Warm up your kitchen and your soul with a bowl of irresistible Bacon Cheese Potato Chowder! This creamy, hearty dish combines the comforting flavors of crispy bacon, rich cheddar cheese, and tender potatoes, making it the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings. With just 40 minutes from prep to table, you’ll be savoring every spoonful of this American classic in no time. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply treating yourself to a delicious meal, this chowder is sure to impress. Ready to dive into a recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by peeling and dicing potatoes into small, uniform cubes, finely chopping the onion, and cooking bacon until crisp and crumbled.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy and releases its fat. Remove bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the pot.
- Add chopped onions to the bacon drippings and sauté until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add diced potatoes to the pot and stir to coat with the bacon fat and onions. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to slightly toast the potatoes.
- Pour in chicken broth, ensuring potatoes are completely covered. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Using a potato masher or the back of a spoon, partially mash some potatoes to help thicken the chowder, leaving some chunks for texture.
- Stir in milk and reduce heat to low. Slowly add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously to prevent cheese from clumping.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue stirring until cheese is completely melted and chowder is smooth and creamy.
- Garnish with reserved crispy bacon crumbles just before serving. Optionally, top with additional cheese or chopped chives for extra flavor.
- Serve hot in bowls, accompanied by crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, peel and dice the potatoes and chop the onion in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook.
- Bacon Flavor: For an extra burst of flavor, consider using smoked bacon. It adds a delightful depth to the chowder.
- Potato Varieties: While russet potatoes are perfect for this recipe, you can also mix in some Yukon Golds for a creamier texture.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese! Adding a bit of pepper jack can give your chowder a spicy kick.
- Texture Control: If you prefer a thicker chowder, mash more potatoes. For a chunkier texture, mash fewer and leave more whole.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your chowder with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad to create a well-rounded meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.
- Garnish Ideas: Don’t skip the garnish! Crispy bacon crumbles and chopped chives or green onions not only enhance the flavor but also make your chowder visually appealing.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg
