Cozy Classic Fish Chowder: A Hug in a Bowl

My easy fish chowder recipe brings the taste of New England home! Creamy, comforting, and packed with flavour. Perfect for a chilly evening. Get the recipe now!

Cozy Fish Chowder Recipe: New England Comfort in a Bowl

May 27, 2025
By Laura Tide.

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Table of Contents

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Alright, let's dive headfirst into this article section, shall we?

Recipe Introduction

Craving Comfort? This Is It!

Ever get that yearning for something warm and comforting? this fish chowder recipe is exactly what you need. it's like a big, creamy hug in a bowl.

Honestly, it's one of my go-to seafood potluck ideas because everyone loves it.

New England Charm in a Bowl

This fish chowder recipe comes straight from the cozy kitchens of new england. it's a simple dish packed with flavour.

Think creamy broth, tender potatoes and flaky fish. it's pretty easy to make. expect about 55 minutes total, prep included.

This recipe makes about 6 servings, so there's plenty to share.

More Than Just a Meal

Oh my gosh, this chowder is packed with goodness! white fish is a great source of lean protein. perfect for a chilly evening or any time you need comfort food.

What makes this seafood chowder recipe creamy so special? it's that homemade touch and the combination of simple, fresh ingredients.

It's way better than that copycat skippers clam chowder , honest!

Now, you're probably thinking about ingredients, right?

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to nail this amazing fish chowder recipe . trust me, even if you're like, "oh my gosh, i can't cook!", you totally can.

It's easier than you think.

Ingredients & Equipment: The Deets

So, grabbing your ingredients is like prepping your battle station. Here's the lowdown.

Main Players in This Seafood Chowder Recipe Creamy Drama

Bacon: 4 slices, diced. Seriously, good bacon makes all the difference. Think crispy, not burnt!
Yellow Onion: 1 medium, chopped. Don't cry! (Unless you're super sensitive. Then, maybe wear goggles?)
Celery Stalks: 2 , chopped. Adds that little bit of freshness.
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. You know, for that kick .
Yukon Gold Potatoes: 4 cups, peeled and diced. About 1.5 lbs or 680g . Gotta be Yukon Golds for the texture!
Fish or Chicken Broth: 4 cups ( 32 fl oz or 950ml ).
Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon.
Dried Bay Leaf: ½ teaspoon. Don't skip this! It's flavor magic.
Salt and Pepper: To taste. Be generous!
Firm White Fish: 1.5 lbs ( 24oz or 680g ), like cod or haddock, cut into 1-inch pieces. Get fresh fish. Seriously.
Heavy Cream: 1 cup ( 8 fl oz or 240ml ).
Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons.
All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons.
Fresh Parsley: For garnish. Because we're fancy like that.
Oyster Crackers: Optional.

Seasoning Notes: Secret Spice Scoops

This isn't just about throwing stuff in. It's about flavor layers!

Thyme & Bay Leaf: The classic clam chowder recipe New England duo. It's the combo.
Garlic: Always a good idea. Unless you're a vampire.
Bacon Fat: Don't you dare throw that away! This is liquid gold.
Substitution Alert: No fresh thyme? Use a ½ teaspoon of dried. It's all good, mate.

Equipment Needed: No Fancy Pants Required

Okay, don't freak out about needing a ton of stuff. Keep it simple!

Dutch Oven: Or any big, heavy pot. This is your main hub.
Cutting Board: Obvs.
Sharp Knife: Ditto.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: For the exact amounts.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: To stir. Don't use a metal one!

If you don't have a dutch oven, a large stockpot works in a pinch. i once made this in a pressure cooker, and it was surprisingly good.

You know, you can also try to find a legal seafood clam chowder recipe . i'm sure that tastes awesome, too!.

There you go! with these ingredients and tools, you're ready to create the best seafood chowder recipe ever. get cooking!.

I personally love seafood potluck ideas like this for get-togethers. it's always a winner.

Alright, let's dive into making a proper cozy classic fish chowder recipe ! honestly, there’s nothing quite like a creamy, comforting bowl of chowder, especially when the weather’s a bit rubbish.

This recipe is designed to be a hug in a bowl.

Cozy Classic Fish Chowder: A Hug in a Bowl presentation

Prep Like a Pro for Your Fish Chowder

Essential mise en place is key. first, dice 4 slices bacon . then chop 1 medium yellow onion and 2 celery stalks .

Mince 2 cloves of garlic . peel and dice about 4 cups of yukon gold potatoes . having everything prepped saves time and stress.

For time-saving , chop the veg while the bacon renders. Boom! And remember, safety first : Always use a sharp knife on a stable surface. No one wants a trip to A&E!

From Hob to Heaven: Step-by-Step Fish Chowder

Render Bacon : Cook diced bacon in your Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside but keep that glorious bacon fat in the pot.
Sauté aromatics : sauté chopped onion and celery in the bacon fat until softened, about 5 minutes . add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute .
Oh my gosh , the smell is already amazing.
Build the base : stir in diced potatoes, 4 cups fish or chicken broth , 1 teaspoon dried thyme , and 1/2 teaspoon dried bay leaf .
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Simmer Gently : Bring the mixture to a simmer. Then reduce the heat and cook until the potatoes are tender. It normally takes about 15- 20 minutes .
Add the fish : gently stir in 1.5 pounds of firm white fish cut into 1-inch pieces. cod or haddock works a treat! cook until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
Usually about 5- 7 minutes . don't overcook it!
(optional) thicken it up! : melt 2 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan. whisk in 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour . cook for 1 minute .
Slowly whisk this into the chowder to thicken.
Creamy Finish : Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and the cooked bacon. Heat through, but do not boil ! This step gives it the proper creamy texture.
Serve with Style : Remove the bay leaf. Garnish with fresh parsley and oyster crackers, if you're feeling fancy. Ladle into bowls and enjoy!

Ace it: Pro Tips for Best Seafood Chowder Recipe

Pro Tip #1 : Use good quality fish broth for a richer flavor. I once used cheap broth and regretted it. Honestly , it made a huge difference.

Pro Tip #2 : Don't overcook the fish. It should be just cooked through. Overcooked fish turns rubbery.

If you're planning a seafood potluck ideas party, this chowder can be made a day ahead. just add the cream and fish right before serving.

A creamy bowl, with a twist to a copycat skippers clam chowder and a fresh parsley garnish. you know? it's always a hit.

Alright, let's talk chowder, particularly notes on your soon-to-be legendary fish chowder recipe !

Recipe Notes That'll Make You a Chowder Champion

Honestly, these are the little things that elevate a dish from "meh" to "omg, can i have seconds?". these are like cheat codes that i wish i had when i first started making seafood chowder recipe creamy .

Serving Suggestions: Presentation is Key, Ya Know?

Okay, so you've got this gorgeous chowder. don't just plop it in a bowl! think about presentation. a sprinkle of fresh parsley does wonders, seriously.

I also like to swirl a tiny bit of cream on top for a fancy touch. a side of crusty bread is a must.

I remember once trying to serve it with crackers. never again. for drinks, a crisp white wine is perfect! maybe a sauvignon blanc? seafood potluck ideas come alive when this chowder is there!.

Storage Tips: Keepin' It Fresh

Listen up! this is important. chowder is best the day it's made. but, if you have leftovers, cool it down quickly (don't leave it out for hours, okay?).

Then, pop it in an airtight container in the fridge. it'll be good for about 2-3 days. freezing? hmmm, it can be done but the texture might change.

The potatoes can get a bit grainy. reheating is simple. just gently heat it on the stove over low heat, stirring often.

Don't let it boil!

Variations: Let's Get Creative!

Fancy a change? you bet! if you are avoiding dairy, use full-fat coconut milk. it adds a subtle sweetness that's delish! i once made this recipe for my vegan friend and he was blown away.

For a winter twist, try swapping regular potatoes for sweet potatoes. it's a game-changer! did i mention you can make a spicy one? a pinch of red pepper flakes and bam!

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

Okay, so this chowder is comforting and kinda good for you. it's packed with protein from the fish. the potatoes offer carbs for energy.

And let's not forget the healthy fats from the cream (everything in moderation, right?). fish is a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids.

These are great for your heart and brain.

Ending Note

So, there you have it, a fish chowder recipe that's easy to make, delicious to eat, and totally customisable! my aim? to create the best seafood chowder recipe .

Give it a whirl. you might even end up with your own legal seafood clam chowder recipe dupe! i believe you can do it!

Creamy Fish Chowder Recipe: A Seafood Potluck Idea

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best type of fish to use in a fish chowder recipe? Can I use frozen fish?

For the best fish chowder, go for firm, white fish like cod, haddock, or pollock. They hold their shape well during cooking and have a mild flavour that won't overpower the other ingredients. Frozen fish works perfectly fine, just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before adding it to the chowder. No one wants a watery chowder, right?

How can I thicken my fish chowder recipe? Mine always seems too thin.

There are a few tricks to thickening fish chowder. The recipe provided includes a roux made from butter and flour, which is a classic method. Alternatively, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot to release their starch, creating a natural thickening effect. Just remember, like a good cup of tea, patience is key - let it simmer gently for a while to allow the flavours to meld and the chowder to thicken naturally.

Can I make this fish chowder recipe ahead of time? How do I store leftovers?

Absolutely! Fish chowder is often even better the next day as the flavours have had time to meld together - a bit like a good stew or curry. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do it gently over low heat to prevent the cream from curdling. Sadly, due to the cream and fish, it's not recommended to freeze fish chowder, it's best enjoyed fresh!

I'm not a fan of bacon. Can I make this fish chowder recipe without it?

Of course! While bacon adds a lovely smoky depth, you can easily omit it. Simply start by sautéing the onion and celery in butter or olive oil instead. You might want to add a pinch of smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce to amp up the umami flavour. Think of it like jazz - the bacon is a great riff, but the song still works without it.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream in this fish chowder recipe?

Yes, you can definitely make a dairy-free version! Full-fat coconut milk is a great substitute for heavy cream, adding richness and a subtle sweetness. Alternatively, cashew cream (made by blending soaked cashews with water) provides a similar creamy texture. Just remember that these alternatives might slightly alter the flavour profile of the chowder, so adjust seasonings to taste. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end can help brighten the flavours.

What kind of potatoes are best for this fish chowder recipe, and can I use other vegetables?

Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for fish chowder because they're creamy, hold their shape well during cooking, and don't get too mushy. However, you can use other waxy potatoes like red potatoes or even Maris Piper in a pinch. Feel free to get creative with the vegetables – corn kernels, chopped leeks, or even some diced carrots can add extra flavour and texture. Just like you wouldn't judge someone for putting peas in their carbonara (okay, maybe a little!), a few extra veggies won't hurt!