfort. Cooked in just 40 minutes, it’s a fantastic option for chilly nights or when you’re craving something soul-warming and deeply satisfying.
Served in hollowed-out bread bowls, this chowder isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. The contrast of velvety chowder with crusty bread adds a beautiful textural element to each bite. Whether you serve it at a family gathering, a potluck, or just a weeknight dinner, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter
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1 whole onion, chopped
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3 slices bacon, cut into pieces
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3 bell peppers (red, yellow, orange), finely diced
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5 ears of corn, kernels sliced off (or approx. 3.75 cups frozen corn)
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour
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3 cups chicken stock or broth
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2 cups half-and-half
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1 heaping cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
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1 heaping cup grated pepper Jack cheese
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1/3 cup sliced green onions
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
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12 bread bowls, hollowed out
Directions:
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Melt butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 2 minutes.
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Add the bacon pieces and cook for another minute. Stir in diced bell peppers and cook for 2 more minutes.
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Add the corn and cook for 1 minute, then sprinkle flour evenly over the mixture and stir well.
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Pour in chicken stock and stir. Cook until it thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
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Lower the heat and stir in the half-and-half. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
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Stir in the Monterey Jack and pepper Jack cheeses, along with the sliced green onions.
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Once the cheese is melted and the chowder is heated through, season with salt and pepper.
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Ladle into hollowed-out bread bowls and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: Approx. 400 kcal per serving (varies with bread bowl size) | Servings: 12 servings
The Comfort of Chowder: More Than Just Soup
While soup often feels like a light meal or a starter, chowder stands tall as the main event. Thicker, creamier, and often loaded with ingredients that bring depth and substance, chowders are in a league of their own. Corn and Cheese Chowder, in particular, offers a blend of textures and flavors that can satisfy even the heartiest appetites. The sweetness of the corn balances beautifully with the savory, salty crunch of bacon and the gooey, stretchy finish of melted cheese.
Chowder has roots in early American and French cuisines, where it was traditionally made with seafood, potatoes, and cream. Over time, American home cooks adopted the format to include local ingredients such as corn—especially in the Midwest and South where it’s abundant and fresh. This recipe follows that tradition while introducing a bold cheesiness that transforms it from a humble farm dish into a rich, luxurious meal.
Why This Chowder Is a Family Favorite
One of the reasons this chowder has become a staple in many homes is how it appeals to all ages. Kids are drawn to the creamy texture and cheesy flavor, while adults appreciate the complexity added by the vegetables and smoky bacon. It’s also easy to prepare in larger batches, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or storing leftovers.
Another reason it’s such a hit? It’s deeply customizable. Want it spicier? Add jalapeños or poblano peppers. Prefer a vegetarian version? Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth. Looking for a thicker consistency? Simmer a little longer or add more cheese. The base of this chowder is forgiving and flexible, which means you can easily tweak it without sacrificing the comforting essence of the original.
The Role of Bread Bowls: Not Just for Looks
Serving chowder in a bread bowl isn’t just for aesthetics—it adds a tactile, satisfying element to the eating experience. As the chowder rests inside the bread, it begins to soak into the crust, making every bite more flavorful. Once you’ve enjoyed the chowder, tearing into the softened, cheese-soaked bread is arguably the best part.
Bread bowls also help with portion control and presentation. They create an inviting, rustic look that’s great for dinner parties or special occasions. While sourdough is a common choice due to its sturdy crust and tangy flavor, you can use any round bread that holds its shape well—boules, whole grain rounds, or even artisan rolls if making mini versions.
Ingredient Highlights and Nutritional Notes
Though we’re not diving into the ingredient list in detail, it’s worth highlighting some of the powerhouse elements that make this chowder stand out:
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Corn: Whether fresh off the cob or frozen, corn adds natural sweetness and a juicy pop to every spoonful. It’s also high in fiber and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which support eye health.
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Cheese: The blend of Monterey Jack and Pepper Jack creates a creamy base with a mild kick. Both cheeses melt beautifully, making the chowder luxuriously smooth.
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Bacon: Adds a smoky depth and salty contrast. Even a small amount can elevate the flavor profile significantly.
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Bell Peppers: Red, yellow, and orange peppers provide both color and a subtle sweetness that complements the richness of the other ingredients.
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Half-and-Half and Chicken Stock: These work together to create the base of the chowder, balancing creaminess with savory depth.
Nutritionally, this chowder is rich and satisfying. While it’s not considered a “light” meal, it does offer a balanced combination of protein, fiber, and fats. For those seeking a healthier version, ingredients like low-fat milk, turkey bacon, or reduced-fat cheese can be used without dramatically altering the flavor.
Tips for Success and Variations
If you want to ensure your Corn and Cheese Chowder turns out perfect every time, here are a few helpful tips:
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Don’t overcook the vegetables: The goal is tender-crisp, not mushy. Add them in stages and keep an eye on the heat.
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Use freshly grated cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. Freshly grated cheese gives a smoother, creamier finish.
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Let the chowder simmer: Giving it time to sit and meld after adding the cheese allows the flavors to fully develop.
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Season last: Salt and pepper can be added after the cheese melts, which already introduces some saltiness.
Variations are endless. You can mix in diced potatoes, shredded chicken, smoked sausage, or even shrimp. Spices like smoked paprika, cayenne, or Cajun seasoning can bring extra layers of flavor. And for vegetarians, swapping out the meat for additional beans, mushrooms, or extra corn works beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Corn and Cheese Chowder with a fresh green salad and iced tea for a balanced lunch. If you’re hosting a gathering, consider offering a chowder bar with toppings like crumbled bacon, chopped chives, shredded cheese, or hot sauce. For a complete meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or cornbread on the side.
It’s also freezer-friendly. If you’re making a batch ahead, allow the chowder to cool fully before storing it in an airtight container. When reheating, do so gently on the stove to avoid breaking the creamy texture.
Cultural and Seasonal Appeal
Corn and Cheese Chowder captures the heart of American home cooking—simple, hearty, and made to be shared. It’s especially popular during fall and winter when warm, creamy dishes are most comforting. But because corn is such a summertime staple, this chowder can also transition well into summer dinners, especially when made with fresh, in-season corn.
Ree Drummond’s version is especially reflective of her down-to-earth, rustic cooking style, often showcasing food that is accessible, approachable, and packed with flavor. This recipe aligns perfectly with that vision, making it a frequent repeat on family menus.
Conclusion
Corn and Cheese Chowder is more than just a soup—it’s an experience. It combines the heartwarming textures and flavors of corn, cheese, and bacon in a dish that’s both rich and refreshing. Easy enough for weeknight meals yet impressive enough for entertaining, this chowder earns its place as a modern classic.
Whether you’re scooping it out of a bread bowl or savoring it on its own, each spoonful delivers comfort, nostalgia, and satisfaction. As adaptable as it is flavorful, this dish invites you to get creative while embracing everything that makes homemade meals special. If you’re looking for your next favorite comfort food, look no further—this chowder is a keeper.