The Best Homemade Seafood Chowder Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This homemade seafood chowder is comforting, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. It brings together fresh ingredients in a way that feels both hearty and satisfying.

You’ll love how easy it is to make, even if you’re not a cooking pro. The creamy broth is rich and full of seafood goodness, making every spoonful delightful. Plus, it’s versatile—you can customize it with your favorite seafood or veggies for a personal touch.

Recipe

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of homemade seafood chowder, a hearty dish perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines fresh seafood with creamy broth and aromatic vegetables for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 3 cups fish or seafood stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 pound scallops
• 1/2 pound white fish fillets (such as cod or haddock), cut into chunks
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and garlic, sautéing until softened (about 5 minutes).
2. Add potatoes, stock, smoked paprika, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender (about 10 minutes).
3. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
4. Add shrimp, scallops, and fish fillets, cooking until seafood is opaque and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes).
5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes:

• Use fresh seafood for the best flavor. Frozen seafood can be used but thaw it completely before cooking.
• Adjust the consistency by adding more stock or cream as desired.

Equipment:

Large pot, wooden spoon, knife, cutting board

Time:

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 25 minutes

Cuisine:

American

Serving:

4–6 servings

Nutrition

Per serving (1 bowl):

What To Serve With It

I love pairing my seafood chowder with warm, crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that creamy broth. A crisp, fresh salad on the side balances the richness perfectly, adding a nice crunch to the meal. You can’t go wrong with these simple but satisfying combos!

Crusty Bread Pairings

While a bowl of homemade seafood chowder is already a treat, pairing it with crusty bread takes it to the next level. I love a warm, golden baguette with a crisp exterior and soft center—it’s perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop of that creamy broth. Sourdough works wonders too, adding a tangy contrast to the chowder’s richness. For something heartier, try a rustic whole-grain loaf; its nutty flavor complements the seafood beautifully. Just tear off a chunk, slather it with butter if you’re feeling indulgent, and enjoy. Trust me, it’s a match made in comfort-food heaven.

Salad Side Options

A light, crisp salad balances the richness of seafood chowder perfectly, and I’ve found that a simple lemon-dressed arugula or a classic Caesar works wonders. The peppery bite of arugula cuts through the creaminess, while a Caesar’s crunch adds texture. For something brighter, try a cucumber-dill salad with a tangy yogurt dressing—it’s revitalizing and light. If you prefer heartier greens, a spinach salad with strawberries and almonds brings sweetness and crunch. Whatever you choose, keep it simple; the chowder’s the star. Just remember, a little acidity and freshness go a long way in rounding out the meal.

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younes

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