What to Serve with Clam Chowder: 35+ Delicious Side Dishes
If you’re looking for the perfect side dishes to serve with clam chowder, then you have come to the right place.
You’re in for a treat! I’ve tried every combination for years, and I’m excited to share my favorite ones.
These side dishes will help make your clam chowder shine, no matter whether you’re planning a cozy dinner or hosting friends.
What is Clam Chowder?
Imagine a warm creamy bowl of soup with clams, bacon, potatoes and other delicate vegetables. That’s clam chowder! There are two main types of chowder. You have creamy white New England style and Manhattan version. Both are absolutely delicious!
What Goes Well with Clam Chowder?
Hearty chowder goes well with various best side dishes from salty bread to salads, seafood additions, vegetable sides, potato dishes, as well as desserts. Together, these combine to provide choices that will give ways to suit different tastes and preferences.
Bread and Crackers for Clam Chowder
Nothing beats dunking fresh bread into a hot bowl of chowder! These bread options will make your soup experience even better.
- Rosemary Bread: This aromatic bread is my go-to choice. The fresh rosemary adds a wonderful pine-like flavor that works magic with the creamy chowder. I love how the crispy crust soaks up the soup while staying slightly crunchy.
- Oyster Crackers: These tiny, crunchy bites are a classic chowder companion! They’re light, crispy, and perfect for sprinkling on top. I always keep extra oyster crackers nearby – they add such a fun texture to each spoonful.
- Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with garlic bread! The buttery, garlicky flavors make the chowder taste even richer. It’s like having a taste of Italy meet New England in your bowl. Find more garlic bread pairings.
- Sourdough Bread: The tangy kick of sourdough is perfect with creamy chowder! San Francisco-style sourdough brings out the ocean-fresh flavors of the clams. I love cutting thick slices and watching them soak up the rich broth.
- Fluffy Dinner Rolls: Soft, warm dinner rolls make chowder feel like a fancy meal! Their pillowy texture is amazing for soaking up every last drop. These little clouds of bread turn a simple soup into something special.
- Cornbread: Sweet, crumbly cornbread adds a Southern twist to your chowder! The honey-like sweetness creates an amazing contrast with the salty soup. It’s my go-to when I want something different from regular bread.
- Cheddar Biscuits: These cheesy bites are pure comfort food! The sharp cheddar flavor makes the chowder taste even richer. They remind me of those famous Red Lobster biscuits – but even better with chowder!
- Gluten-free Bread: Can’t have gluten? No problem! Gluten-free bread is amazing with your clam chowder recipe. I’ve found some that are just as good as regular bread for soaking up those delicious flavors.
Easy Salads to Pair with Clam Chowder
Want to balance out your rich chowder? These fresh salads add the perfect crisp contrast to your creamy soup.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce and tangy Caesar dressing cut through the richness of clam chowder perfectly! I love adding extra croutons for crunch. The garlicky, lemony flavors make each bite of chowder taste even better. Find more Caesar salad side Ideas.
- Lentil Salad: One of my favorite protein salads to pair with New England style clam chowder. Easy to prepare and has a nice texture. Plus, the clam juice in the bowl tastes perfect with the flavors.
- Tomato Cucumber Salad: This light and juicy salad brings such freshness to your meal! The cool cucumbers and sweet tomatoes are amazing with hot chowder. I add a splash of vinegar to wake up my taste buds between spoonfuls of creamy soup.
- Coleslaw: The creamy-crunchy combo of coleslaw works magic with clam chowder dinner! Its sweet-tangy flavor adds a fun twist to each bite. Plus, the cabbage stays crisp even when it touches the hot soup.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil make this Italian classic shine! The bright flavors complement the seafood perfectly. I love drizzling extra balsamic glaze over both the salad and my chowder. Discover more sides for Caprese salad.
- Spinach Salad: Baby spinach leaves with strawberries and almonds are amazing here! The sweet-nutty combo makes the chowder taste extra special. A light poppy seed dressing ties everything together beautifully.
- Italian Chopped Salad: This hearty salad brings tons of textures and flavors! Salami, cheese, and crunchy vegetables create an exciting mix. It’s perfect when you want your side salad to be just as filling as your chowder.
- Arugula Salad: Peppery arugula with shaved parmesan adds such elegance! The sharp cheese and spicy greens wake up your taste buds. A squeeze of lemon juice makes everything taste super fresh.
Quick Vegetable Sides That Go with Clam Chowder
Need to add some healthy greens to your meal? These veggie sides bring color and nutrients while keeping things light. They’re perfect for balancing out the rich, creamy chowder.
- Roasted Asparagus: Fresh asparagus spears get all crispy and sweet in the oven! I love how their slight crunch contrasts with the smooth chowder. A splash of lemon juice makes everything taste extra fresh.
- Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli florets are a healthy choice that works so well! Their bright green color looks beautiful next to white chowder. A tiny pat of butter makes them extra tasty.
- Grilled Zucchini: Those pretty grill marks on zucchini slices add such nice flavor! The smoky taste pairs wonderfully with seafood. I love how light and fresh this veggie side makes the meal feel.
- Crispy Fried Onions: Want something a bit indulgent? These crunchy onions are amazingly sprinkled right on top! They add texture and a sweet-savory punch that makes every spoonful exciting.
- Grilled Peppers: Colorful bell peppers get super sweet on the grill! Their bright flavor cuts through the rich chowder perfectly. I love mixing red, yellow, and orange peppers for a pretty presentation.
- Cauliflower au Gratin: This cheesy cauliflower dish feels special enough for company! The creamy sauce matches your chowder while adding extra vegetables to your plate. It’s comfort food meets healthy eating.
- Oven-Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots bring such beautiful color to your table! Their caramelized edges and tender insides are perfect with chowder. A sprinkle of fresh herbs makes them extra special.
Potato and Corn-Based Sides for Clam Chowder
Want some hearty comfort food with your chowder? These potato and corn sides are perfect! They bring warmth and satisfaction to your meal while complementing the soup’s flavors.
- French Fries: Golden, crispy fries are amazing for dunking in chowder! The salty crunch adds such a fun texture to each bite. I love how they soak up the creamy broth while staying crispy on top.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet, buttery corn brings summer vibes to your bowl! The fresh corn kernels pop with flavor between spoonfuls of chowder. A sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning makes it extra special. Find quick dinner ideas with corn on the cob.
- Potato Wedges: These chunky wedges are like fancy fries but even better! Their crispy outsides and fluffy insides are perfect with chowder. I love adding garlic and herbs to make them extra tasty.
- Sweet Potato Fries: The sweet-salty combo is absolutely amazing here! Their natural sweetness balances the savory chowder perfectly. A light dusting of cinnamon makes them irresistible.
- Corn Fritters: Crispy little bites of corn heaven! These golden fritters add such a nice crunch and sweetness. They’re like having cornbread in a fun, dippable form.
- Creamed Corn Casserole: This cozy side dish feels like a warm hug! The sweet corn in creamy sauce mirrors your chowder’s texture. It’s pure comfort food that makes everything better.
Seafood-Inspired Dishes to Serve with Clam Chowder
Love seafood? Let’s make your meal extra special with these ocean-inspired sides! These dishes bring out the best in your chowder while adding more delicious seafood flavors to your table.
- Baked Salmon: A piece of flaky salmon turns your chowder into a seafood feast! The rich, buttery fish tastes amazing between spoonfuls of soup. I love adding lemon zest to brighten everything up.
- Mussels Mariniere: One of my favorite seafood sides! Mariniere is so easy to make and it tastes amazing, you can never go wrong with it. White wine and onion and garlic cook the mussels and they taste great.
- Bacon Wrapped Scallops: Talk about fancy! Sweet scallops wrapped in crispy bacon make your chowder feel like a restaurant meal. The smoky-sweet combo is absolutely perfect with creamy soup. Check out what to serve with scallops.
- Mini Lobster Rolls: Talk about a seafood feast! These tiny sandwiches turn your meal into a New England experience. The cold lobster salad tastes amazing between bites of hot chowder.
- Fish and Chips: This classic seaside combo never fails! Crispy fish and golden fries are perfect for dunking in your chowder. It reminds me of happy days at the beach.
- Shrimp Cocktail: Cold, juicy shrimp with zesty cocktail sauce wake up your taste buds! They’re light, refreshing, and so good between bites of rich chowder. Find more sides pairing with shrimp cocktails.
- Crab Cakes: Golden-brown crab cakes make your meal extra special! Their crispy outside and sweet crab meat inside pair perfectly with creamy chowder. I love serving them with a squeeze of lemon.
Creative Sides and Appetizers to Complement Clam Chowder
Want to make your chowder meal extra special? These unique sides will surprise and delight your guests! Each one brings something different while still complementing your creamy soup perfectly.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Tender mushroom caps filled with herbs and cheese create amazing flavor. They’re perfect when you want to impress your guests.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil brings Italian flair. The bright flavors cleanse your palate between spoonfuls of rich chowder. Find more bruschetta serving ideas.
- Clam Fritters: These crispy bites are like having extra clams in a fun new way! The golden-brown outside gives way to tender clams inside. They’re perfect for dipping in both your chowder and tartar sauce.
- Jiffy Cornbread Pancakes: Sweet and savory cornbread in pancake form! These fluffy disks are amazing for soaking up chowder. I love how they combine breakfast vibes with comfort food flavors.
- Soft Pretzels: Warm, chewy pretzels with salt crystals on top are so fun to dip! They’re like fancy bread that makes your chowder feel extra special. A sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning makes them even better.
Easy Desserts to Finish Clam Chowder
After a bowl of rich chowder, these desserts provide the perfect sweet ending! They’re light enough to enjoy after soup but satisfying enough to feel special.
- Lemon Cheesecake: The citrusy tang cuts through any richness left from your chowder! Its creamy texture feels indulgent while the lemon keeps things fresh. A perfect way to end your meal.
- Bananas Foster: Warm caramelized bananas with a hint of rum are pure magic! The sweet-warm flavors contrast beautifully with the savory soup. Add vanilla ice cream for extra decadence.
- Lemon Bars: These bright, zesty squares wake up your taste buds! Their sweet-tart flavor is refreshing after creamy chowder. The buttery shortbread crust makes them extra special.
- Corn Pudding: This sweet-savory dessert bridges the gap perfectly! It’s like having cornbread in dessert form. The subtle sweetness makes it a unique way to end your meal.
- Sinful Brownies: Sometimes you just need chocolate! These rich, fudgy squares are perfect when you want something decadent. The chocolate flavor is a complete contrast to the seafood.
Final Thoughts: What to Serve with Clam Chowder
Finding the right side dishes to enjoy with a bowl of steaming clam chowder is endless!
Every pair of sipping and dunking brings a new dining experience with the perfect balance of crispy bread soaked in a creamy broth and bright fresh salads.
Balance is the key, you want to balance textures and flavors that complement your chowder.
Whatever kind of you prefer, these side dishes will take your meal to the next level. Mix and match these options to create your perfect soup.
