Corn Chowder: To Cheese Or Not To Cheese?

do you put cheese in corn chowdar

Corn chowder is a delicious and comforting dish, and many recipes include cheese as an essential ingredient. The addition of cheese to corn chowder creates a creamy and indulgent soup, perfect for a cozy night in or a comforting lunch. While some recipes call for a simple sprinkling of cheese, others go all out with multiple varieties, creating an ultra-cheesy experience. Whether you're a traditionalist or an experimental chef, the answer is clear: cheese in corn chowder is a mouth-watering combination.

Characteristics Values
Cheese Cream Cheese, White Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Grated, American
Other Ingredients Bacon, Onion, Butter, Corn, Bell Peppers, Green Onions, Potatoes, Chicken Broth, Half-and-Half, Milk, Flour
Seasoning Salt, Pepper, Cayenne, Basil, Chives, Scallions, Paprika, Garlic Powder
Calories 282 per cup

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Corn chowder with cheese: a tasty combination

Corn chowder with cheese is a tasty combination that you can easily make at home. The recipe includes a variety of ingredients, such as butter, onions, bacon, corn, flour, chicken broth, milk, and of course, cheese.

To make this delicious soup, start by cooking the bacon in a large pot over medium heat. Once the bacon is cooked to your liking, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Next, add butter to the pot and let it melt before adding in your chopped onions. Cook the onions for a few minutes until they become tender and translucent.

At this point, you can add the corn to the pot and cook it for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle in some flour and stir everything together to create a thick base for your chowder. Pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring continuously. Let this mixture simmer and thicken for about 10-15 minutes.

Now comes the star ingredient—cheese! Add in your favourite variety of cheese, or a combination of cheeses, and stir until melted. Season the chowder with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add additional ingredients like bell peppers, potatoes, or carrots for extra flavour and texture.

Finally, ladle the corn chowder with cheese into bowls and serve immediately. This recipe is perfect for a cosy night in, and you can even get creative with garnishes like fresh chives, scallions, or a sprinkle of paprika. The combination of corn and cheese in a chowder creates a creamy, comforting dish that's sure to satisfy your taste buds.

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A simple recipe for a delicious meal

If you're looking for a simple recipe for a delicious meal, look no further than this easy cheesy corn chowder. It's a creamy and comforting soup that's perfect for a cosy night in, and it only takes about 20 minutes to make! Here's what you need to do:

Ingredients

  • Butter
  • Bacon
  • Onion
  • Bell peppers
  • Corn
  • Flour
  • Chicken broth or stock
  • Milk or half-and-half
  • Cheese (Crystal Farms® Cheese is a good option)
  • Salt and pepper
  • Optional: Cayenne, basil, scallions, paprika

Method

Start by cooking the bacon in a large pot over medium heat. Once it's nice and crispy, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Next, add some butter to the pot and let it melt. Chop up an onion and add it to the pot, sautéing it until it's tender. You can also add some bell peppers at this stage if you like.

Now it's time for the corn. Add the corn to the pot and cook it for a couple of minutes. Then, sprinkle in some flour and stir to combine. Pour in the chicken broth or stock and stir well. Let this mixture thicken for a few minutes, then reduce the heat.

Here comes the cheesy part: stir in your choice of cheese. You can use a combination of grated Monterey jack and pepper jack, or go for a classic like cheddar. You can also add in some cream cheese to make it extra creamy. Stir until the cheese is melted and season with salt and pepper (and cayenne if you like a kick!).

Finally, crumble the bacon and add it back to the pot, along with some sliced green onions or scallions. Give it all one more stir, then ladle into bowls and serve immediately.

There you have it—a simple, delicious meal that's sure to impress!

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The best types of cheese to use

Corn chowder is a delicious and comforting dish, and adding cheese makes it even better! The best types of cheese to use in corn chowder are those that melt well and complement the sweet corn and other ingredients. Here are some specific types of cheese that are commonly used:

Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is a soft, mild-tasting cheese that adds a wonderful creaminess to corn chowder. It melts smoothly and helps to thicken the soup. Cream cheese also has a slightly tangy flavour that pairs well with the sweetness of corn.

White Cheddar: White cheddar cheese is a popular choice for corn chowder as it adds a sharp, nutty flavour. Cheddar melts beautifully and gives the chowder a rich, creamy texture. White cheddar specifically has a slightly milder taste than its orange counterpart, which lets the corn's sweetness shine through.

Monterey Jack: Monterey Jack is a semi-soft cheese with a mild, buttery flavour. It melts exceptionally well, making it ideal for corn chowder. Monterey Jack also comes in various flavours, such as pepper jack, which can add a spicy kick to the chowder.

Processed American Cheese: While not as glamorous as other cheeses, processed American cheese can work wonderfully in corn chowder. It melts smoothly and has a mild, salty flavour that many enjoy. Using processed American cheese can also be more cost-effective than some other cheese options.

When making corn chowder, you can use just one type of cheese or a combination of several cheeses to create a unique flavour profile. In addition to the cheeses mentioned above, some recipes call for a sprinkling of Parmesan or a mix of various cheeses, depending on your preference.

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When to add cheese to corn chowder

Corn chowder is a delicious and comforting meal, and adding cheese makes it even better! There are a few different ways to make a corn chowder, but the key to knowing when to add the cheese is understanding the method and the other ingredients involved.

The first step in most corn chowder recipes is to cook bacon, butter, and onions in a large pot over medium heat. Bacon adds a salty, savoury flavour to the chowder, but it is possible to make this dish without it. Some recipes call for cooking the bacon first and setting it aside, while others suggest cooking the bacon with the onions and butter. Either way, the bacon should be cooked until it is crispy.

Next, add your vegetables. Some recipes call for bell peppers, while others suggest carrots. These should be cooked for a couple of minutes before adding the corn, which is the star of the dish. Fresh corn kernels will add a wonderful sweetness to the chowder, and some recipes suggest adding creamed corn for an extra boost of flavour.

At this point, you will need to add a thickening agent. Most recipes call for flour, which should be sprinkled over the vegetables and stirred through. You will then add a liquid to the pot—this could be water, chicken stock, or broth—and stir it through. Allow this to simmer and thicken for a few minutes before reducing the heat.

Now it's time to add the cheese! Most recipes suggest a combination of cheeses for a more complex flavour. Crystal Farms® Cheese is a popular choice, and they offer a range of natural cheeses with few preservatives and tons of calcium. You could also try a combination of cream cheese, white cheddar, gouda, or Montery Jack. Grate the cheese and stir it through the chowder until it is melted and combined.

Finally, season the chowder with salt and pepper to taste, and perhaps a touch of cayenne for a little heat. You can then ladle the chowder into bread bowls and serve immediately.

So, the key to knowing when to add the cheese to a corn chowder is to follow the recipe's method. In most cases, the cheese is added towards the end of the cooking process, stirred through, and melted before serving.

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Other ingredients to include

Corn chowder is a versatile dish that can be customised with various ingredients to enhance its flavour and texture. Here are some other ingredients that you can include in your corn chowder, in addition to cheese:

Vegetables

Fresh or frozen sweet corn is a staple in corn chowder, adding a burst of sweetness and a satisfying crunch. You can also use creamed corn or canned corn for a smoother texture. Diced bell peppers, particularly a combination of yellow, orange, and red peppers, will bring colour and a subtle sweetness to the dish. For a savoury kick, include some chopped onions, sautéed in butter until tender, and enhance the flavour with minced garlic. Carrots add a healthy boost of vitamins and a touch of natural sweetness.

Meat

Bacon is a popular choice, adding a salty, savoury note to the chowder. You can cook the bacon in the pot first and then set it aside, using the remaining fat to sauté your vegetables. Alternatively, you can add uncooked bacon pieces directly to the chowder.

Herbs and Spices

Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning the chowder to taste. A pinch of cayenne pepper adds a subtle heat, while basil brings a fresh, herbal note. You can also garnish the chowder with fresh chives or scallions for added colour and flavour.

Dairy

Butter is used to sauté the vegetables and create a flavourful base for the chowder. Milk or half-and-half (a mixture of milk and cream) is added to give the chowder a creamy texture. You can also use processed American cheese, cream cheese, or a combination of grated Monterey Jack and Pepper Jack for a more indulgent, cheesy flavour.

Starches

Potatoes are a common addition to corn chowder, providing a hearty texture and bulk to the dish. You can use cubed potatoes or hash browns, depending on your preference.

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Frequently asked questions

Corn chowder is a soup that typically includes corn, bacon, potatoes, and cheese.

Corn chowder recipes vary, but they typically call for cheddar, Monterey jack, or pepper jack cheese. Some recipes also include cream cheese.

To make corn chowder, cook bacon and onions over medium heat. Add water, potatoes, carrots, and bouillon, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender. Stir in corn and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and milk, then add to the soup. Bring to a boil, then add the cheese and stir until melted.

Yes, corn chowder can be customised with additional ingredients such as bell peppers, green onions, basil, and paprika.

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