Creamy Shrimp and Corn Chowder with a Kick
This rich and comforting Shrimp and Corn Chowder is a coastal classic—packed with plump shrimp, sweet corn, tender potatoes, and smoky bacon in a velvety broth. It’s the perfect cozy dish for cool nights or anytime you’re craving something soul-warming.
🍴 Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken or seafood stock
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 large potato, peeled and diced
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Green onions or chives, for garnish
🔥 Instructions
Cook the Bacon: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
Sauté the Aromatics: Add butter to the bacon fat, then sauté the onion and celery until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Build the Base: Sprinkle flour over the veggies and stir to form a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes, then gradually whisk in the chicken or seafood stock.
Add Creaminess and Veggies: Stir in milk, cream, corn, diced potato, paprika, Old Bay, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15–20 minutes.
Add the Shrimp: Stir in the shrimp and cook until pink and just opaque, about 3–4 minutes.
Finish and Serve: Stir in chopped parsley and half the reserved bacon. Ladle into bowls and top with green onions and the remaining bacon. Serve with crusty bread or oyster crackers.
📦 Amazon Must-Haves to Help You Create the Best Shrimp and Corn Chowder
- 🍲 Enameled Dutch Oven — Perfect for simmering soups and chowders evenly.
- 🔪 Shrimp Deveiner Tool — Make shrimp prep fast and easy with this handy gadget.
- 🥔 Vegetable Peeler Set — Sharp and ergonomic for peeling potatoes and more.
- 🥄 Ladle with Spout — Ideal for serving chowder cleanly without spills.
- 🥓 Bacon Crisper Pan — Get your bacon extra crispy—just the way it should be.
💡 Helpful Tip: Want to add some heat? Stir in a finely chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy Southern twist!