Clam chowder is a creamy soup favorite of many households – ours included! It’s a classic dish that can be served in many different ways, which can make deciding what to serve with clam chowder (and goes well with it) a little tough.

If you need ideas for what to serve as a side dish, type of bread, or even dessert you will find some great ideas here. There are several different clam chowders types so this article will also help you find the perfect recipe to serve with your favorite type of clam chowder.

menu items to go with clam chowder, bread, salads

You may like to pair Grill Corn in Husk recipe with your clam chowder meal. And when you’re done, try The Masters Peach Ice Cream Sandwich to end with a sweet treat!

❓ FAQ about Clam Chowder

What is clam chowder?

Clam chowder is a creamy soup made from clams, potatoes, and bacon (in most recipes) with various spices that can be served in a variety of creative ways.

It’s what you would call comfort food – it brings back happy memories of Mom cooking for the family on a hot summer night or Dad coming home after work to this delicious meal ready and waiting. What could be better?

How many types of clam chowder are there?

There are three most common types of clam chowder which include New England Clam Chowder, Manhattan Clam Chowder, and Rhode Island Clam Chowder.

What is the difference between New England Clam Chowder and Manhattan clam chowder?

Manhattan clam chowder is full of veggies and has a tomato base broth. New England clam chowder is cream-based chowder with potatoes and clams.

What is clam chowder made of?

Clam chowder can be what you make it – there are no rules! But usually, the base of clam chowder is typically clams, potatoes, and bacon. However, there are variations of this dish that include different meats, vegetables, or even seafood.

You can make your own variation of clam chowder at home by using what you have on hand or what’s in season – just be sure to keep the key ingredients of clams, potatoes, and bacon in there!ingredients to make clam chowder

Can you freeze clam chowder?

Yes, you can freeze clam chowder. However, we don’t recommend freezing it for more than two months as the quality of the soup may suffer over time.

To freeze your clam chowder, let it cool completely and then place in quart-sized freezer bags or an airtight container. Be sure to remove as much air as possible before freezing.

When you’re ready to eat it, let the soup thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat over low heat on the stovetop.

How many calories are in clam chowder?

One cup of clam chowder made with clams, potatoes, and bacon will have approximately 400 calories in it.

😋 RICH AND CREAMY INSTANT POT CLAM CHOWDER RECIPE

This rich, creamy Instant Pot clam chowder recipe can be made in about 30 minutes. This recipe makes a comforting warm chowder that is full of tender potatoes, carrots, and celery and loaded with sweet pieces of clams.

clam chowder in a bowl and all ingredients for recipe

💭 Tips for Serving Clam Chowder

  • Serve it with a side of biscuits and gravy for a heartier meal.
  • Serve it in a bread bowl for a fun and easy way to eat it.
  • Add some bacon bits on top for extra flavor.
  • Add a little cheese and make it into a chowder-queso.
  • Serve with an ice cold beer for the perfect meal to eat outside on the patio or deck.
  • Make clam fritters by frying up some batter in your favorite seasonings and serve them alongside for extra flavor you won’t be able to get enough of.
  • Serve with a side of salad for a healthier meal.
  • Add a little extra cream to make it into a soup and serve with some grilled cheese on the side for a classic comfort food meal.
  • Serve in small cups as an appetizer at your next party – perfect for satisfying clam chowder cravings!
  • Mix up the ingredients and make it your own unique version of clam chowder with yummy add ins- such as different veggies, the possibilities are endless!
clam chowder recipe in a bowl and crackers

What to serve with Clam Chowder

Wondering what to eat with Clam Chowder? Here’s a list of delicious sides you can pair with your Clam Chowder to make a savory finish:

  • Rice – Brown or white rice make the perfect side dish, or even a low-carb version such as cauliflower mushroom rice.
  • Sweet CornSweet corn when pair with clam chowder gives it just right right amount of sweet, almost turning your clam chowder meal into a new recipe!
  • Kale SaladSweet creamy dressing tossed with toasted pecans, tomatoes and crunchy cabbage create this wonderful and surprisingly Low Carb Italian Kale Salad. 
  • Lobster Rolls – Lobster rolls are a type of seafood sandwich that is made with lobster meat. The roll can be hot or cold, and served either on a bun or as an open-faced sandwich.
  • Homemade BreadHomemade bread is the best with a crispy outside crust and soft insides. Dip it in your clam chowder!
  • Garlic BreadDifferent from homemade bread, garlic bread is crispy with a touch of garlic that combines well with clam chowder.
  • Homemade Oyster Crackers – These are delicious and easy to make with only a few required ingredients – flour, baking powder, salt, butter, milk and of course, oysters!
  • Green Bean with Bacon – The green bean and bacon combination can be served on the grill during the summer months or mixed together and thrown in the oven.
  • Tangy ColeslawThis coleslaw sides delightfully with clam chowder and will leave you wanting seconds!
  • Thin French Fries – Thin french fries are the perfect side to accompany your clam chowder. They’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and they’ll help soak up all of that delicious chowder gravy!
  • Tender Potatoes If you want something a little bit more hearty as a side dish for your clam chowder, why not try tender potatoes? You can boil them in saltwater until they’re soft and then mash them with some butter and milk. They’ll fill you up fast!
  • Colorful SaladSpinach and other leafy greens are not only delicious, but they also have great health benefits.
  • Grilled Cheese or Grilled Vegetable SandwichGrilled cheese sandwiches and grilled veggie sandwiches are always a hit, and they’re the perfect comfort food to eat while enjoying a bowl of clam chowder.
  • Vanilla Ice Cream – When looking for a sweet treat to finish the meal off with, you can’t ever go wrong with vanilla ice cream.

Bread Recipes To Go With Your Clam Chowder

Miracle No-Knead Bread
This easy no-knead bread looks and tastes like something from a fancy bakery, with it’s golden brown crust and soft chewy center.
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Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Video Recipe | TheBellyRulesTheMind
Copycat Olive Garden breadsticks are our spot on version of the classic dish. Pair them with your favorite pasta or soup and salad for a treat you and your family will love!
GO TO THE PARTY
Crusty French Baguette Recipe | The Belly Rules The Mind
Crusty French baguettes go perfectly with your favorite meal. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these loaves will allow you to soak up extra sauce or gravy, scoop up your favorite salad, or enhance your ho-hum sandwich.
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Air fryer garlic bread
This air fryer garlic bread is ridiculously quick and easy. With just six ingredients its on the table in ten minutes. A great side dish or a delicious snack.
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Braided Italian Pesto Bread Recipe – Saporito Kitchen
This beautiful Italian pesto bread has such a delicious flavor. Light and fluffy, this homemade Italian bread is braided with basil pesto!
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Side Dishes With Clam Chowder

Easy Sautéed Asparagus Amandine: A 15 Minute Wonder
Impress dinner guests with elegant Sauteed Asparagus Amandine. This asparagus recipe is delicious and can be prepared in under 15 minutes.
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Roasted broccoli rabe
Roasted broccoli rabe, also known as rapini, is a quick and delicious side dish tossed with olive oil, red pepper flakes and orange zest.
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Instant Pot Potato Salad – Life Currents classic side dish
Instant Pot Potato Salad, classic potato salad recipe, made super easy by cooking the potatoes and eggs all in the Instant Pot together
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Spanish garlic mushrooms – Champiñones al ajillo – The Tasty Chilli
Champiñones al ajillo or Spanish garlic mushrooms is a classic Spanish tapas dish. The mushrooms are sautéed in olive oil, garlic, onions and lemon juice.
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Salads To Pair With Clam Chowder

Blueberry & Goat Cheese Salad with Creamy Basil Dressing
My Blueberry & Goat Cheese Salad with Creamy Basil Dressing is a lovely way to eat your “super foods”. This recipe is a delicious, nutritonal power punch!
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Fuji Apple Salad Recipe
This Fuji Apple Salad Recipe is loaded with fresh, crisp fuji apples, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy walnuts, then drizzled with a cinnamon honey vinegarette. If you enjoy a fresh, slightly sweet salad loaded with nuts and fruit, then you need to try this best salad recipe.
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Fresh Tomato Salad With Italian Herbs
If you need a quick and easy salad that reminds you of summer then try this Fresh Tomato Salad With Italian Herbs.
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If you need a quick and easy salad that reminds you of summer then try this Fresh Tomato Salad With Italian Herbs.
Kale and Fennel Salad with Almond and Cranberry
This easy Kale and Fennel Salad with Almond and Cranberry is full of flavors and textures. The dish also looks beautiful with vibrant colors. Great for daily meals as well as special occasions.
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Green Jacket Salad Recipe
The famous Green Jacket Salad Recipe is sure to be a hole-in-one at your next party! A tangy vinaigrette made with fresh and dried herbs, sliced green onions tossed with crisp greens, and tomatoes. Add crunchy pita chips and top with freshly ground parmesan cheese. You will have a salad that is sure to become a family favorite.
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green jacket salad on a plate with masters program book next to it

Dessert Ideas

Starbucks Madeleine Recipe
It's easy to make this Copycat Starbucks Madeleine Recipe at home. The little shell shaped cookies are a sweet cake-like cookie that has a touch of lemon zest and smooth vanilla flavor.
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Copycat Starbucks Madeleine on a cooling rack with powdered sugar on them
Dark Chocolate Strawberry Tarts
These healthy vegan dark chocolate strawberry tarts have the perfect combination of fresh fruity strawberries and rich dark chocolate and are gluten-free, with no refined sugars or dairy.  
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