Slow Cooker Potato Bacon Chowder

Introduction

Imagine a bowl of pure comfort, warm and creamy, brimming with tender potatoes and smoky bacon. That’s exactly what you get with our Slow Cooker Potato Bacon Chowder! It’s a truly special dish, packed with rich flavors that warm you from the inside out. Every spoonful is a delicious journey of savory goodness, making it an instant family favorite.

The best part? This incredible chowder is surprisingly easy to make. Your slow cooker does almost all the heavy lifting, turning simple ingredients into a gourmet-tasting meal with minimal fuss. A little bit of chopping and a quick sauté, then you simply set it and forget it. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you crave something hearty without all the hands-on time.

So, are you ready to bring this cozy, flavorful magic into your kitchen? Get ready to gather your ingredients and let your slow cooker work its wonders. This Potato Bacon Chowder is about to become your new go-to recipe for comforting deliciousness. You absolutely have to try it!

Cooking Time & Prep Time

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 240 minutes (4 hours on high) or 480 minutes (8 hours on low)
• Total Time: Approximately 265 minutes (4 hours 25 minutes)

Small tip: You can chop your vegetables the night before and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. This will cut down your morning prep time even further!

Ingredients

This recipe makes 6-8 hearty servings.

• For the Chowder Base:
• 8 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
• 4 cups (32 oz) chicken broth, low sodium
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 cups whole milk, divided
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• For Garnish:
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the Bacon

   In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, reserving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet. You’ll need this flavorful fat for the next step!

   Small tip: Don’t discard all the bacon fat! A little bit adds incredible depth of flavor to your chowder.

2. Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

   Add the diced onion and celery to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

3. Step 3: Combine in the Slow Cooker

   Transfer the sautéed onion, celery, and garlic mixture to your slow cooker. Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Give everything a good stir to combine.

4. Step 4: Cook Until Tender

   Cover your slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The potatoes should be fork-tender when done. This long, slow cooking process is what makes the chowder so incredibly rich.

   Small tip: Resist the urge to lift the lid too often, as this lets out heat and extends the cooking time.

5. Step 5: Prepare the Thickening Slurry

   Once the potatoes are tender, it’s time to thicken your chowder. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of the whole milk with the all-purpose flour until there are no lumps. This creates a smooth slurry that will help thicken the soup.

6. Step 6: Thicken and Finish the Chowder

   Pour the flour slurry into the slow cooker, stirring constantly to incorporate it smoothly. Add the remaining 1 1/2 cups of whole milk and the heavy cream. Stir well. Recover the slow cooker and continue to cook on HIGH for another 20-30 minutes, or until the chowder has thickened to your desired consistency. It should be rich and creamy.

   Small tip: If you prefer a thinner chowder, you can add a bit more broth or milk until it reaches your liking.

7. Step 7: Serve and Garnish

   Stir most of the crispy bacon into the chowder, reserving some for garnish. Ladle the hot chowder into bowls. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, fresh chopped chives, and the reserved crispy bacon. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: To make this chowder gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup of cold water or milk to create a slurry. Add this cornstarch slurry to the chowder in Step 6.
• Vegan or Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon entirely. Instead of bacon fat, sauté your aromatics in olive oil. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For the creamy base, use full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative (like cashew cream) in place of the dairy milk and heavy cream. A pinch of smoked paprika can add a lovely smoky flavor.
• Add More Vegetables or Protein: Feel free to toss in extra vegetables! Frozen corn, peas, or diced carrots are great additions. You can also add cooked, shredded chicken breast to make it even heartier and boost the protein content.
• Spicy Version: For a little kick, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper along with the salt and pepper in Step 3. You could also stir in a dash of your favorite hot sauce or a finely diced jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat) when sautéing the aromatics.
• Extra Flavor Boost: For an even deeper flavor, add one bay leaf to the slow cooker along with the broth and potatoes. Remember to remove it before serving. A teaspoon of Dijon mustard stirred in with the cream can also add a subtle, tangy complexity.

Nutritional Information

Approximate values per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 390
• Protein: 17g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 22g

Please note that nutritional values may vary depending on the specific brands and amounts of ingredients used. This is an estimate for guidance.

Health Benefits

This Slow Cooker Potato Bacon Chowder isn’t just delicious; it also offers some great health benefits from its wholesome ingredients.

Potatoes are often misunderstood! They are an excellent source of Vitamin C, which is important for immune function, and Vitamin B6, essential for brain development and nerve function. They also provide a good amount of potassium, which helps maintain healthy blood pressure, and dietary fiber, which aids digestion.

The aromatic vegetables like onions, celery, and garlic are powerhouses of nutrients. Onions and garlic are rich in antioxidants and compounds with anti-inflammatory properties. Celery provides Vitamin K, important for blood clotting and bone health, and also contains antioxidants.

While used in moderation, the bacon adds a good amount of protein, which is vital for building and repairing tissues, and creating enzymes and hormones. It helps you feel full and satisfied.

The milk and heavy cream contribute essential nutrients too. They are primary sources of calcium, crucial for strong bones and teeth, and often fortified with Vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium. They also provide high-quality protein.

Overall, this chowder offers a balanced blend of carbohydrates for energy, protein for satiety and muscle health, and various vitamins and minerals to support overall well-being. It’s truly a comforting meal that nourishes both body and soul.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this hearty chowder with a side of warm, crusty bread or homemade cornbread for dipping. It’s perfect for soaking up every last drop!
• Pair it with a light, crisp green salad dressed with a simple
  See also  Cheddar Stuffed Bbq Bacon Bombs Irresistibly Delicious