Au Bon Pain Corn Chowder Copycat Recipe
Corn chowder is a classic comfort food that warms you up from the inside out, especially during chilly autumn and winter nights. The creamy and savory combination of sweet corn, potatoes, bacon, and other flavorful ingredients make it an all-time favorite soup that's perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a hearty snack.
If you're a fan of Au Bon Pain's corn chowder, then you're in luck because we're sharing a copycat recipe that tastes just as good as the original. This recipe is easy to make, and you can customize it based on your preferences, whether you like it spicy, vegan, or gluten-free. So, grab a ladle and let's get started on making this tasty soup.
Ingredients:
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cups of corn, fresh or frozen
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon of flour
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley or scallions for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
- Add the onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Add the corn and potatoes, and stir to combine.
- Pour in the broth and add the bay leaf, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and flour until smooth.
- Add the cream mixture to the pot and stir until well combined.
- Simmer for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chowder has thickened.
- Remove the bay leaf and discard.
- Serve the chowder hot, garnished with chopped bacon, parsley or scallions. Enjoy!
Customizations:
If you're looking for ways to tweak the recipe to fit your dietary needs or preferences, here are some suggestions:
- To make the chowder vegan, swap the bacon for vegan bacon or omit it altogether and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour or omit it entirely. Make sure your broth is also gluten-free.
- To make it spicier, add a diced jalapeño or red pepper flakes to the onion and garlic mixture.
- To make it healthier, use low-fat or skim milk instead of heavy cream, and add more vegetables like carrots or celery.
Conclusion:
This Au Bon Pain corn chowder copycat recipe is a perfect addition to your soup repertoire. It's easy to make, customizable, and full of flavor that'll warm you up on even the coldest winter nights. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty lunch, cozy dinner, or comforting snack, this corn chowder won't disappoint. Give it a try and let us know what you think!