Our Best Healthy Chowder Recipes

Plum Island Sound Clam Chowder

This top-rated chowder is a reader recipe from Patti Marsh of West Newbury, Massachusetts who recommends letting the chowder sit overnight, or at least for a couple of hours, before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Patti's key ingredients, a splash of sherry and fresh thyme, help bring out the flavors and add delicate, herbal top notes to every bowl.

View Recipe: Plum Island Sound Clam Chowder

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Corn, Clam, and Mussel Chowder

Fresh vegetables, hearty seafood, and crumbled bacon make this quick-cooking chowder a robust one-dish meal. A tomato and fennel salad completes the menu.

View Recipe: Corn, Clam, and Mussel Chowder

Photo: Randy Mayor

Simple Clam Chowder

Our Simple Clam Chowder comes together quickly in about 30 minutes and uses bacon for a hit of smoky meatiness to complement the clams.

View Recipe: Simple Clam Chowder

Randy Mayor

Roasted Corn, Pepper, and Tomato Chowder

Next time you grill, throw on some extra bell pepper, corn, and tomato for this dish. The grilled vegetables are pureed, spreading smoky flavor and thick, creamy texture into every spoonful. A sprinkle of blue cheese on top adds even more layers of flavor. Tomato soup won't be just for cold, rainy afternoons anymore after this.

View Recipe: Roasted Corn, Pepper, and Tomato Chowder

Lee Harrelson

Chicken Corn Chowder

Thickening with a roux and pureeing some of the corn gives this soup the classic rich, creamy, hearty texture you expect of chowder. It's perfect to warm up your family on a cold winter night, but it's also great in the summertime, when you can use fresh sweet corn cut straight off the cob (you'll need about six medium ears for the recipe). Take leftovers to work for a healthful, homemade heat-and-eat lunch.

View Recipe: Chicken Corn Chowder