18 Hearty Chowder Recipes For Cold Weather

When the air bites and windows fog, a steaming bowl of chowder hits like a hug you can eat. You get creamy spoons, chunky potatoes, and big flavors that make weeknights feel special without extra work.

These recipes are cozy, satisfying, and built for simmering while the house turns warm and relaxed. Pick one tonight and let that first spoonful thaw everything out.

1. Classic New England Clam Chowder

Creamy, briny, and exactly what you crave when winter stings your cheeks. Tender clams meet soft potatoes in a silky base, rounded by a little bacon for smoky depth.

You will want crackers for crunch and a sprinkle of parsley for brightness.

Keep it classic with dairy, stock, and a gentle simmer that marries flavors without fuss. A splash of clam juice amplifies the sea without overpowering.

Make it on a Sunday, and enjoy leftovers that taste even better tomorrow.

2. Manhattan-Style Clam Chowder

Tomato brightens this clam chowder, trading cream for a brothy, ruby base that still eats hearty. Potatoes, carrots, and celery bring body while fresh herbs add lift.

It is cozy without heaviness, perfect when you want warmth with a lighter feel.

Use good canned tomatoes and a splash of clam juice to keep flavors clean. Simmer gently so clams stay tender.

A squeeze of lemon at the end makes everything pop.

3. Corn and Bacon Chowder

Sweet corn and smoky bacon do the heavy lifting here, delivering comfort in every spoonful. The starch from potatoes thickens naturally, so the broth feels rich and spoon-coating.

You will taste sweet, salty, and savory in a perfect weeknight balance.

Use frozen corn in winter for bright flavor that does not taste like compromise. Crisp the bacon first, then build the chowder in the drippings.

Finish with cream and chives for a diner-style finish.

4. Chicken and Corn Chowder

This chicken and corn chowder eats like a hug on a long night. Shredded chicken brings lean protein while corn and potatoes keep every bite full and comforting.

The creamy base feels indulgent but not heavy when balanced with fresh herbs.

Use rotisserie chicken to make it fast. Simmer with stock, aromatics, and corn until the potatoes are tender, then swirl in cream.

A little hot sauce at the table wakes it right up.

5. Smoked Sausage and Potato Chowder

Smoked sausage brings big flavor with minimal effort, so you barely need seasoning. Potatoes and cream turn it into a stick-to-your-ribs bowl perfect for freezing nights.

Every spoon tastes like a cozy cabin dinner without the fuss.

Brown the sausage to unlock smoky edges, then add onions, garlic, and stock. Simmer until potatoes are tender and thicken with a quick cream finish.

Cracked black pepper and paprika seal the deal.

6. Ham and Potato Chowder

Leftover ham turns into a deeply comforting chowder that tastes like childhood dinners. The saltiness seasons the pot as potatoes soften into creamy perfection.

Carrots add sweetness, and a handful of chives keeps things fresh and bright.

Make a quick roux for body or let potatoes thicken naturally. Use ham stock if you have it, or chicken stock in a pinch.

A swirl of cream and a pat of butter make it taste restaurant-level.

7. Creamy Seafood Chowder

When you want special without stress, this creamy seafood chowder delivers. A mix of shrimp, fish, and maybe scallops creates layers of sweetness and sea.

Potatoes make it hearty, while dill or thyme adds elegant aroma.

Keep the heat gentle so seafood stays tender. Add delicate pieces at the end and finish with cream and a knob of butter.

Serve with lemon and crusty bread to catch every last drop.

8. Salmon Chowder

Buttery salmon turns a simple pot into something quietly luxurious. The fish flakes into the creamy base, while potatoes keep it grounding and filling.

Dill brings a clean herbal note that makes the richness feel balanced.

Use skinless salmon and gently poach in the chowder near the end. A squeeze of lemon brightens the final spoonful.

Serve with rye or sourdough for a satisfying, elegant weeknight dinner.

9. White Fish Chowder

Simple and soothing, this white fish chowder lets the seafood shine. Mild cod or haddock flakes apart into tender pieces, cushioned by potatoes and gentle aromatics.

The broth is creamy but clean, perfect when you want comfort without weight.

Poach the fish gently and avoid over-stirring, so it stays in generous chunks. A pat of butter and a hit of fresh parsley finish it right.

Serve with sea salt and plenty of crackers.

10. Shrimp Chowder

Shrimp cook fast, making this chowder weeknight-friendly without losing comfort points. Corn adds sweetness and pops of texture alongside tender potatoes.

The creamy base carries a gentle seafood essence that feels rich but not heavy.

Sear a few shrimp first for browned flavor, then simmer the rest gently. A dusting of paprika and lemon zest makes the bowl sparkle.

Serve hot with buttered toast for dipping.

11. Crab Chowder

Sweet lump crab turns this chowder into pure cold-weather luxury. Potatoes keep it hearty, while Old Bay-style seasoning makes the flavor unmistakable.

The texture stays silky with generous crab folded in at the end.

Use good seafood stock or a blend of stock and clam juice. Do not boil once the crab is in, or it will toughen.

A little sherry and chopped chives finish the bowl beautifully.

12. Lobster Chowder

This is the splurge bowl that makes a Tuesday feel like a celebration. Sweet lobster meets a buttery, creamy base that coats every potato.

The aroma alone signals winter comfort turned restaurant-level at home.

Steam the lobster, then fold the meat in gently near the end. A drizzle of melted butter and a whisper of paprika take it over the top.

Serve with warm rolls to catch every droplet.

13. Potato Leek Chowder

Potato leek chowder is the definition of simple done right. Leeks melt into sweetness, potatoes turn velvety, and a bit of cream creates silk.

It is hearty without heaviness and perfect when meat is not the mood.

Sweat leeks gently so they stay sweet, not browned. Blend part of the pot for body, leaving some chunks for texture.

Finish with butter, pepper, and chives for quiet luxury.

14. Broccoli Cheddar Chowder

Think broccoli cheddar soup, but cozier and thicker. Tender broccoli, melty cheddar, and soft potatoes make every spoonful satisfying.

The cheese blends into a creamy base that feels indulgent yet weeknight-easy.

Steam broccoli until bright green, then stir in to keep texture. Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor and add slowly to avoid clumping.

A pinch of mustard powder quietly boosts the cheese.

15. Mushroom Chowder

Earthy and aromatic, mushroom chowder brings forest comfort to the table. A mix of cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms gives depth and texture.

Potatoes and cream make it hearty while thyme and garlic perfume the pot.

Brown mushrooms well for maximum savoriness, then deglaze the pan. Simmer gently with stock and finish with cream and butter.

A splash of sherry makes it feel elegant without effort.

16. Turkey Chowder (Leftover-Friendly)

After the holidays, this chowder turns leftovers into something brand new. Shredded turkey, tender potatoes, and mixed veggies simmer into rich comfort.

The creamy base makes it feel special without more heavy lifting.

Use turkey stock if you saved it, or chicken stock works fine. Add peas at the end to keep them bright.

A handful of parsley and black pepper wakes up yesterday’s roast beautifully.

17. Pumpkin or Butternut Squash Chowder

Naturally thick and silky, this chowder leans slightly sweet in the best way. Pumpkin or butternut blends into a golden base that feels both cozy and bright.

A swirl of cream and warm spices make every spoonful feel celebratory.

Roast the squash for deeper flavor, then blend until smooth. Add stock to loosen, and finish with nutmeg, pepper, and a little maple.

Toasted pepitas bring crunch you will crave.