We select and review products independently. When you purchase through our links we may earn a commission. Learn more.

5 Delicious Chowder Recipes to Try Today

new england clam chowder with oyster crackers in yellow bowl
Joshua Resnick/Shutterstock

Sweatpants on, favorite movie playing, blanket ready; and now all you need is a big bowl of thick and hearty chowder. Check out these five delicious recipes we chose just for you.

Everyone has their own idea of what chowder is because of the many varieties out there. While each type of chowder is unique, they all share a thick and chunky combination of potatoes and other vegetables. Whether you love a classic New England Clam chowder or a Manhattan chowder is more up your alley, we’ve got you covered.

Best Overall: New England Clam Chowder

New England Clam Chowder topped with oyster crackers
Tasty

Nothing beats a bowl of creamy New England clam chowder, especially if it’s something you grew up eating. This recipe has a perfect mirepoix ratio; which is a combination of chopped vegetables traditionally consisting of onion, celery, and carrots. You’ll also love the chopped bacon that stands out, making each flavor-packed bite memorable.

This straightforward recipe takes you through ten steps and has a great tutorial video to follow just in case you like a little more guidance. All you’ll need is some oyster crackers to sprinkle on top.

Get the Recipe: Tasty

Best Slow Cooker Recipe: Slow Cooker Corn Chowder

A bowl of corn chowder
Spend With Pennies

When you have too many household chores to count, a slow cooker becomes your best friend. Now that the weather is turning, you probably have yard work to take care of, on top of dusting, vacuuming, and mopping. The housework never ends.

With this delicious recipe, all you need is 15 minutes to prepare your ingredients, and then as always, let your Crock-Pot do the rest. Enjoy how the sweet flavors of corn and the briny bacon come together to create the perfect dinner after a long day’s work.

Get the Recipe: Spend With Pennies

Best Gourmet Option: Lobster Corn Chowder

lobster corn chowder simmering in a Dutch oven
Quentin Bacon/Barefoot Contessa

If you love a meal made with lobster, then this recipe is a must-try. What makes this one superior to others is, of course, the big beautiful chunks of lobster meat. Whether you love the tail or claw, there will be plenty throughout the soup.

In this recipe, you’ll learn to create a stock using the lobster shells, cobs of corn, dry white wine, and so many other excellent ingredients.

Although lobster can be pretty pricey in some areas, it usually goes on sale a few times a year, so be sure to keep an eye out. This recipe will feed six people, so try it out at your next fancy dinner party and wow your guests.

Get the Recipe: Barefoot Contessa

Try Something Different: Manhattan Clam Chowder

A bowl of Manhattan chowder
Food Network

Perhaps Manhattan Clam chowder isn’t unusual for you at all, and it’s what you consider the best style of chowder. Manhattan Chowder is a tomato-based soup that doesn’t contain any cream at all. It’s very different from New England style, but the flavor is fantastic.

Like most other chowders, this one contains onion, celery, and potatoes, but also has fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and bay leaf. Throw in a few saltines, and you’ve got yourself a delightful and heartwarming meal.

Get the Recipe: Food Network

Best Healthy Chowder: Healthy Corn and Zucchini Chowder

Healthy zucchini and corn chowder
The Forked Spoon

Fall is right around the corner, making this soup the perfect meal for this time of year. It’s full of zucchini, corn, cauliflower, chicken breast, and many other ingredients that make this soup worth trying.

If you love chowder, but you’re looking for something a bit more on the healthy side, this one is an excellent rendition. Yes, there’s bacon, but only two slices for that extra flavor many of us adore. So kick back and enjoy a hot bowl during the chilly autumn days that lay ahead of us.

Get the Recipe: The Forked Spoon

Emilee Unterkoefler Emilee Unterkoefler
Emilee Unterkoefler is a freelance food writer, hiking enthusiast, and mama with over ten years of experience working in the food industry. Read Full Bio »
LifeSavvy is focused on a single goal: helping you make the most informed purchases possible. Want to know more?