Make a rich and creamy Seafood Chowder loaded with shrimp, fish, and shellfish in a savory broth. A comforting, restaurant-style soup perfect for cozy meals at home.
Seafood Chowder
Chowder is a comforting, hearty dish known for its rich texture and deep savory flavor. This seafood version combines tender fish, shrimp, and shellfish in a creamy, flavorful broth.
It’s warm, filling, and perfect for cold days or special dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy texture
- Loaded with seafood flavor
- One-pot comfort meal
- Restaurant-style at home
- Perfect with bread or crackers
Ingredients
- 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, fish, scallops, or clams)
- 4 slices bacon (optional but recommended)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups seafood or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon flour (for thickening, optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon (optional but flavorful)
- In a large pot, cook bacon until crispy
- Remove and set aside
- Leave 1–2 tablespoons of fat in the pot
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
- Add onion and celery
- Cook until softened
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth
- Stir in potatoes, thyme, bay leaf
- Add broth
- Simmer for 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender
Step 4: Add Seafood
- Add shrimp, fish, and other seafood
- Cook for 5–7 minutes until seafood is just cooked through
Step 5: Make It Creamy
- Stir in cream
- Add butter for richness
- Optional: add flour slurry to thicken
Step 6: Finish and Serve
- Remove bay leaf
- Adjust salt and pepper
- Garnish with parsley and crispy bacon
Tips for Best Results
- Do not overcook seafood (it becomes rubbery)
- Use fresh or high-quality frozen seafood
- Add cream at the end to prevent curdling
- Let chowder rest 5 minutes before serving
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: up to 2 days
- Reheat gently on low heat
- Do not boil after adding cream
Final Thoughts
Seafood Chowder is a rich, comforting soup that brings together tender seafood, creamy broth, and hearty vegetables. It’s a classic dish that feels both cozy and elegant in every bowl.