There’s something deeply comforting about a bowl of rich, creamy seafood chowder on a cool evening. This luxurious soup combines tender chunks of fish, sweet shrimp, and plump scallops swimming in a velvety broth that’s infused with smoky bacon and aromatic herbs. I perfected this recipe after years of sampling chowders along the New England coast, taking the best elements from each to create what I believe is the ultimate seafood chowder. Trust me when I say this soup delivers restaurant-quality flavor with surprisingly straightforward preparation. The secret lies in layering flavors gradually and allowing each addition to develop fully before moving to the next step.
Why You’ll Love This Seafood Chowder
- Perfect Balance of Flavors – The smokiness of bacon complements the sweetness of seafood
- Impressive Yet Approachable – Elegant enough for company but simple enough for a weeknight
- Customizable Seafood Mix – Adapt based on what’s freshest or what you have on hand
- Meal-in-One Satisfaction – Hearty enough to serve as a complete meal with just bread alongside
Ingredients for Creamy Seafood Chowder
- Bacon – Provides a smoky foundation that elevates the entire dish
- Onion, celery, and carrots – The aromatic base that builds depth of flavor
- Garlic – Adds aromatic complexity
- Potatoes – Yukon golds hold their shape while adding heartiness
- Seafood mix – A combination of firm white fish, shrimp, and scallops offers textural variety
- Clam juice – The secret ingredient that intensifies the seafood flavor
- Fish or seafood stock – Creates a rich, flavorful base (store-bought works well)
- Bay leaf and thyme – Classic herbs that complement seafood perfectly
- Heavy cream – Provides luxurious richness and velvety texture
- Fresh herbs – Dill and parsley add brightness and color
- Salt and white pepper – Season without adding dark specks to the creamy broth
How to Make Creamy Seafood Chowder
Step 1: Create the Flavor Foundation
In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, cook 4 strips of diced bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove half the bacon for garnish, leaving the fat and remaining bacon in the pot. Add 1 diced onion, 2 diced celery stalks, and 1 diced carrot to the bacon fat. Sauté until vegetables soften, about 5 minutes. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Build the Broth
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. This will help thicken your chowder without creating lumps. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of seafood stock and 1 cup of clam juice, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Add 2 cups of diced Yukon gold potatoes, 1 bay leaf, and 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Cook the Base Thoroughly
Allow the mixture to simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the potatoes are nearly tender. This cooking time is crucial for developing flavor and ensuring the potatoes are perfectly cooked when the seafood is added.
Step 4: Add the Seafood
Lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Add 1 pound of mixed seafood, using firmer fish pieces first (such as cod or halibut cut into 1-inch chunks), followed by shrimp and scallops after a minute or two. The seafood will cook quickly, in about 3-5 minutes total, depending on the size of the pieces. Cook just until the fish is opaque and the shrimp turn pink – overcooking will make the seafood tough.
Step 5: Finish with Cream
Remove the bay leaf, then stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and warm through without boiling. Season to taste with salt and white pepper. Turn off the heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley.
Ladle the hot chowder into bowls and garnish with the reserved crispy bacon bits, additional fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of paprika for color. Serve immediately with crusty bread or oyster crackers on the side.
This Creamy Seafood Chowder transforms simple ingredients into an elegant, soul-warming meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender seafood and creamy, flavorful broth creates a dish that feels both luxurious and comforting—exactly what a perfect chowder should be.