30 Best Chowder Recipes to Fill You Up and Warm Your Soul

Are you looking for a comprehensive list of chowder recipes? If so, you’re in the right place.

Below you’ll find 30 unique renditions of the classic soup including vegan and gluten-free variations.

You might be wondering, what’s the difference between soup and chowder? 

The answer is surprisingly simple. Soup is typically thinner and has fewer fixings.
Chowder is a creamy soup that’s full of yummy ingredients.

In other words, think of chowder as a cream-based stew that’s hearty and, most importantly, delicious.

Are you starting to get hungry? Put one of these chowder recipes to good use!

1. New England Clam Chowder 

Let’s go back to basics with this fabulous New England clam chowder recipe.

On a gray cloudy day, nothing beats the comforting creaminess of clam chowder. 

When the forecast is looking grim, do yourself a favor and make yourself a batch of this warm recipe.

2. Mushroom, Corn, and Bacon Chowder

If clams aren’t your jam, you’ll love this mushroom, corn, and bacon chowder.

You might be thinking that making a chowder without seafood is ungodly, but you have to trust me on this one.

You won’t know what to love more, the thick creamy broth or the melt-in-your-mouth potatoes.

This is also a great recipe if you’re looking to indulge in a little comfort food while getting your daily dose of veggies.

3. Shrimp Corn Chowder

Next time you need an easy, one-pot meal for a quick weeknight dinner, please make this recipe.

You’ll love how every spoonful is loaded with smoky sweet flavors of crunchy bacon, juicy shrimp, and soft corn.

In just over half an hour, you can have this cozy meal ready on the table. 

Before you know it, your pot will be completely empty. It’s that good.

4. Clam Chowder

If you’re intimidated by making your own homemade clam chowder, this recipe provides you with a lifeline.

All you need is a handful of simple pantry ingredients along with bacon, clams, and fresh parsley.

After 40 minutes or so, you’ll have this aromatic chowder ready to be gobbled up.

5. Corn Chowder 

This recipe is so darn good, you’ll be craving it all the time.

You might be wondering why the broth is so rich.

It’s because you blend together fresh corn, milk, and cream to create a luscious corn stock.

Combined with the rest of the fixings, this is one comforting meal that will be an immediate hit in your home.

6. Creamy Seafood Chowder 

Can you believe it only takes 30 minutes to whip up this sensational chowder?

Imagine dipping your soup spoon into this wholesome bowl and scooping up juicy shrimp, scallops, and fish in one bite.

If you consider yourself a seafood lover, this recipe is for you.

7. Quick and Easy Fish Chowder

When white fish goes on sale at your local market, stock up and make this easy chowder.

You’ll love the combination of flakey fish, rich broth, and soft potatoes that come together in one satisfying bite.

Best of all, this recipe is super adaptable, so don’t sweat it if you’re missing a couple of ingredients.

8. Creamy Potato Chowder With Bacon

This hearty potato chowder will warm you up when the temperature dips below freezing.

If that’s not good enough, this recipe also uses simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand.

You also add a generous helping of white wine to the soup, which adds a delicious acidity.

Be sure you leave enough pinot grigio to sip on as the chowder cooks!

9. Chicken and Potato Chowder 

Check this recipe out next time you’re craving a taste of home cooking.

Every spoonful is loaded with creamy, cheesy goodness that will surely put a smile on your face.

In just over half an hour, you can have this chowder ready for saltine-dipping.

10. Chicken and Corn Chowder

You won’t believe how much wholesome flavor is in this chicken and corn chowder.

Between the tender chicken, crispy bacon, and luscious broth, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more hearty meal.

While this recipe goes heavy on ingredients, it comes together quickly, making it perfect for lazy Sundays and busy weeknights.

11. Cullen Skink (Scottish Smoked Fish Chowder)

If you’re craving a taste of the Scottish highlands, you can’t beat this traditional chowder.

Every spoonful contains smoky fish and soft potatoes mingled together in a creamy broth.

If you’re craving a stick-to-your-bones meal, do yourself a favor and make this delicious recipe.

12. Crab and Corn Chowder

I think corn and seafood are one of the most underrated combinations.

If you couldn’t agree more, then you’re going to fall in love with this recipe.

Every spoonful overflows with buttery crab meat that melts in your mouth.

If you’re hungry and have a spare hour to kill, please make this decadent chowder. I promise you won’t regret it.

13. Scallop Chowder

If you think scallops taste like little pillows of heaven, then you’ll appreciate this recipe.

Despite being described as “comfort in a bowl,” this chowder is surprisingly light.

You won’ot have to worry about the post-soup bloat.

This chowder is the perfect meal to cozy up next to while watching reruns of your favorite Netflix show.

14. Potato Leek Soup

If you want to transform your kitchen into a 5-star French restaurant, this potato leek soup will help you obtain that dream.

(Even if it’s just for an hour.)

After just one taste of this velvety chowder, you’ll dream of strolling through a Paris promenade on a sunny spring afternoon.

This chowder is creamy, herbal, and fresh, making it perfect for a Mother’s Day brunch.

15. Lobster Chowder 

After just one spoonful of this recipe, you’ll be convinced that lobster chowder is the king of all chowders.

That’s because the crustacean adds an unforgettable buttery flavor to this decadent recipe. 

Coupled with the hearty potatoes and savory bacon, this chowder is sure to be the best winter pick-me-up.

16. Red Curry Clam Chowder

If you’re looking for a creative twist on the classic clam chowder recipe, you’ll be impressed by this unique rendition.

By adding red curry paste, you’re able to create a rich, spicy broth that’s full of warm aromas.

Combined with fresh basil, ginger, and coconut milk, this Thai-inspired recipe is sure to become your new fall staple.

17. Vegan Corn Chowder

You won’t believe this velvety, creamy corn chowder is vegan, but it is!

The secret is in the cashew cream, which adds a rich, decadent texture to this mouthwatering recipe.

When you’re craving something warm and nourishing without the excess calories and fat, check out this recipe.

18. Dairy-Free Seafood Chowder

Sometimes, I want to enjoy the salty, flavorful taste of seafood chowder without the post-dairy bloat.

That’s where this recipe comes in handy.

You’ll be impressed by how much creaminess is in every spoonful, thanks to the blended cashews.

Seriously, nothing beats this impressive recipe when you need the perfect rainy day pick-me-up.

19. Fresh Corn Chowder with Basil and White Fish

This 30-minute meal is about to become your new mainstay for busy weeknight dinners.

You’ll appreciate how much versatility is in this dish. You can use halibut, sea bass, cod, salmon, or even scallops as a base fish.

Trust me, you’ll love serving up a big bowl of this aromatic chowder to your hungry dinner guests.

20. Southwestern Clam Chowder 

New England meets the Southwest in this deliciously spicy clam chowder.

You’ll love how the roasted poblano peppers add a fiery complexity to every spoonful.

The recipe is made with stewed tomatoes, fresh cilantro, and spicy chipotle peppers.

This is one flavor-packed chowder that will crank up the heat.

21. Creamy Smoked Trout Chowder

No autumn is complete without making this creamy smoked trout chowder at least once.

The best part about this recipe is that smoked trout contains so many delicious flavors.

You won’t really need to add much else to make this amazing chowder.

Your palate will fall in love with the buttery potatoes, zingy thyme, and smoky fish that culminates in one cozy bite.

22. Manhattan Clam Chowder

Clams simmered in bacon? Yes, please!

That’s not the only amazing thing about this chowder. You’ll also love the velvety tomato broth that’s jam-packed with flavor.

Whether you serve this chowder as an appetizer or main course, you can’t go wrong with this decadent dish.

23. Spicy Ham and Corn Chowder

You’ll appreciate this stick-to-your-bones chowder whenever you’re yearning for a home-cooked meal.

You can easily toss this recipe together using leftover ham, chunks of potatoes, and sweet corn. 

The smoky tomato broth provides the perfect, savory base for this show-stopping recipe. 

24. Fresh Corn Zucchini Chowder

Who said you can’t enjoy chowder in the summer?

With this recipe, you’ll be able to put all that freshly-picked corn and zucchini to great use.

Amp up the heat by tossing in some diced jalapeños for a fiery, flavor-packed chowder.

25. Chicken & Asparagus Chowder with Bacon & Roasted Peppers

Who doesn’t love the combination of chicken, asparagus, bacon, and roasted peppers?

For me, these ingredients evoke thoughts of backyard barbecues and dusky nights.

When combined into a creamy broth, you can create the ultimate fall chowder that’s hearty, nourishing, and delicious. 

26. Cod and Smoked Oyster Chowder

After one spoonful of this decedent recipe, you’ll wonder why you didn’t use smoked oysters in your chowder before. 

Trust me, this ingredient is a game-changer for making elevated chowder.

You’ll love how much smoky flavor it adds to the creamy bowl.

27. Clam Chowder with Smoked Oysters 

Here’s another smoked oyster chowder recipe that will definitely rock your world.

Not only is this chowder incredibly tasty, but you only need 30 minutes to whip this bad boy up.

If you’re short on time during a busy school weeknight, this recipe is here to save the day.

28. Cheesy Broccoli Potato Chowder

Soup lovers rejoice! If you’re tired of trying to decide between cheesy broccoli or baked potato soup, I have good news for you.

With this fantastic rendition, you won’t have to decide!

By fusing elements from both recipes you’re able to create the ultimate, cozy bowl of tasty chowder.

29. Vegan Quinoa-Corn Chowder

If you’re searching for that perfect vegan recipe to serve your plant-based dinner guests, you can’t go wrong with this amazing chowder.

You create this award-worthy recipe using a handful of simple ingredients, then garnish with sliced jalapeño, cilantro, and lime.

30. Pumpkin Seafood Chowder

If you haven’t tried adding pumpkin to your seafood chowder, let me be the first to tell you: please do.

Every spoonful is full of warm, aromatic spices like curry, ginger, and of course, pumpkin.

This rich recipe is sure to become your new autumn staple.