If you love hearty, comforting chowders, then you’re going to love this Crab & Corn Chowder—a signature seafood dish that brings together sweet corn, tender crab meat, smoky bacon, and a rich, creamy broth. Inspired by Bobby Flay’s culinary style, this chowder is packed with layers of bold flavor, a touch of heat, and a silky texture that will have you savoring every spoonful.
This recipe combines the sweetness of fresh corn, the briny richness of lump crab, and the smoky depth of crispy bacon, all brought together with aromatic spices and a luscious broth. It’s a restaurant-worthy dish that you can easily make at home, perfect for chilly nights, special occasions, or just when you’re craving comforting seafood goodness.
In this article, we’ll cover:
✅ The best ingredients (measured in grams for accuracy)
✅ Step-by-step instructions for perfectly creamy chowder
✅ Nutritional benefits of this dish
✅ Pro tips to enhance the flavors
✅ Fun variations to customize the chowder
✅ A Pinterest-friendly description for social media sharing
Let’s get cooking! 🍲🦀🌽
Why You’ll Love This Crab & Corn Chowder
✔️ Rich, Creamy & Flavorful – A perfect blend of textures and bold flavors.
✔️ Sweet & Savory Balance – The natural sweetness of corn pairs beautifully with smoky bacon and seafood.
✔️ Restaurant-Worthy but Easy to Make – Inspired by Bobby Flay’s expertise, but simple enough for home cooking.
✔️ Comfort Food at Its Best – Warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying.
✔️ Perfect for Any Occasion – Great as an appetizer or a main course!
Ingredients (Measured in Grams for Accuracy)
For the Chowder Base:
- Bacon, chopped – 100g (6 slices)
- Unsalted butter – 30g (2 tablespoons)
- Onion, diced – 100g (1 medium onion)
- Celery, diced – 80g (2 stalks)
- Red bell pepper, diced – 80g (1 small pepper)
- Garlic, minced – 10g (2 cloves)
- All-purpose flour – 30g (2 tablespoons)
- Chicken broth or seafood stock – 750g (3 cups)
- Heavy cream – 250g (1 cup)
- Whole milk – 250g (1 cup)
For the Flavor & Texture:
- Corn kernels (fresh or frozen) – 200g (1 ½ cups)
- Lump crab meat – 300g (about 2 cups)
- Potatoes, peeled & diced – 200g (1 large potato)
- Old Bay seasoning – 5g (1 teaspoon)
- Smoked paprika – 3g (½ teaspoon)
- Cayenne pepper (optional, for heat) – 2g (¼ teaspoon)
- Salt & black pepper – to taste
For Garnish & Serving:
- Green onions, chopped – 10g (2 tablespoons)
- Fresh parsley, chopped – 10g (2 tablespoons)
- Crusty bread or oyster crackers – for serving
- Fresh lemon wedges – for a citrusy finish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy (about 5 minutes).
- Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- Add the butter, onions, celery, and red bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Make the Chowder Base
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well. Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth (or seafood stock), stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Add the potatoes, Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
4. Add the Creamy Goodness
- Stir in the heavy cream and milk, then add the corn kernels.
- Simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add the Crab & Final Touches
- Gently fold in the lump crab meat and crispy bacon. Simmer for 2 more minutes, just until heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra Old Bay.
6. Serve & Garnish
- Ladle the chowder into bowls.
- Garnish with chopped green onions, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Serve with crusty bread or oyster crackers for dipping.
Nutritional Benefits (Per Serving)
This Crab & Corn Chowder is rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins:
- Calories: ~450 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fats: 24g
- Omega-3s & B Vitamins – From crab, supporting brain and heart health.
- Fiber & Antioxidants – From vegetables, boosting digestion and immunity.
Pro Tips for the Best Crab & Corn Chowder
🔥 Use fresh lump crab meat – It has the best texture and sweetness.
🔥 Sauté the veggies in bacon fat – This adds a smoky, rich depth of flavor.
🔥 Don’t overcook the crab – Add it at the end to keep it tender and juicy.
🔥 Balance the sweetness – If the corn is extra sweet, add a splash of lemon juice for contrast.
🔥 For a thicker chowder – Mash some of the potatoes or add an extra tablespoon of flour.
Fun Variations to Try
🌶️ Spicy Cajun Crab Chowder – Add more cayenne and a splash of hot sauce for a kick.
🦐 Crab & Shrimp Chowder – Mix in shrimp for extra seafood goodness.
🥔 Loaded Chowder – Top with cheddar cheese, sour cream, and crispy bacon for a twist.
🍛 Caribbean-Style Chowder – Add coconut milk and lime for a tropical take.
Leave a Reply