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Quick Creamy Instant Pot Corn Chowder Recipe with Bacon Easy and Delicious

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A quick and comforting corn chowder made in the Instant Pot with smoky bacon, sweet corn, and creamy texture. Perfect for busy weeknights and cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 slices bacon, diced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
  • 2 medium red potatoes, diced small
  • 3 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half (can substitute coconut milk for dairy-free)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (gluten-free flour works as substitute)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
  • Black pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Set Instant Pot to sauté mode on medium heat. Add diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove bacon bits with a slotted spoon, leaving rendered fat in the pot.
  2. Add butter to the bacon fat and melt. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, avoiding browning.
  3. Stir in diced potatoes and corn kernels. Sprinkle flour over the veggies and stir well to coat evenly.
  4. Slowly add chicken broth while stirring. Add thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and avoid lumps.
  5. Seal Instant Pot lid and set to manual high pressure for 5 minutes. Wait for pressure to build and cook.
  6. Perform a quick pressure release when cooking ends. Remove lid once safe.
  7. Using an immersion blender, puree about half of the soup in the pot to create creaminess. Alternatively, transfer half to a blender, puree, and return to pot.
  8. Stir in milk or half-and-half, then fold in cooked bacon bits. Warm chowder on sauté mode for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  9. Ladle chowder into bowls and serve immediately with warm bread or a light salad.

Notes

Do not skip browning the bacon as the rendered fat adds essential smoky flavor. Coat veggies evenly with flour to avoid lumps. Partial blending creates creamy texture without losing chunkiness. Use quick pressure release to prevent mushy potatoes. Adjust seasoning after adding milk. For dairy-free, substitute coconut milk. For vegetarian, omit bacon and use smoked paprika or sautéed mushrooms with vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: corn chowder, instant pot, bacon, creamy soup, quick dinner, comfort food, easy recipe

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/quick-creamy-instant-pot-corn-chowder-recipe-with-bacon-easy-and-delicious/