Name: Creamy Bacon, Shrimp & Corn Chowder
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 slices hickory-smoked bacon, cut into small pieces; 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 cups yellow onion, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; Pinch of crushed red pepper; 2 ½ cups frozen corn kernels; 3 cups chicken stock; 1 cup half-and-half; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish (optional)

Description

This Bacon, Shrimp, and Corn Chowder is the ultimate comfort food! With crispy bacon, succulent shrimp, and sweet corn in a rich, creamy broth, this hearty soup is perfect for chilly nights and cozy meals.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chowder:

5 slices hickory-smoked bacon, cut into small pieces
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cups yellow onion, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Pinch of crushed red pepper
2 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels
3 cups chicken stock
1 cup half-and-half
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy (8-10 minutes), stirring frequently.
Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Drain excess bacon fat, leaving 1 tablespoon in the pot.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the pot and cook until pink (3-4 minutes), stirring frequently.
Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and set aside with the bacon.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

In the same pot, add the onions and garlic. Sauté until soft and translucent (about 3 minutes).
Stir in paprika, thyme, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 4: Simmer the Chowder

Add corn, chicken stock, and half-and-half to the pot. Stir well.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 5: Blend for a Creamy Texture

Use an immersion blender to blend about half of the soup for a creamy consistency while keeping some texture.
- (No immersion blender? Blend 2 cups of soup in a regular blender, then return to the pot.)

Step 6: Serve & Garnish

Stir in the shrimp, then serve warm, topped with crispy bacon.
Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor: Use homemade shrimp stock by simmering shrimp shells in water for 30 minutes before straining.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute coconut milk for half-and-half.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for later.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup, Comfort Food
Method: Boiling, Simmering
Cuisine: American