Crack Corn Chowder Recipe – Get ready for a flavor-packed journey! This creamy, savory delight combines crispy bacon, sweet corn, tender potatoes, ranch seasoning, and cheddar cheese for a comforting bowl of goodness. Perfect for chilly nights or cozy gatherings. Every bowlful is a harmonious blend of flavors that’s hearty, creamy, and utterly delicious.

bowl of corn and bacon chowder on a table with a spoon and fritos with rolls with text overlay

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Cheesy Corn Soup with Bacon

Crack Corn Chowder is a hearty, flavor-packed delight that’s perfect for satisfying your comfort food cravings. In this recipe, crispy bacon and rich butter set the stage for a creamy and savory experience. With a velvety base made from a roux, chicken broth, and both evaporated and regular milk, this chowder achieves a perfect balance of creaminess and depth of flavor. The star of the show is the sweet and tender corn, combined with the zesty punch of ranch seasoning, and the hearty addition of diced baby red potatoes. To crown it all, a generous helping of sharp cheddar cheese adds a deliciously cheesy finish. Each spoonful is a comforting journey through layers of texture and taste.

What does CRACK mean?

If a recipe has “crack” in the title it means that the recipe has cheddar, bacon, and ranch in the ingredients. It all started with my Crack Dip way back in 2007. I made the dip for a Titans football game. Everyone went crazy over it. We couldn’t stop eating it and said it was like crack. The name stuck.

According to the dictionary, the definition of crack is “of superior excellence or ability”. We think the flavor combination of cheddar, bacon, and ranch fits this definition! This recipe is most definitely of superior excellence!

How to Make Crack Corn Chowder

This soup is super easy to make with only a few simple ingredients. In a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat, cook the bacon until browned, about 5 minutes. Add diced potatoes, fresh corn kernels, and butter. Stir in the flour, so it coats the corn mixture, and cook for 1 minute to cook the flour through. Stir in the chicken broth, evaporated milk, milk, and ranch seasoning. Increase to medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1 hour, stirring frequently to keep the soup from scorching on the bottom of the pot. Stir in cheddar cheese and green onions. Cook until the cheese has melted.

Helpful Tips and Frequently Asked Questions

I use baby red potatoes. Russet potatoes or yukon gold potatoes are equally delicious.
Here is our recipe for Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix made with buttermilk powder, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, chives, dill, salt, and black pepper: https://www.plainchicken.com/homemade-ranch-dressing-mix/
- Adjust the amount of ranch seasoning to your personal taste.
You can use fresh corn or frozen corn kernels.
- I prefer white sweet corn.
For a smoother texture and deeper corn flavor, puree half of the corn in a food processor before adding it to the pot.
Feel free to add more vegetables to the soup.
- carrots
- onion
- celery
- red bell pepper
Substitute heavy cream for evaporated milk for a thicker soup.
What to do with leftover corn chowder: Let the chowder cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in a small saucepan over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes.
- If the soup seems too thick, add some milk to thin it out.

bowl of corn chowder with fritos and green onions sitting on a blue and white checked tablecloth

What to Serve with the Best Corn Chowder

When serving up a comforting bowl of chowder, it’s all about creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Pair this hearty chowder with a side of warm, buttery cornbread or buttery dinner rolls for a delightful contrast in textures. A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette dressing provides a fresh and vibrant element to balance the creamy richness of the chowder. For a protein-packed option, consider adding some grilled chicken on the side. Their savory flavors complement the chowder beautifully. And if you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of dried thyme or green onions as a garnish on top of your bowl for a burst of color and a subtle, oniony kick. With these accompaniments, you’ll have a complete meal that’s both hearty and satisfying, making every spoonful of this chowder a delightful experience.

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