Cabbage Corn Chowder (Printable)

Sweet corn, tender cabbage and potatoes in a creamy, smoky chowder topped with crispy bacon and parsley.

# Ingredient List:

→ Meats

01 - 6 slices smoked bacon, chopped

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 3 cups green cabbage, shredded
05 - 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
06 - 3 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
07 - 2 stalks celery, diced
08 - 1 medium carrot, diced

→ Liquids

09 - 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
10 - 1 cup whole milk
11 - 1/2 cup heavy cream

→ Spices & Seasonings

12 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
14 - 1 bay leaf
15 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Others

16 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
17 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

# Steps:

01 - In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot.
02 - Add the butter, onion, celery, and carrot. Sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
03 - Stir in the garlic, smoked paprika, and thyme, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add the shredded cabbage and potatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes.
05 - Pour in the broth and add the bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
06 - Stir in the corn, milk, and cream. Simmer gently for another 5 minutes.
07 - Remove the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
08 - Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with crispy bacon and chopped fresh parsley before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The sweet corn and smoky bacon make each spoonful taste like you discovered a secret shortcut to comfort food bliss.
  • This chowder is endlessly versatile so you can riff with what's in the crisper drawer without risking flavor.
02 -
  • If you rush and add the dairy while the broth is boiling, you risk curdling the soup and losing that silky texture.
  • Mashing just a few potatoes before stirring in the milk makes the chowder thick and almost velvety—the difference is almost shocking.
03 -
  • Let the chowder rest for ten minutes before serving so the flavors meld and it thickens slightly—it’ll be even better.
  • A little squeeze of lemon over each bowl right before serving wakes up all the flavors, especially on a dreary day.
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