Hearty Pioneer Woman Corn Chowder Recipe

Heartwarming Pioneer Woman Corn Chowder Recipe for Chilly Days

Pioneer Woman’s corn chowder weaves a magical culinary tapestry that turns humble ingredients into pure comfort.

Creamy and robust, this soup sings with robust farm-fresh flavors that transport you to a cozy kitchen.

Sweet corn kernels mingle with smoky nuances, creating a symphonic blend that dances across your taste buds.

Hearty chunks of vegetables and silky broth tell a story of rustic simplicity and gourmet charm.

Unexpected flavor notes elevate this chowder from traditional to extraordinary, transforming an everyday meal into a memorable experience.

Bold yet delicate, this recipe promises a luxurious escape from ordinary dining.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 11

Essentials You Need for Pioneer Woman Corn Chowder

For Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: Look for high-quality, fresh dairy butter with rich, creamy texture.
  • Bacon: Choose thick-cut, smoky bacon for deeper flavor profile.
  • Onion: Select firm, crisp onions without soft spots or sprouting.
For Vegetable Components:
  • Bell Pepper: Pick vibrant, glossy peppers with smooth skin and no blemishes.
  • Corn Kernels: Opt for sweet, plump kernels that appear bright and juicy.
For Liquid and Thickening Agents:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Select unbleached flour for smoother consistency.
  • Chicken Stock: Choose low-sodium stock for better flavor control.
  • Half-and-Half: Pick fresh, rich cream with smooth, consistent texture.
For Cheese and Seasoning:
  • Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Select aged, sharp varieties for robust taste.
  • Green Onions: Choose crisp, bright green stalks with firm white bases.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Use freshly ground pepper and fine sea salt for enhanced flavor.

Cooking Equipment List for Pioneer Woman Corn Chowder

  • Large Pot: Perfect for building rich, flavorful soup base.
  • Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable and bacon chopping.
  • Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for prepping ingredients cleanly.
  • Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring Cups: Ensures accurate liquid and dry ingredient proportions.
  • Ladle: Helps serve soup into bowls with elegant control.
  • Cheese Grater: Quick way to shred cheddar and parmesan cheeses.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps season soup with perfect salt and pepper amounts.

Cooking Steps for Pioneer Woman Corn Chowder

Cooking Steps for Pioneer Woman Corn Chowder
  • Build A Flavor Foundation

Start by heating butter in a large pot. Toss chopped onions until they become translucent and soft. Add crispy bacon pieces, allowing them to release their smoky essence and create a delicious base for the chowder.

  • Layer Vegetable Goodness

Introduce colorful bell peppers and sweet corn kernels into the mix. Gently stir the vegetables, letting them dance and soften while releasing their natural flavors and creating a vibrant texture.

  • Craft A Silky Soup Base

Dust flour over the vegetables, coating them evenly. Pour chicken stock slowly, whisking to create a smooth, lump-free liquid. Let the mixture simmer and thicken, developing a rich and hearty consistency.

  • Enhance With Creamy Luxury

Pour half-and-half into the pot, stirring gently. Allow the chowder to simmer and meld together, creating a luxurious and velvety texture that will warm your soul.

  • Finish With Cheesy Brilliance

Sprinkle in sharp cheddar and parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a smooth and decadent soup. Add chopped green onions for a fresh, zesty kick. Season with salt and pepper to elevate the flavors.

  • Serve With Love

Ladle the steaming chowder into bowls. Garnish with extra green onions if desired. Enjoy this comforting, homemade delight that celebrates the simple pleasures of good food.

Helpful Hints to Improve Pioneer Woman Corn Chowder

Helpful Hints to Improve Pioneer Woman Corn Chowder

Explore exciting ways to personalize this comforting soup and make it uniquely yours.

Swap bacon for diced ham, rotisserie chicken, or chorizo to add different meat flavors and textures that complement the creamy base.

Toss in diced zucchini, chopped spinach, or roasted red peppers to increase nutritional value and create more complex flavor profiles.

Sprinkle cayenne pepper, add a dash of hot sauce, or include diced jalapeños for those who love a spicy kick that warms the soul.

This chowder freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep and quick comfort food on busy nights.

What to Pair With Pioneer Woman Corn Chowder

  • Pair with Crusty Companions: Serve alongside warm, toasted sourdough or rustic French bread slices to soak up the creamy chowder's rich flavors.
  • Create Textural Contrast: Top each bowl with crispy bacon bits, crunchy croutons, or toasted corn kernels to add delightful texture and depth to every spoonful.
  • Enhance with Fresh Accents: Sprinkle finely chopped chives, a dash of smoked paprika, or a small drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil to brighten the chowder's hearty profile and add a gourmet touch.
  • Complete the Meal Spread: Pair this corn chowder with a light, crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup's creamy richness and create a satisfying complete meal.

How to Store Leftovers of Pioneer Woman Corn Chowder

  • Meal Planning & Storage Advice
  • Batch Cooking Brilliance: Prepare double the recipe and freeze portions in airtight containers for quick, delicious meals during busy weeks. Portions stay fresh up to 3 months when properly sealed.
  • Refrigeration Recommendations: Store leftover chowder in sealed containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Always use clean utensils when transferring to maintain food safety and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Reheating Rescue Techniques: Warm chowder slowly on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken stock or half-and-half to restore original creamy consistency if the soup thickens during storage.
  • Smart Ingredient Preservation: Keep fresh green onions wrapped in damp paper towel inside a sealed plastic bag to extend their crispness for garnishing. Refrigerate cheese separately in airtight containers to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
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Hearty Pioneer Woman Corn Chowder Recipe

Hearty Pioneer Woman Corn Chowder Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Hearty Pioneer Woman corn chowder celebrates midwestern comfort with creamy, bacon-kissed goodness. Rich flavors meld perfectly, delivering warmth that satisfies deep hunger and soul comfort for you.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 ears corn, kernels sliced off
  • 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, orange), finely diced
  • 3 slices bacon, cut into pieces
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cups (710 ml) chicken stock or broth
  • 2 cups (470 ml) half-and-half
  • 4 tbsps (½ stick or 113 g) butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 heaping cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 heaping cup grated pepper Jack cheese
  • ⅓ cup sliced green onions
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 12 bread bowls, tops cut and centers hollowed out for serving

Instructions

  1. Flavor Base Preparation: Melt butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sauté onions until translucent, then add bacon, cooking until crisp and golden, releasing rich, smoky undertones.
  2. Vegetable Infusion: Introduce bell peppers and corn kernels, stirring to blend flavors and develop a vibrant, aromatic foundation. Sprinkle flour evenly, toasting briefly to eliminate raw notes and create a robust thickening agent.
  3. Liquid Integration: Gradually pour chicken stock while whisking continuously, ensuring a smooth, velvety texture. Simmer the mixture, allowing it to thicken and concentrate the intricate flavor profiles of the ingredients.
  4. Creamy Transformation: Reduce heat and gently incorporate half-and-half cream. Let the chowder simmer, covered, creating a luxurious, silky consistency that melds all components into a harmonious blend.
  5. Final Embellishment: Fold in green onions and shredded cheeses, stirring until completely melted. Season with salt and black pepper, balancing and enhancing the chowder’s complex flavor landscape.
  6. Serving Presentation: Ladle the steaming chowder into warm bread bowls, ensuring each serving captures the dish’s full-bodied essence and comforting warmth.

Notes

  • Bacon Brilliance: Render bacon slowly to extract maximum flavor and achieve a perfect golden-brown crispness that infuses the entire chowder with rich, smoky undertones.
  • Flour Power: Toasting flour for one minute eliminates raw taste and creates a robust thickening base, ensuring a smooth and velvety chowder texture without lumps.
  • Cream Control: Simmer half-and-half gently to prevent curdling and maintain a silky, luxurious consistency that elevates the chowder’s overall richness.
  • Cheese Melt Magic: Add shredded cheese off direct heat and stir continuously to create a seamless, creamy integration that distributes flavor evenly throughout the dish.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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