Creamy Seafood Chowder: A Cozy Comfort Food Classic
Warm up with this creamy seafood chowder, loaded with tender chunks of fresh seafood, potatoes, and sweet corn in a rich, velvety broth. Perfect as a comforting meal on chilly days, this classic chowder is easy to make and deeply satisfying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups diced potatoes (about 2 medium potatoes)
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 4 cups seafood stock or clam juice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 lb mixed seafood (such as shrimp, scallops, and white fish), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Add butter to the pot and sauté onions until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in seafood stock, ensuring no lumps form. Add diced potatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Add corn kernels, seafood pieces, heavy cream, and milk. Simmer gently until seafood is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Do not boil after adding cream to prevent curdling.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Stir in cooked bacon and fresh parsley if using.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or oyster crackers.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen seafood, but avoid pre-cooked seafood to prevent overcooking.
- For a thicker chowder, mash some of the potatoes before adding seafood.
- Substitute seafood stock with chicken stock if unavailable, but seafood stock adds more authentic flavor.
