On chilly nights, or when your soul needs some comfort, nothing hits the spot like a bowl of soup. Spicy soups warm you from the inside out, and noodle soups are like a meal and an activity all in one. Even if you only have a few minutes, you can whip up a 15-minute blender soup to sate your cravings. But chowder, with its creamy broth and hearty texture, is a special kind — even when you leave out the signature clams. From corn to curry, these 16 chowder recipes will make you want to have soup for dinner every night of the week.
Ham brings intense umami to any soup. Add sweet, earthy parsnips for a chowder you’ll want to devour for supper. (via Cotter Crunch)
Make a creamy vegan stew that tastes like the New England classic, thanks to a few simple swaps. Sautéed mushrooms sub in for clams, while a blend of cashews and soy milk make the broth taste as rich and delicious as the original. (via Vegan Huggs)
Corn chowder is always a hit, walking the fine line between sweet and savory in a most delicious way. But bacon, with its smokey and meaty flavor, really sets this recipe over the top. (via Peas and Peonies)
Ham and bean soup is even more crave-worthy when it’s amped up with a creamy broth. Just a splash of heavy cream is all it takes to make a leftover ham hock and some dried beans taste like a five-star meal. (via The View from Great Island)
A take on Thai tom kha, this chowder is made with coconut milk. Each bite is filled with the flavors of makrut lime leaves, ginger, and chilies, which lend intense flavor to the white fish, potatoes, and veggies that make up the bulk of the meal. (via Sippity Sup)
Chock full of tomatoes, veggies, and chickpeas, this take on Manhattan clam chowder is great for all diets. It’s vegan and gluten-free, but still has all of the elements of great comfort food. (via Connoisseurus Veg)
This spiced stew will warm you from the inside out. It’s made with plenty of veggies, quinoa, and some juicy shrimp to make it a full meal. (via What to Cook Today)
Made in a pressure cooker, this vegan chowder comes together in no time. It’s delicately flavored with just a hint of sesame oil, grated ginger, cumin, and soy sauce, to let the flavor of the corn, carrots, and cabbage shine through. (via Veggies Save the Day)
Rich and hearty, this soup gets incredible flavor thanks to a simple technique. The potatoes are roasted before being added to the coconut milk broth and pureed, lending a toasted, caramelized note to each spoonful. (via Domesticate Me)
Cheddar cheese and whipping cream give this soup an unbelievably luxurious texture. Chicken bulks things up, while spices, herbs, and some extra veggies round out the pot. (via Briana Thomas)
Bacon and smoked haddock add a complex flavor to this Irish fish chowder. It’s also got salmon, cod, and mussels, making seafood-lovers very happy indeed. (via Caroline’s Cooking)
Frozen black-eyed peas make this curried chowder an easy, healthy meal. Full of protein, fiber, and nutrients, this vegan soup won’t leave you hungry. (via Holy Cow!)
This sweet, spicy, smokey seafood chowder hits the mark on all flavor fronts, thanks to a vibrant mix of sweet potato, corn, tarragon, lemon juice, shrimp, and Cajun seasoning (just to name a few!). (via Closet Cooking)
Gently sautéed squash and root veggies form the base of this healthy vegetarian chowder. It’s the perfect meal for nights when you want comfort food, but aren’t in the mood for a heavy dinner. (via Vegetarian Department)
Andouille is a too-often overlooked option when it comes to sausage. It adds a unique, spicy flavor to this creamy chowder, playing well with the sweetness of the corn. (via Nutmeg Nanny)
Zesty lime juice, cumin, fire-roasted chilies, and garlic make this Mexican-inspired soup taste surprisingly light. Mild chicken takes on the flavor of the broth, for a wholly satisfying meal. (via Chelsea’s Messy Apron)
Justina Huddleston
Justina Huddleston is a food writer living in Los Angeles. When she's not busy writing, she spends her time in the kitchen creating both virtuous and decidedly junky vegan food. Buffalo chickpea pizza, anyone? She's also been known to eat a plain block of tofu or beans straight out of the can for lunch, but somehow those culinary adventures don't make it to her Instagram. You can follow Justina on Twitter or see what's cooking in her kitchen on her blog, A Life of Little Pleasures.
FAQs
directions
- Pour soup into 2 quart sauce pan.
- Add chopped clams and 2 tablespoons of juice from clams.
- Add thyme, salt and pepper.
- Stir all together and heat over medium heat until bubbly then let simmer on low for 20 minutes.
- Place in individual bowls and sprinkle with crumbled bacon and serve.
Add bacon or pancetta for added depth of flavor. Use heavy cream instead of milk for a richer consistency. Sauté onions, celery, and potatoes in butter before adding to the soup. Add thyme and bay leaves for added aroma and flavor.
What is the most popular clam chowder? ›
New England Clam Chowder is the most famous and most popular clam chowder. It's been around for centuries, so it's possible its longevity has contributed to its popularity. It's also thick and velvety, making it a comforting palate-pleaser, particularly on cold days.
What are the different types of chowders? ›
Some of the popular variations are clam chowder and potatoes; seafood chowder; spiced haddock chowder; Irish fish chowder with soda bread; crayfish chowder; clam chowder with cod; British seaside chowder with saffron; thick smoked-haddock chowder; Raymond Blanc's light shellfish chowder; New England–style clam chowder ...
How do you elevate chowder? ›
You can also add a little sweet smoked paprika, zest with parsley or cilantro, and toss in some oregano. Packed with nutrients, all these spices turn up the heat on both taste and health.
What is a good thickener for clam chowder? ›
This clam chowder recipe should produce perfectly rich soup. If you'd like your chowder a little thicker, though, you can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry. Simply stir cornstarch into a small amount of cold water (or another liquid, such as wine or stock), then stir the mixture into the simmering chowder.
What can I add to bland chowder? ›
Add acidic ingredients.
Foods that have a great deal of acidity, like lemon juice, vinegar, white wine, and tomato puree, can help liven up the flavor of bland-tasting bone and other broths.
What can I use instead of clam in clam chowder? ›
Chopped oyster mushrooms provide a great clam-like texture. A few cashews blended in add richness instead of cream and butter, and if you want a seafood flavor, simply add some kelp granules. If this Clamless Chowder were a film, it would be "inspired by" instead of "based on" a true story.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in clam chowder? ›
Recommended substitutes: Evaporated milk, whole milk, coconut milk, cashew cream, onion cream. Caveats: A lot of non-dairy milks are sneakily sweetened. Double check the ingredient list to make sure you aren't about to turn your chowder into dessert.
Who makes the best clam chowder in the US? ›
- Best Overall. Bar Harbor New England Clam Chowder. ...
- Best New England. Campbell's Homestyle New England Clam Chowder. ...
- Best Condensed. Snow's by Bumble Bee Condensed New England Clam Chowder. ...
- Best Budget. Progresso Rich & Hearty New England Clam Chowder Soup. ...
- Best Manhattan. ...
- Best for On-the-Go. ...
- Best with Bacon.
Classic examples can be found at Boston's Union Oyster House – the oldest continually operating restaurant in the U.S. – as well as the Atlantic Fish Company and Legal Sea Foods, which launched an empire on the back of its thick and savory flagship soup.
What city is known for clam chowder? ›
San Francisco is famous for many iconic dishes, and clam chowder is among our favorites. Whether you need something to warm you up as the fog rolls in or you want a hearty meal before exploring the city, you can't go wrong with clam chowder.
Which thickener is most often used in chowders? ›
White and blond roux are the most common, used to thicken sauces, soups, and chowders. Brown and dark brown roux have more flavor, but less thickening power than white or blond roux.
What is the difference between clam chowder and New England clam chowder? ›
New England clam chowder is thick, creamy, and milky-white. Manhattan clam chowder is tomatoey, brothy, and clear. Both types share a clean, briny, and slightly-sweet flavor thanks to the clams—but that's about it.
How many versions of clam chowder are there? ›
Many regional variations exist, but the three most prevalent are New England or "white" clam chowder, which includes milk or cream, Manhattan or "red" clam chowder, which includes tomatoes, and Rhode Island or "clear" clam chowder, which omits both.
Why does my clam chowder taste bland? ›
Sometimes, this can occur when the chowder sits in the fridge, as the texture and taste become watered-down, as mentioned by FoodsGuy. Or, when you're adding salt to the soup while the potatoes are cooking, the potatoes may absorb all that saltiness and leave the broth wanting more, explains DeadSpin.
Can you add water to condensed clam chowder? ›
Bar Harbor creates our shelf-stable 15 oz cans of condensed New England Clam Chowder in small batches, like people on the Maine coast have been doing for generations - loaded with juicy clams and simple, wholesome ingredients. Add your own broth, water or milk to this fully cooked soup and enjoy.
Can you use milk instead of heavy cream in chowder? ›
You really only have three choices when it comes to dairy for your chowder. You can use whole milk (hom*o milk), you can use heavy cream, or you can use a combination of the two. Any milk with a fat content lower than 3.25% is likely to split when heat, salt, acid, or even the seafood is added.
Ham brings intense umami to any soup. Add sweet, earthy parsnips for a chowder you’ll want to devour for supper. (via Cotter Crunch)
Make a creamy vegan stew that tastes like the New England classic, thanks to a few simple swaps. Sautéed mushrooms sub in for clams, while a blend of cashews and soy milk make the broth taste as rich and delicious as the original. (via Vegan Huggs)
Corn chowder is always a hit, walking the fine line between sweet and savory in a most delicious way. But bacon, with its smokey and meaty flavor, really sets this recipe over the top. (via Peas and Peonies)
Ham and bean soup is even more crave-worthy when it’s amped up with a creamy broth. Just a splash of heavy cream is all it takes to make a leftover ham hock and some dried beans taste like a five-star meal. (via The View from Great Island)
A take on Thai tom kha, this chowder is made with coconut milk. Each bite is filled with the flavors of makrut lime leaves, ginger, and chilies, which lend intense flavor to the white fish, potatoes, and veggies that make up the bulk of the meal. (via Sippity Sup)
Chock full of tomatoes, veggies, and chickpeas, this take on Manhattan clam chowder is great for all diets. It’s vegan and gluten-free, but still has all of the elements of great comfort food. (via Connoisseurus Veg)
This spiced stew will warm you from the inside out. It’s made with plenty of veggies, quinoa, and some juicy shrimp to make it a full meal. (via What to Cook Today)
Made in a pressure cooker, this vegan chowder comes together in no time. It’s delicately flavored with just a hint of sesame oil, grated ginger, cumin, and soy sauce, to let the flavor of the corn, carrots, and cabbage shine through. (via Veggies Save the Day)
Rich and hearty, this soup gets incredible flavor thanks to a simple technique. The potatoes are roasted before being added to the coconut milk broth and pureed, lending a toasted, caramelized note to each spoonful. (via Domesticate Me)
Cheddar cheese and whipping cream give this soup an unbelievably luxurious texture. Chicken bulks things up, while spices, herbs, and some extra veggies round out the pot. (via Briana Thomas)
Bacon and smoked haddock add a complex flavor to this Irish fish chowder. It’s also got salmon, cod, and mussels, making seafood-lovers very happy indeed. (via Caroline’s Cooking)
Frozen black-eyed peas make this curried chowder an easy, healthy meal. Full of protein, fiber, and nutrients, this vegan soup won’t leave you hungry. (via Holy Cow!)
This sweet, spicy, smokey seafood chowder hits the mark on all flavor fronts, thanks to a vibrant mix of sweet potato, corn, tarragon, lemon juice, shrimp, and Cajun seasoning (just to name a few!). (via Closet Cooking)
Gently sautéed squash and root veggies form the base of this healthy vegetarian chowder. It’s the perfect meal for nights when you want comfort food, but aren’t in the mood for a heavy dinner. (via Vegetarian Department)
Andouille is a too-often overlooked option when it comes to sausage. It adds a unique, spicy flavor to this creamy chowder, playing well with the sweetness of the corn. (via Nutmeg Nanny)
Zesty lime juice, cumin, fire-roasted chilies, and garlic make this Mexican-inspired soup taste surprisingly light. Mild chicken takes on the flavor of the broth, for a wholly satisfying meal. (via Chelsea’s Messy Apron)