Introduction
Explore the comforting flavors of a classic Hearty Slow Cooker Potato Bacon Chowder that brings together the richness of bacon, the heartiness of potatoes, and the creaminess of milk. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for cozy family dinners or as a satisfying dish for a gathering, allowing you to taste a bowl of warmth with every spoonful. The savory combination of ingredients creates a deliciously satisfying experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
This chowder not only warms the body but also nourishes the soul, making it an ideal dish for those chilly evenings when you want something hearty and filling. Whether served as a main meal or as a side dish, the slow-cooked flavors meld beautifully, creating a harmony that encapsulates the essence of comfort food. Perfectly paired with crusty bread or homemade biscuits, this chowder is sure to please and bring families together around the table.
Recipe Overview
A quick overview of this hearty dish highlights its simplicity and rich taste.
– Total Time: 7 hours
– Prep Time: 20 minutes
– Servings: 6-8
– Difficulty: Not specified in the recipe
This recipe showcases the convenience of the slow cooker, creating a delicious chowder that simmers and melds flavors over several hours. With simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time, this chowder is designed to be both filling and flavorful, making it an ideal choice for those chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Delve into the essential components that make this chowder delightful and satisfying.
Core Vegetables
– 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced into bite-sized pieces
– 1 medium onion, finely diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
Meaty Goodness
– 1 pound (450g) bacon, chopped into small pieces
Broth and Dairy
– 4 cups (960ml) chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
– 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
Protein and Vegetables
– 1 cup (150g) frozen corn
– 1 cup (150g) frozen peas
Herbs and Spices
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnishes
– 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Learn the step-by-step process for creating this delicious chowder, ensuring every flavor is perfectly developed.
1. Begin by cooking the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it turns crispy and golden. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease, leaving the bacon drippings in the skillet.
2. In the same skillet, add the finely diced onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Afterward, add the minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Remove the skillet from heat.
3. In your slow cooker, combine the diced potatoes, the crispy bacon (reserve a small portion for garnish), and the sautéed onion and garlic mixture. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and sprinkle in the dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
5. About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the frozen corn, frozen peas, heavy cream, and milk. Mix thoroughly and continue to cook uncovered until everything is heated through.
6. Taste the chowder and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with the reserved bacon, sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley.
Cooking the Bacon
Start by cooking the bacon in a skillet at medium heat to achieve crispy perfection. This step is vital as it renders the fat, which will be used later to sauté the onions and garlic, infusing them with a delightful smoky flavor. Once the bacon is golden and crispy, it should be transferred onto a plate lined with paper towels, allowing excess grease to drain off. This not only creates a delicious and crispy end product but also keeps the chowder from becoming overly greasy.
Sautéing the Aromatics
With the bacon cooked, the next step involves creating a flavor base for the chowder. Sauté the onions in the rendered bacon fat until they turn soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. This slow cooking method enhances the natural sweetness of the onions, making the overall flavor of the chowder even more robust. Adding the minced garlic afterward allows its fragrance to permeate the dish, boosting its aromatic profile beautifully. The combination of these two ingredients sets up a wonderful backdrop for the other components of the chowder.
Combining Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Once the onions and garlic are well cooked, it’s time to build the chowder’s flavorful base. In the slow cooker, combine the diced russet potatoes and the crispy bacon, creating a hearty mixture. The potatoes serve as the backbone of the chowder, bringing creaminess and texture to each spoonful. Next, incorporate the chicken or vegetable broth and sprinkle in the dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. These herbs and spices elevate the dish’s flavors, adding warmth and depth. Stir everything together until well combined, ensuring each potato piece is enveloped in the savory broth.
Cooking Duration
Cooking in the slow cooker is crucial for allowing flavors to meld and develop over time. Cover it and let it cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The longer cooking time allows the potatoes to become tender and absorb the delicious flavors of the broth, creating a rich and hearty chowder. Your patience will be rewarded when, at the end of the cooking duration, you can effortlessly pierce the potatoes with a fork, revealing their perfectly cooked state.
This delightful chowder is bound to become a cherished addition to your recipe repertoire. Its combination of familiar flavors and textures, alongside the nurturing ability of a slow cooker, invites everyone to gather and enjoy a meal full of warmth and comfort.
the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free chowder.
Low and slow vs high and fast: Understand how cooking time affects texture
When it comes to slow cooking, a common debate is whether to cook low and slow or high and fast. In the case of the Hearty Slow Cooker Potato Bacon Chowder, the decision significantly influences the dish’s final texture and flavor. Cooking on low for 6-7 hours allows the flavors to develop deeply while ensuring the potatoes become tender and creamy. The long cooking process leads to a rich melding of flavors as the broth absorbs the natural starches released from the potatoes. On the other hand, cooking on high for 3-4 hours can yield a satisfactory result as well, but the flavors may not reach their full potential, and the potatoes might not soften to the same degree, leading to a chunkier texture.
Identify doneness: Ensure that potatoes are tender and fork-pierceable
One of the critical aspects of preparing this chowder is correctly assessing the doneness of the potatoes. After the designated cooking time, you should check that the potato pieces are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. This indicator means they have absorbed enough liquid and flavor, and the chowder will achieve a creamy consistency. If the potatoes are still firm, allow the chowder to continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes to an hour, checking periodically to avoid overcooking.
Adding Creaminess to the Chowder
Explore the critical final steps to achieve a hearty and creamy chowder.
Stirring in Dairy
Once the chowder has simmered and the potatoes are tender, the final step is to introduce the heavy cream and whole milk. Adding these dairy ingredients contributes to a luscious, creamy consistency that is essential for chowder. The interplay between the milk’s smoothness and the cream’s richness creates a comforting texture that envelopes each bite.
Integrate frozen vegetables
The addition of frozen corn and peas plays a critical role not only in enhancing the flavor but also in introducing a pleasing crunch and contrast in texture. Stirring these frozen vegetables into the chowder 30 minutes before serving ensures they thaw properly without becoming mushy, offering a fresh burst of sweetness that complements the savory bacon and creamy broth.
Cooking Uncovered
The importance of uncovered cooking cannot be understated during the final stages of your chowder. By cooking the chowder uncovered for the last half hour, you allow excess moisture to evaporate, resulting in a denser chowder that holds up well on a spoon. This cooking stage also melds flavors perfectly, allowing the frozen vegetables to mix seamlessly with the creamy base.
Adjust seasoning
As the chowder nears its final moments of cooking, this is the opportune time to check the seasoning. The balance of salt, pepper, and spices can significantly impact the overall flavor profile, so ensure to taste and adjust to your liking. A thoughtful seasoning adjustment at this stage helps to highlight the richness of the bacon and the sweetness of the vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Discover the best ways to serve this chowder for maximum enjoyment.
Ideal Dishware
Using rustic bowls to serve the chowder elevates its visual appeal and enhances the comforting experience. The classic charm of rustic dishware complements the hearty nature of the soup, inviting guests to dig in. Additionally, pairing the chowder with crusty bread serves as a delightful way to scoop up the creamy goodness, adding a satisfying texture with every spoonful.
Garnishing
The finishing touches of garnishing can transform the presentation of your chowder. By sprinkling a portion of the reserved crispy bacon on top, you not only add extra texture but also amplify the savory notes of the dish. The addition of thinly sliced green onions and fresh chopped parsley brightens the appearance of the chowder, introducing pops of color that make the dish even more inviting and appetizing.
Flavor Profile
Unpack the delicious flavors that make this chowder so appealing.
Smoky and Salty
The impact of bacon on the chowder cannot be overstated. Its smoky flavor infuses the base with a depth that complements the earthy potatoes beautifully. As the chowder simmers, the bacon drippings render out fats that contribute to the overall salinity and richness, ensuring each bowl is bursting with flavor.
Creamy and Rich
The combination of heavy cream and whole milk provides a rich, velvety mouthfeel that is typically associated with a classic chowder. The creamy texture pairs incredibly well with the diced potatoes and tender vegetables, creating a harmonious blend that is both comforting and satisfying.
Effects of Herbs and Spices
Thyme and paprika contribute to the chowder’s delicious flavor profile, providing aromatic notes that enhance the dish. The subtle earthiness of thyme melds with the smoky undertone of the bacon, while the paprika offers a mild hint of warmth. Together, these seasonings transform the chowder into a well-rounded dish that tantalizes the palate.
Nutritional Information
A look at the nutritional components of the chowder and their benefits.
Breakdown of Key Ingredients
The Hearty Slow Cooker Potato Bacon Chowder is not only flavorful but also built on nutritional ingredients. Potatoes serve as a source of complex carbohydrates, providing energy and nourishment. The addition of frozen vegetables like corn and peas contributes vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber, promoting overall health.
Bacon can provide protein, but mindful serving sizes are important given its higher fat content. Using it as a flavor enhancer rather than the main focus ensures a satisfying yet balanced dish.
Understanding Dairy
Heavy cream vs whole milk is a decision that impacts both flavor and nutritional content. Heavy cream contributes a richer texture and flavorful depth, but it does come at a higher caloric cost. Whole milk, while lighter, brings a nice creaminess too – thus, the combination of both in this chowder achieves a harmonious blend of rich flavors without overwhelming the dish.
Variations of the Recipe
Explore different ways to personalize the chowder to fit various dietary needs and preferences.
Protein Alternatives
For those looking for a lighter option, swapping out regular bacon for turkey bacon or sausage is a simple modification. Both alternatives maintain the essential savory notes while reducing the fat content, making the chowder a better fit for those on lighter diets without sacrificing flavor.
Dairy-Free Options
Not specified in the recipe.
In conclusion, the Hearty Slow Cooker Potato Bacon Chowder delivers a warm and satisfying experience, characterized by its rich, creamy texture with hints of smokiness from the bacon. The total cooking time of 7 hours results in perfectly tender potatoes, while the careful integration of dairy and seasonings ensures a well-balanced flavor profile. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or shared with loved ones, this chowder stands out as a comforting and fulfilling dish.
Hearty Slow Cooker Potato Bacon Chowder
Ingredients
- 6 medium russet potatoes peeled and diced
- 1 pound bacon chopped
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 green onions thinly sliced for garnish
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy and golden.
- Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
- Sauté the diced onion in the same skillet until soft, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- In the slow cooker, combine diced potatoes, crispy bacon, and the onion-garlic mixture.
- Pour in the broth and add thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper; stir well.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in frozen corn, peas, heavy cream, and milk 30 minutes before serving.
- Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve hot, garnished with reserved bacon, green onions, and parsley.