Brace yourselves, folks, because we’re about to embark on a flavor-packed journey with this Smoked Bacon Cheddar Potato Chowder. This epic dish is about to turn your kitchen into a smoked, cheesy, and downright LEGENDARY paradise. Get ready to leave your taste buds in a state of pure bliss!
Why You’ll Love This Smoked Bacon Cheddar Potato Chowder
This Smoked Bacon Cheddar Potato Chowder is the ultimate comfort food that will make your soul dance with joy. The smoky bacon, melted cheddar, and creamy potatoes create an explosion of textures and flavors that will have you craving more. This is the kind of dish that will make your friends and family beg for the recipe, and trust me, you’ll be more than happy to share this insane culinary creation.
Ingredients
To make this Smoked Bacon Cheddar Potato Chowder, you’ll need a few simple but incredibly flavorful ingredients. Get ready to gather some smoked bacon, onions, garlic, russet potatoes, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and a few herbs and spices to bring it all together.
- 8 slices – Smoked bacon, diced
- 1 medium – Onion, diced
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 3 large – Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cups – Heavy cream
- 2 cups – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup – Chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon – Dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon – Smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
- Bacon: You can use turkey bacon or plant-based bacon alternatives for a leaner or vegetarian option.
- Heavy Cream: Swap for a dairy-free milk or cream to make this chowder lactose-free.
How to Make Smoked Bacon Cheddar Potato Chowder
Get ready to turn your kitchen into a smoked, cheesy paradise, folks. This Smoked Bacon Cheddar Potato Chowder is about to rock your world!
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by cooking the smoked bacon until it’s crispy and irresistible. Drain the excess fat, reserving a bit for the next step. Dice the onions and mince the garlic to get them ready for the main event.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In the same pan, sauté the onions and garlic in the reserved bacon fat until they’re fragrant and tender. Dice the potatoes and add them to the mix, along with the heavy cream and a splash of chicken or vegetable broth. Simmer this epic concoction until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the potatoes are cooked, it’s time to unleash the cheesy magic. Grab that shredded cheddar and stir it into the chowder until it’s melted and perfectly incorporated. Top it all off with the crispy bacon pieces, and prepare to be amazed by the sheer deliciousness.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
If you want to take this Smoked Bacon Cheddar Potato Chowder to the next level, garnish it with some freshly chopped chives or green onions. This will add a lovely pop of color and a delightful fresh flavor to complement the smoky and cheesy goodness.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Add Some Spice: For a touch of heat, try adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños to the chowder.
- Cheese It Up: Experiment with a blend of cheeses, like Gruyère or Parmesan, for a more complex flavor profile.
- Meat It Up: Stir in some cooked crumbled sausage or diced ham for an even heartier chowder.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of Worcestershire sauce can take this chowder to new flavor-packed heights.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete and incredibly satisfying meal.
Storage: This chowder will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it an absolute LEGENDARY meal-prep option.
Reheat: You can reheat the leftovers on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Make-Ahead: This chowder freezes incredibly well, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information
This Smoked Bacon Cheddar Potato Chowder is a rich and indulgent dish, but don’t worry – it’s also packed with nourishing ingredients. The potatoes provide complex carbs and fiber, the bacon and cheese offer satisfying protein and healthy fats, and the heavy cream adds a creamy, velvety texture. Enjoy this epic chowder in moderation, and savor every sensational bite.
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 453 kcal
- Protein: 16 g
- Carbs: 27 g
- Fat: 33 g
- Sodium: 697 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chowder in the slow cooker?
Absolutely! Simply add all the ingredients to your slow cooker, except for the cheese, and let it simmer on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Just stir in the cheddar cheese at the very end to melt it into the chowder.
Can I freeze this chowder?
Yes, you can! This Smoked Bacon Cheddar Potato Chowder freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What can I serve with this chowder?
This chowder is a meal on its own, but you can definitely pair it with some crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even a side of roasted vegetables for a more well-rounded and filling feast. The options are endless, so get creative and make this chowder the centerpiece of an epic culinary adventure.
Can I make this chowder vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this chowder vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use a plant-based milk or cream instead of the heavy cream. You can also explore vegetarian bacon alternatives or just focus on the cheesy potato goodness.
How can I make this chowder more low-carb?
If you’re looking to reduce the carbs in this chowder, try using cauliflower florets or diced turnips in place of some of the potatoes. You can also opt for a lower-carb milk or cream, and adjust the amount of cheddar cheese to your liking.
Try These Next
- Smoked Cheddar Bacon Stuffed Meatballs
- Crispy Cheddar Bacon Potato Wedges
- Cozy Cheddar Potato And Bacon Casserole
Smoked Bacon Cheddar Potato Chowder
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Smoke House
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy and hearty chowder made with smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, and tender potatoes, perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
4 slices of smoked bacon
2 cups of diced potatoes
1 cup of chopped onions
2 cloves of garlic, minced
4 cups of chicken broth
1 cup of heavy cream
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped chives for garnish
Instructions
1. 1. In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and crumble.
2. 2. In the same pot, add onions and garlic, sauté until translucent.
3. 3. Add diced potatoes and chicken broth, bring to a boil.
4. 4. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
5. 5. Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
6. 6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7. Serve hot, garnished with crumbled bacon and chives.
Notes
For a thicker chowder, mash some of the potatoes before adding the cream.
Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or carrots for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: chowder, bacon, cheddar, potato