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
I Tried 6 Store-Bought Clam Chowders & the Winner Was Creamy and Clammy in the Best Way
- Kroger New England Style Clam Chowder.
- Great Value Clam Chowder Soup.
- Bar Harbor New England Style Clam Chowder Condensed.
- Campbell's Chunky New England Clam Chowder.
- Progresso New England 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.
How do you doctor up canned clam chowder? ›
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.
Salmon. While salmon is typically a more filling larger entrée dish, we still recommend it with clam chowder because they are both typically eaten sea side.
What is the best thickener for chowder? ›
Cornstarch is a great option as it is a natural thickening agent, but you'll want to be careful about how much you use. Start with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch whisked together with cold water to create a slurry. Then, gradually add the slurry to the soup, letting it boil for one to two minutes before adding more.
What can I add to canned clam chowder to make it taste better? ›
Sauté onions, celery, and potatoes in butter before adding to the soup. Add thyme and bay leaves for added aroma and flavor. Simmer the soup for a longer time to allow the flavors to meld together. Finish with a splash of sherry or white wine for added complexity.
Is it better to thicken chowder with flour or cornstarch? ›
The most classic and surefire way to thicken a broth-based soup is with a cornstarch slurry. Whisk together equal parts cornstarch (or arrowroot) and water or broth, then whisk it into the pot of soup. A good ratio to get to a pleasant thickness without your soup tasting goopy or heavy is one tablespoon.
Should you add flour to chowder? ›
You can thicken soup by adding flour, cornstarch, or another starchy substitute. For the best results, never add flour or cornstarch directly to your soup. If you do, it will clump up on top.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in clam chowder? ›
Evaporated milk works well as a substitute for heavy cream in sauces or soups calling for whole milk. In the making of evaporated milk, regular cow's milk is pressure-cooked until it sheds about half of its water content, making it thicker in consistency. For a healthy substitute, try evaporated skim milk.
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.
Besides just getting rid of dirt and grime that could have made its way into your canned clams, some brands contain additional additives and chemicals for storage and preservation. Rinsing your clams can help remove these, leaving you with just the tasty seafood.
How do you elevate Campbell's clam chowder? ›
This self-proclaimed "sucker for Campbell's New England clam chowder" seasons it with a splash of Worcestershire sauce, a bit of hot sauce, and some grinds of black pepper, which kick up the taste a few notches.
What can I use instead of clam in clam chowder? ›
Mushrooms: Mushrooms have a similar texture to mollusks, making them the best vegan swap for clams. A variety of mushrooms will work well in this chowder, including shiitake, cremini, king oyster, and white button mushrooms.
Who is famous for clam chowder? ›
Maine and Massachusetts may be the two states most associated with the cream-based clam chowder. In fact, it is known as one of Maine's most iconic dishes and is considered a classic in Boston's historic neighborhoods.
What kind of sandwich goes with clam chowder? ›
Classic Clam Chowder Partners
Go luxe with a lobster roll or homestyle with a tuna melt or grilled cheese. Bright and tangy muffuletta sandwiches are a great side sandwich too. Bread - Every soup pairs well with some type of bread if there isn't a sandwich.
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.
Why is New England clam chowder so good? ›
Summer Shack Chef, Jasper White, also shares his secret of smashing the potatoes for extra thickness in the chowder, and salt pork for some smokiness that'll contrast the creaminess. The thickness of New England clam chowder is what makes it so delectable.
What is the difference between Boston clam chowder and New England clam chowder? ›
New England clam chowder, occasionally referred to as Boston or Boston-style clam chowder, is a milk- or cream-based chowder, and is often of a thicker consistency than other regional styles.
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)