Easy Corn Chowder Recipe: My Creamy, Dreamy Secret!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) unsalted butter
• 4 slices bacon, diced (optional, about 4 oz / 115g)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup / 150g)
• 2 stalks celery, chopped (about 1 cup / 120g)
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped (about 1 cup / 120g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups (950 ml) vegetable broth
• 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced (about 2 cups / 300g)
• 2 cups (320g) frozen or canned corn, drained
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk or half-and-half
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) chopped fresh chives or parsley, for garnish