There's nothing quite as comforting as a steaming bowl of rich and creamy clam chowder on a chilly evening! When you are wondering what to serve with clam chowder, here's a list of 50 best side dishes you can make!
From hearty bread to refreshing salads and tantalizing seafood, here are some delicious choices to complement your hearty soup and turn a simple meal into a dining experience to remember.
On a cold, winter's night, there is nothing better than a big bowl of creamy clam chowder to warm you on the coldest of nights.
What To Serve With Clam Chowder
There are so many delicious recipes when thinking about what to serve with a bowl of clam chowder. Here are just a few ideas! There are lots of delicious recipes at the end of this post!
- Crusty Bread and Butter: A perfect accompaniment to soak up the rich flavors of the clam chowder. Serve clam chowder with some delicious garlic bread or buttery bread rolls. Crusty sourdough bread rolls are always a good idea!
- Side Salad with a Tangy Vinaigrette: A refreshing contrast to the creamy soup, balancing the meal with a burst of freshness. Whether a spinach salad, a colorful salad, or a classic Caesar salad, salads balance the creaminess of the thick soup.
- Garlic Parmesan Biscuits: A delectable treat to complement the comforting warmth of the clam chowder, adding a savory touch to the meal.
- Vegetables: Corn on the cob is classic with chowder, but broccoli, carrots, or roasted vegetable medley are all great options.
- Your favorite seafood dish. Whether it is bacon-wrapped scallops, shrimp skewers, shrimp cocktail with Instant Pot Shrimp, mussels mariniere, or fish tacos, seafood is a delightful addition to your dinner.
- Lobster Rolls. If you really want the New England experience, grab a lobster roll and serve it alongside a big bowl of clam chowder.
What is Clam Chowder
Clam chowder is a thick, creamy soup that originated in New England where clams are readily available. It consists of tender potatoes, juicy clams, and often bacon with bacon drippings. It is thickened with heavy cream and flour to give it that rich, creamy texture we come to expect from New England clam chowder. Because clam chowder is so thick and creamy, it can be used as a side dish or a main dish.
Everyone knows the creamy New England clam chowder, but there is also Manhattan clam chowder which is tomato based. The difference in the two chowders is that the key ingredient in New England clam chowder is the cream or dairy, but in Manhattan clam chowder it is thinner and has a tomato sauce base, not a creamy base.
Ingredients in Clam Chowder
You only need a few simple ingredients to make New England clam chowder that you can easily find in your local grocery store.
- Bacon. Smoky bacon adds salt, flavor, and texture to this chowder. The onions and celery will be cooked in the bacon fat and the cooked bacon will be used as a garnish on the chowder right before serving.
- Chopped Clams. Canned clams are the unsung heroes of this dish. The cans are full of tender clams that you don't have to worry about washing and cooking. We will be using both the clams and the clam juice in this recipe.
- Celery and Onion. This is classic in most chowder recipes. Celery and onion add flavor and texture to this Boston clam chowder.
- All Purpose Flour. The flour thickens to the soup to make it a chowder. Without the flour, this will be a very thin, seafood soup instead of a thick, creamy soup.
- Chicken Broth. Low sodium chicken broth is best so you do not oversalt the soup. If you have homemade chicken broth that is best, but store bought is great too.
- Idaho Potatoes. Russet potatoes, Yukon golds, or red potatoes can be used instead of Idaho potatoes.
- Heavy Cream. We want that luxurious, silky texture in this easy clam chowder recipe. Half and half or whole milk can be used, but you want to stay away from skim milk or low fat milk. We are indulging in this soup after all!
- Bay leaf. You aren't going to be eating the bay leaves, but they add a nice flavor to the creamy broth. Once the soup is cooked, we will remove the bay leaves before serving the soup.
My Favorite Clam Chowder Recipe
Add the bacon to a Dutch oven. Cook until the fat is rendered and the bacon is crispy, about 10 minutes. Take the bacon out of the pot with a slotted spoon and put it on a plate lined with paper towels.
Lower the heat in the pot to low heat and add the butter to the Dutch oven. Do not remove the bacon drippings. That's all flavor!
Let the butter melt and add the chopped celery and chopped onion. Cook until the onions are translucent, about another 10 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper or white pepper. Be sure to scrape the brown bits from the bottom of the pot.
Meanwhile, drain the canned clams, reserving the clam juice in a separate bowl. Once the celery and onions have cooked for a bit, add the flour and stir. Let that cook for 2 minutes.
Add the broth, clam juice, potatoes, heavy cream, and bay leaves. Cook for about 20 minutes or until the soup has thickened and the potatoes are cooked. Add the drained clams to the soup and stir. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Crumble the cooked bacon on top and serve immediately.
Storage Tips
Once the chowder is cooked, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The next day, reheat the chowder on the stove until it is heated through.
I would not recommend freezing this soup. The dairy in the soup and the potatoes do not hold up well to freezing. This chowder is best made and enjoyed the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Instead of adding the flour to thicken the soup, add cornstarch to the soup and thicken.
Yes! To use fresh clams, fill a pot with one inch of water. Add the clams and boil them for 8-10 minutes or until the clams open. When they are open, remove them from the shells and add them to the chowder.
Yes! If you would like you can add leeks, chopped carrots, corn, or your families favorite veggies.
Clam Chowder Toppings
- Oyster crackers. The classic topping for a bowl of creamy chowder.
- Fresh herbs. Chopped fresh parsley or fresh chives.
- Bacon bits. Adding a little bacon to clam chowder will add a little more flavor and texture to this delicious soup.
- Crunchy Croutons or Garlic Crumbs: Sprinkle some seasoned croutons or crispy garlic crumbs on top of the chowder for some more texture.
- Hot sauce. If you are like me and you like your soups and chowders spicy, add some crushed hot pepper or your favorite hot sauce.
- Cheddar cheese. Grab some of your favorite shredded cheddar and add it on top of the soup.
Did you make this recipe and love it?
If you did, don't forget to leave a 5-star review and comment below! Show me your creation on Instagram or Facebook. Just mention @Lynn'sWayofLife or use this hashtag #lynnswayoflife.
What To Serve With Clam Chowder
What To Serve With Clam Chowder
Simple Sourdough Breadsticks are impressive to make and so delicious to serve with your favorite dinner! They are chewy, soft, and have a crispy crust!
These simple soft Brioche Dinner Rolls are easy to make, made with only a few simple ingredients, and ready in just a few hours. They are a must make at your next dinner party!
Ready in under 20 minutes, this Instant Pot Asparagus is a perfect side dish for any weeknight dinner! It's low carb, easy to make, and so full of flavor!
Ready in under 15 minutes, this is a foolproof method to make perfectly steamed Instant Pot Broccoli. Serve this broccoli as an easy side dish at your next weeknight meal.
The perfect side dish, these easy Baked Brown Sugar Carrots are so simple to make and packed with flavor! Serve these brown sugar glazed carrots for a special occasion, or as a side for busy weeknights.
Indulge in the delightful simplicity of our two-ingredient cream biscuits! These heavenly treats combine the perfect balance of rich, velvety cream with a tender, flaky texture, delivering a burst of pure joy in every bite.
Soft and buttery, these fluffy Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls are so easy to make and much better than anything you would get in the store! In only a few hours, you'll have the most delicious rolls to serve with your dinner!
Ready in under 15 minutes, these Instant Pot Carrots are sweet and so easy to make! They are the perfect side dish on a busy weeknight or for a holiday meal!
Ready in 20 minutes, these 3 Ingredient Dinner Rolls are so easy to make! These easy rolls do not require any butter, any resting, or any yeast!
These 2 Ingredient Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls are so easy to make, ready in less than an hour, and require no yeast at all! Mix everything together and you have delicious dinner rolls ready in no time!
With only 4 ingredients, and ready in 2 hours, this Rustic Bread is proofed in the Instant Pot and so easy to make! You won't believe how soft the crumb, yet how crunchy the crust is.
This Rustic Kefir Bread has a delicious soft crumb, a classic crispy crust, and is so easy to make! With a little bit of patience and a few simple ingredients, you'll have easy homemade bread in no time!
Spicy, creamy, and so delicious, this Cheddar Jalapeno Sourdough Bread is the perfect addition to your next charcuterie board! If you're looking for a change from your normal sourdough bread, then you have to try this jalapeno loaded bread!
Would you believe me if I said you can go from ingredients to hot, crusty, delicious dinner rolls in 2 hours. That’s it! 2 hours! The process for these Instant Pot Dinner Rolls is sped up by the Instant Pot proofing the dough for you!
Proofing bread in the Instant Pot saves time and is so easy! This olive bread is the perfect addition to any charcuterie board and is delicious dipped in olive oil or slathered with cheese! Give it a try to impress all your guests at your next family gathering!
Is there anything better than a crusty loaf of sourdough bread? Don't wait hours and hours for the bread to be ready, cut the time in half by using your Instant Pot! You can have fresh, crusty Sourdough Bread ready to eat in only a few hours!
Crisp and full of herbs, these sourdough crackers with herbs and olive oil are the perfect treat to add to your appetizer spread! Dip them in your favorite dip or eat them just like chips! They are easy to make and full of flavor!
This recipe for roasted broccolini with roasted garlic and parmesan is so easy, healthy, and delicious. You’ll want to add it to all your meals!
Crispy sweet potato cubes are a very easy side dish to make in the air fryer. It’s a must serve with any clam chowder.
Enjoy Clam chowder with a soft bacon jalapeño bread. It’s so easy to make using simple ingredients.
This Oven-Roasted Zucchini dish is a delightful and effortless treat. In just 20 minutes, fresh zucchini is drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with select seasonings and parmesan cheese, then baked to perfection. It's the ideal accompaniment for any weeknight meal
The fresh, cool flavors of this tossed salad compliment any chowder. Strawberries, mandarin oranges, greens, almonds and sliced onions are tossed in a light dressing for a delicious side dish.
Easy and perfectly crispy oven Baked Potato Wedges will become your go-to side dish or appetizer. Much healthier than French fries and the tastiest potatoes you’ll ever taste!
This broccoli bacon salad is a classic that's tasty and versatile. Good with meats, sandwiches and more.
With a sweet tart creaminess, this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is a delicious side dish that will take you happily into fall. Good with meats, sandwiches and more!
Experience the delicious flavors in every bite of Baked Za'atar Pita Chips! These crispy and aromatic chips are seasoned with za'atar, creating a savory and addictive snack that's perfect for dipping or enjoying on its own.
Moist, full of flavor, and so easy to make, this Instant Pot Cornbread will be your new go to cornbread recipe! And the best part is, you never have to turn on the oven!
A great way to use up some extra sourdough discard you have, these Sourdough Corn Muffins are fluffy, sweet, and so easy to make! Bake up a big batch of these on the weekend and enjoy them throughout the week!
This simple Sourdough Focaccia is full of flavor and so easy to make! No kneading, and no fancy equipment, all you need is a little patience and a few high-quality ingredients! A great way to use your sourdough starter, this focaccia will be a new staple in your kitchen!
Crispy bacon, salty parmesan, and roasted Brussel sprouts come together to make a quick and easy holiday side dish! Ready in less than a half hour, your guests will love this delicious recipe!
Crispy bacon, salty parmesan, and roasted Brussel sprouts come together to make a quick and easy holiday side dish! Ready in less than a half hour, your guests will love this delicious recipe!
Looking for a crisp cornbread that has a light and moist crumb, then you have to try this easy Kefir cornbread! In under an hour you'll have the most delicious cornbread to enjoy with your next batch of chili!
A sourdough bread bowl is a delicious accompaniment to soup and offers a sturdy base for hearty stews. Its firm texture and tangy flavor make it a perfect choice for enjoying these comforting dishes' rich flavors and textures.
The perfect compliment to a creamy soup, this apple fennel salad cuts the creaminess with sweet and tart flavors of apple. With a light vinaigrette, it's delicious to make any time of year.
This yogurt flatbread recipe has two ingredients and can be used for everything from flatbread pizzas to your favorite tacos.
Perfect for the holidays or other special occasions, this classic Italian clam appetizer can be made in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
This savory, buttermilk quick bread is the perfect warm slice of goodness to serve with all your soups this season! With a savory combination of cheddar cheese and crispy pancetta, it's the ideal accompaniment for clam chowder.
Lemon Arugula Salad Recipe with Parmesan Cheese is a quick and easy salad that is peppery, sweet and satisfying. Arugula is tossed with cherry tomatoes, toasted pine nuts and parmesan cheese and finished off with a lemony, olive oil dressing.
Potatoes and green beans are a match made in heaven! In this simple recipe, tender baby potatoes and crisp green beans are seasoned with garlic and thyme and roasted to perfection.
Ready in under 30 minutes and using only 10 ingredients, this Grilled Vegetable Quinoa Salad is a healthy addition to any Summer dinner!
Roasted green beans and carrots are a simple and delicious side dish. They’re extremely flavorful and can be prepped in only minutes.
This semolina bread recipe makes a soft and nutty-flavored bread loaf with semolina flour that's perfect for your favorite sandwich. Or make it as a free-standing, rustic semolina loaf and serve it aside your best clam chowder.
Naan is a popular Indian flatbread, and this vegan naan is just as good if not better than Indian restaurant naan. It's fluffy and pillowy, soft and chewy yet crisp and flaky in some spots. It melts in your mouth and is the perfect bread for scooping up delicious Indian curries. Plus, it requires just a handful of simple ingredients.
Be transported to Greece with this Prasini Salad, a simple, delicious Mediterranean dish of crispy romaine hearts, creamy feta cheese, fresh scallions and dill, and bright lemon vinaigrette. It's a perfect side salad for clam chowder.
Classic Broccoli Salad is a quick and easy dish made with fresh broccoli, cheddar cheese, sunflower seeds, red onions, and a tangy dressing. This is tossed together in a large bowl and served cold as a side dish or appetizer at your next gathering.
This simple House Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette comes together with a few basic ingredients for a light side dish you can thow together in just 10 minutes that is neutral enough to pair with any meal.
Top your clam chowder with these buttery homemade garlic and herb croutons for some extra crunch! Buttery croutons pair perfectly with the rich creaminess of clam chowder.
These Open Faced Crab Melt sandwiches have buttery toasted marble rye pumpernickel bread, smoked cheddar cheese, and a luscious, delicious crab salad. Easy to make and ready in minutes, these crab melt sandwiches are perfect for lunch or a light dinner with just the right amount of crunch and decadence.
Healthy gluten-free bread recipe that is as easy to make as it is delicious! This recipe is not only super easy to make, but it also boasts a soft and chewy texture that is perfect to pair with any meal.
Garlic Cheese Biscuits are delicious cheddar biscuits topped with and easy garlic butter. These light and fluffy biscuits are perfect to serve alongside clam chowder or your favorite soups.
Leave a Reply