Here’s a rich, comforting, and absolutely delicious Creamy Seafood Chowder — perfect for cozy nights or special dinners. It’s loaded with tender seafood, creamy potatoes, and a savory broth that’s both hearty and elegant.
🐟🦐 Creamy Seafood Chowder
📝 Ingredients (Serves 6):
Seafood:
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1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1/2 lb scallops
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1/2 lb white fish (like cod, haddock, or halibut), cut into chunks
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(Optional: Add 1/2 cup lump crabmeat or clams)
Base:
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4 slices bacon, chopped (or 2 tbsp butter for a non-bacon version)
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1 medium onion, diced
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2 celery stalks, diced
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2 carrots, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
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1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
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1 bay leaf
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4 cups seafood stock (or fish/vegetable/chicken broth)
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup whole milk
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
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1–2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thicker chowder)
👨🍳 Instructions:
1. Cook the bacon (if using):
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside, leaving about 1 tbsp of bacon fat in the pot.
Skip this step and use butter or olive oil if not using bacon.
2. Sauté vegetables:
Add onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
3. Add flour (optional):
If you prefer a thicker chowder, sprinkle in 1–2 tbsp of flour and stir for 1–2 minutes to make a light roux.
4. Simmer potatoes:
Add potatoes, thyme, bay leaf, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
5. Add seafood:
Gently stir in the shrimp, scallops, and fish (and any crab/clams). Simmer for about 5–7 minutes, just until seafood is cooked through — be careful not to overcook.
6. Finish with cream:
Stir in heavy cream and milk. Heat gently for 2–3 minutes more — don’t boil.
7. Taste & serve:
Remove bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with crispy bacon, chopped parsley, or chives.
🍞 Serving Suggestions:
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Crusty sourdough bread
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Oyster crackers
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Side salad or steamed green beans
🔁 Variations:
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Gluten-free: Skip flour or use a GF thickener like cornstarch or potato starch.
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No pork? Use butter instead of bacon and add smoked paprika for flavor.
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Lighter version: Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream.
Would you like a crockpot or dairy-free version too?