Cozy up to a warm and comforting bowl of creamy chowder this winter! There’s nothing quite like a rich and velvety soup to lift your spirits and fill your belly. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and familiar or adventurous and new, we’ve got you covered with our collection of 20 delicious and creamy chowder recipes.
From traditional New England clam chowder to spicy seafood chowders with a kick, there’s something on this list for everyone. Try your hand at making a hearty chicken and corn chowder, or opt for something a little more indulgent like lobster chowder with sherry. Whatever you choose, we’re sure you’ll be satisfied by the warm and comforting goodness that awaits.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the world of creamy chowders, sharing our top 20 recipes to try at home. Whether you’re in the mood for something new or just looking to spice up your meal routine, these chowders are sure to become fast favorites.
Classic New England Clam Chowder
Classic New England Clam Chowder Recipe
Experience the quintessential flavors of the Northeast with this traditional recipe for Classic New England Clam Chowder. This creamy, comforting soup is a staple in many coastal communities and is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound clams, scrubbed and rinsed (fresh or canned)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups clam juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 potatoes, peeled and diced (optional)
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add clams, flour, milk, heavy cream, clam juice, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes or until soup has thickened slightly.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Optional: Add diced potatoes to the pot during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Southern Corn and Potato Chowder
Warm up with a comforting bowl of Southern charm! This creamy chowder is a staple of the region, packed with tender potatoes, sweet corn, and a hint of smokiness from the bacon.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3-4 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced bacon and cook until crispy.
2. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave the drippings in the pot.
3. Add chopped onion to the pot and cook until translucent.
4. Add diced potatoes, corn kernels, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
5. Stir in cooked bacon and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Smoky Bacon and Cheddar Chowder
This hearty chowder is a perfect blend of smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and creamy potatoes. It’s an ideal comfort food for a chilly evening or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 large potato, peeled and diced
– 1 cup of chicken broth
– 1/2 cup of milk
– 1/2 cup of grated cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy.
2. Remove the bacon from the pot, leaving the grease behind.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the pot; cook until softened.
4. Add the diced potato, chicken broth, milk, and cooked bacon back into the pot.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
6. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spicy Manhattan Clam Chowder
This hearty and flavorful chowder is a twist on the classic Manhattan clam chowder, with a kick of heat from diced jalapeños. Perfect for a chilly evening or a weekend lunch, this recipe serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 1/2 cup diced jalapeños
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup clam juice
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add clams, jalapeños, diced tomatoes, clam juice, and heavy cream. Stir to combine.
3. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes or until clams are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Rich Lobster Chowder with Sherry
Rich Lobster Chowder with Sherry Recipe
This luxurious chowder is a perfect blend of succulent lobster, tender vegetables, and the subtle sweetness of sherry, all wrapped up in a rich and creamy broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb lobster meat (fresh or frozen)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup clam juice
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup sherry wine
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in clam juice, heavy cream, sherry wine, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring mixture to a simmer; reduce heat to low and let cook for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
5. Add lobster meat; stir gently to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or chives.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Hearty Chicken and Corn Chowder
Warm up with this comforting soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening. This Hearty Chicken and Corn Chowder is loaded with chicken, corn, potatoes, and carrots, all in a rich and creamy broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, chopped
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the chicken, potatoes, carrot, and corn kernels. Cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cheesy Broccoli and Cauliflower Chowder
Warm up with this comforting and creamy soup that combines the best of both worlds – broccoli and cauliflower! This recipe is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups broccoli florets
– 2 cups cauliflower florets
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
2. Add broccoli and cauliflower; cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
3. Stir in chicken broth and milk; bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes
Velvety Mushroom and Thyme Chowder
This rich and creamy chowder is a perfect comfort food for a chilly evening. With the earthy flavor of mushrooms and the savory hint of thyme, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add mushrooms and garlic; cook until mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Sprinkle flour over the mixture; cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add broth, whisking constantly. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low; stir in heavy cream and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Simmer for 5-7 minutes or until chowder has thickened slightly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sweet Potato and Coconut Chowder
Sweet Potato and Coconut Chowder Recipe
This creamy chowder combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the richness of coconut milk, creating a deliciously comforting soup perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll be enjoying this flavorful dish in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in a little oil until softened.
2. Add the diced sweet potatoes, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender.
3. Stir in curry powder and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Creamy Salmon and Dill Chowder
Warm up with this comforting and flavorful chowder, perfect for a cozy evening or a quick lunch. Smoky salmon and fresh dill combine to create a rich and creamy soup that’s sure to satisfy.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound salmon fillet, flaked
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups fish or vegetable broth
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
3. Gradually add cream and milk, whisking to combine.
4. Add flaked salmon, dill weed, salt, and pepper. Pour in broth and bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low; let chowder simmer for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Roasted Garlic and Potato Chowder
Roasted Garlic and Potato Chowder Recipe
Summary: This hearty chowder combines the rich flavors of roasted garlic and potatoes with a hint of smokiness, perfect for a cozy evening meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 3 cloves of garlic, separated from their skins
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss garlic cloves with 1 tablespoon butter and spread on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until caramelized.
3. In a large pot, melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add diced potatoes, roasted garlic, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Butternut Squash and Apple Chowder
This autumn-inspired soup combines the sweetness of butternut squash and apples with savory spices, making it perfect for a chilly fall or winter evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 large apple, peeled and diced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic, squash, and apple; cook, stirring occasionally, until the squash is tender, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let it cook for 10-15 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
4. Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half and cumin; season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve warm, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Chowder
Get ready for a flavorful and hearty soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening! This Cajun-inspired chowder combines succulent shrimp, spicy sausage, and creamy potatoes in a rich and aromatic broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 lb smoked sausage (such as Andouille), sliced
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, diced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes
– 2 cups of chicken broth
– 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp butter
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the diced potatoes, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and shrimp. Bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and let it cook for 10-12 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Vegetable and Quinoa Chowder
This comforting chowder is a perfect blend of nutritious quinoa and flavorful vegetables, making it an ideal meal for any time of the year. With its creamy texture and rich flavor, you’ll be hooked from the first spoonful.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper; cook until vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes.
2. Add quinoa, broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until quinoa is cooked and liquid has been absorbed.
3. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Creamy Tomato and Basil Chowder
A comforting and flavorful soup that combines fresh tomatoes and basil with a hint of creaminess. Perfect for a chilly evening or as a starter for a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– 2 sprigs fresh basil, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add chopped tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream or half-and-half. Stir to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 10-12 minutes or until slightly thickened.
4. Remove from heat and stir in chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with additional basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Leek and Potato Chowder with Crispy Pancetta
This hearty chowder is a perfect comfort food for a chilly evening. The sweetness of the leeks and potatoes pairs perfectly with the crispy, savory pancetta.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium leeks, cleaned and sliced
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– 6 slices pancetta, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add leeks and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add potatoes, flour, broth, and cream or half-and-half. Bring to a simmer.
3. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
4. Stir in chopped pancetta and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Crab and Corn Chowder with Old Bay
This hearty chowder is a perfect blend of flavors from the sea and the field, infused with the unmistakable zing of Old Bay seasoning. Perfect for a chilly evening or a seafood lover’s special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound jumbo lump crab meat
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
– 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent.
2. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Stir in crab meat, corn kernels, and half-and-half or heavy cream.
4. Add Old Bay seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the flavors have melded together and the chowder has thickened slightly.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
White Bean and Kale Chowder
This creamy chowder is a perfect blend of comforting white beans and nutritious kale, making it a delicious and satisfying meal for any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 cups chopped curly kale leaves
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the chopped kale leaves and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the cannellini beans, chicken broth, and heavy cream or half-and-half. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let chowder simmer for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Pumpkin and Sage Chowder
As the seasons change, this comforting chowder is a perfect way to warm up with the flavors of fall. The creamy pumpkin and sage combination creates a rich and velvety soup that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 small pumpkin (about 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon dried sage
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and pumpkin; cook for an additional 5 minutes.
3. Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and dried sage. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 20-25 minutes or until the pumpkin is tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spicy Seafood Chowder with Chorizo
This hearty and flavorful chowder combines succulent seafood with spicy chorizo sausage, creating a rich and satisfying soup perfect for a chilly evening. The bold flavors of the chorizo complement the sweetness of the seafood, making this dish a standout among traditional chowders.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, cod)
– 1/2 cup chorizo sausage, sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup fish stock
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chorizo sausage and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the mixed seafood, fish stock, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the seafood is cooked through.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Cozy up with a warm and comforting bowl of creamy chowder! This collection of 20 recipes features a variety of flavors and ingredients, from classic clam chowder to spicy seafood chowder. Discover rich and creamy dishes like Lobster Chowder with Sherry, Sweet Potato and Coconut Chowder, and White Bean and Kale Chowder. Whether you’re in the mood for something hearty or light, there’s a creamy chowder recipe here for everyone.