Picture this: a chilly evening, maybe after a playful day outdoors. You walk into the warmth of your kitchen, greeted by the soothing scent of something delicious bubbling away on the stove. What pairs beautifully with my delightful Fat Chowder? A crusty loaf of bread or homemade biscuits to dip into this creamy goodness. Trust me, that bite of warm, fluffy bread scooped into rich chowder is something you’ll reminisce about long after the last spoonful is gone.

Fat Chowder is a comforting dish that warms both the body and soul. It’s rich, creamy, and just the right amount of indulgent—all while being surprisingly easy to whip up. With roots in American cuisine, this chowder serves as a perfect meal for those cool nights when all you need is a hearty bowl of goodness. This recipe marries simple ingredients to create something you’ll crave time and again.

What is Fat Chowder?

Fat Chowder is a creamy soup that typically features potatoes, sweet corn, and a hint of smokiness from bacon, creating a filling and satisfying dish. It’s not just soup; it’s so much more. Each spoonful delivers creamy textures combined with hearty bites of potatoes and the delightful crunch of bacon. It’s straightforward but incredibly comforting, making it a go-to recipe for busy nights or relaxed weekends.

How Does It Taste Like?

The taste of Fat Chowder can best be described as a luxurious experience. The creaminess envelops your tongue, while the sweetness from the corn perfectly balances the saltiness of the bacon. The potatoes add a hearty feel, while black pepperting the flavor with just a hint of spice. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl.

Why You’ll Love This?

This Fat Chowder is not just any soup; it’s a blend of nostalgia and flavor that makes any meal special. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, and the best part? It’s perfect for make-ahead meals. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it for a quiet night at home, this dish is bound to make you smile.

The Ingredients

– 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

– ½ cup crispy bacon, chopped

– 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

– 3 cups cream-style corn

– 2 cups water

– 2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)

– Ground black pepper, to taste

– 2 cups half-and-half

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for added flavor)

– 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (for freshness)

These ingredients meld together to create a chowder that’s filled with layers of flavor, ensuring every bite is enjoyable and satisfying.

How to Make Fat Chowder?

Creating Fat Chowder is really a straightforward process, and it begins with gathering your ingredients. The beauty of making chowder is in the simplicity and heartiness of the components. Let’s take it step by step.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Prepare your workspace by bringing out all your ingredients. A little organization goes a long way here. Chop and dice everything; having everything prepped will make cooking a breeze.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In a large pot over medium-high heat, add your chopped bacon. Let it sizzle and cook until it’s crisped up nicely—around 5 to 7 minutes. This step is not just about cooking the bacon; it’s about infusing the oil with flavor.

Step 3: Drain and Save Some Grease

Once the bacon is cooked to perfection, carefully drain it on a paper towel. Don’t toss the leftover grease just yet! Keep about 2 tablespoons in the pot. This will help in sautéing the next ingredients and give the chowder that smoky taste.

Step 4: Sauté the Potatoes and Onion

Now, toss your diced potatoes and chopped onion into the pot. Stir them around and cook for about 5 minutes. This process softens the onion and begins to cook the potatoes, which enhances their flavor.

Step 5: Add Corn and Water

Next up, pour in the cream-style corn and the 2 cups of water. At this point, season with salt (remember to taste as you go) and pepper. Stir it all together, and bring this mixture up to a boil.

Step 6: Simmer It Down

Once at a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. This will allow the flavors to come together beautifully. Stir occasionally, and let it simmer for around 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

Step 7: Incorporate the Half-and-Half

While your chowder is simmering, warm the half-and-half in a small saucepan until it starts to just bubble. Remove it from the heat right before it boils (nobody wants curdled cream in their chowder!). Mix the warmed half-and-half into the chowder and give it a nice stir.

Step 8: Serve the Chowder

Your Fat Chowder is ready to be served! Ladle it into bowls, perhaps garnish with a sprinkle of chives, and watch as everyone enjoys.

Tips On Making Fat Chowder

– Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes and sweet corn truly elevate the flavor.

– Bacon Choices Matter: Use high-quality bacon for the best flavor. Thick-cut bacon gives you that delightful crunch and taste.

– Cream vs. Half-and-Half: If you want it even creamier, consider using heavy cream instead of half-and-half.

– Customize Your Seasonings: Feel free to add more seasonings like thyme or even a dash of cayenne pepper for a little heat.

– Heat Control: When simmering, ensure the heat isn’t too high, as you don’t want it to scorch on the bottom.

Storage Tips

This chowder does great in the fridge. Allow it to cool, then transfer it into an airtight container. It will keep well for about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months—just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then warm it on the stove, adding a splash of water or extra half-and-half as needed to bring back the consistency.

Nutrition Information

Fat Chowder brings together a variety of nutrients. Each hearty serving contains protein and fiber from the potatoes and corn, while the bacon adds some essential fats. It’s high in calories due to the cream content but can be enjoyed in moderation, especially on those chilly days.

Serving Suggestions

– With Crusty Bread: Serve your chowder with slices of crusty bread for dipping.

– Topped with Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or crumbled feta adds a nice touch and flavor.

– With Side Salads: Pair with a refreshing green salad for a complete meal.

– Spritz of Lemon Juice: A dash of lemon brightens up the chowder and enhances its flavors.

– Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Fresh chives or parsley can elevate the presentation and taste.

What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Fat Chowder?

– Quinoa or Rice: For a gluten-free alternative to potatoes, add cooked quinoa or rice.

– Vegetable Bros: Swap potatoes for sweet potatoes for a different texture and sweetness.

– Vegetarian Option: Replace bacon with smoked paprika for that beloved smoky flavor without meat.

– Different Chowder Bases: Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water for a deeper flavor.

– Dairy Alternatives: For a dairy-free version, consider cashew cream or coconut milk in place of half-and-half.

Fat Chowder

Contributor One

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 500 kcal

Equipment

Large pot
small saucepan
wooden spoon
Knife
Cutting board

Ingredients

– 4 medium potatoes peeled and diced
– ½ cup crispy bacon chopped
– 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
– 3 cups cream-style corn
– 2 cups water
– 2 teaspoons salt or to taste
– Ground black pepper to taste
– 2 cups half-and-half
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder for added flavor
– 1 tablespoon fresh chives chopped (for freshness)
These ingredients meld together to create a chowder that’s filled with layers of flavor ensuring every bite is enjoyable and satisfying.