The Creamy Salmon Chowder is the ultimate blend of rich flavors, combining tender chunks of salmon with crispy bacon and hearty vegetables all simmered in a silky broth. This dish delivers everything you want in a comfort meal – warmth, creaminess, and a touch of indulgence from the bacon and cream.
Ideal for chilly evenings or when you’re craving a nourishing one-pot meal, this chowder brings the essence of the coast straight to your table. It’s also naturally gluten-free and easy to make, making it a fantastic go-to for both weeknight dinners and special cozy gatherings.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 lb skinless salmon fillets, cut into chunks
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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4 slices bacon, chopped
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1 small onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 medium carrots, diced
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2 celery stalks, diced
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3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
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2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup frozen corn
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1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pot.
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Add olive oil and sauté the onion, celery, and carrots for 5 minutes, until softened.
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Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
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Add the diced potatoes, thyme, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
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Add the salmon chunks and corn. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the salmon is cooked through.
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Stir in the heavy cream and cooked bacon. Simmer for another 2 minutes, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why Creamy Salmon Chowder is the Ultimate Comfort Food
Creamy Salmon Chowder is more than just a soup—it’s a heartwarming, rich, and flavorful dish that satisfies both your palate and your appetite. This chowder embodies the cozy, nourishing qualities that people seek during colder months, yet it’s light and balanced enough to enjoy all year round. It’s packed with nutrient-dense ingredients like salmon, potatoes, carrots, and celery, all harmoniously blended in a velvety cream-based broth. The bacon adds a smoky depth, while the corn contributes a subtle sweetness, elevating the overall flavor profile.
Originating from classic seafood chowders that are popular in coastal regions like New England and the Pacific Northwest, this version with salmon gives a twist to the traditional clam-based variant. The choice of salmon not only enhances the taste but also increases the nutritional benefits, as it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and essential vitamins.
Health Benefits of Salmon Chowder
Despite being a creamy soup, salmon chowder can be surprisingly healthy. Salmon itself is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support heart health, reduce inflammation, and improve brain function. This makes salmon chowder a wholesome meal option, especially when balanced with vegetables like carrots and celery.
The potatoes in the chowder provide complex carbohydrates and fiber, helping to keep you full for longer. Carrots are a great source of beta-carotene and vitamin A, while celery brings its own set of antioxidants and minerals to the mix. Even though bacon is an indulgent addition, using it sparingly allows you to enjoy its bold flavor without overwhelming the dish or compromising too much on nutrition.
The inclusion of heavy cream does increase the fat content, but it also contributes to the luxurious mouthfeel that makes this chowder so satisfying. For those seeking a lighter version, substitutions such as half-and-half or even coconut milk can be made without losing the dish’s essential character.
Perfect Occasions for Serving
Creamy Salmon Chowder is a highly versatile dish that suits a range of occasions. It’s ideal for cozy family dinners, especially during fall and winter when you crave warming meals. It also makes an impressive starter for holiday meals or dinner parties—something about a steaming bowl of creamy, seafood-rich soup immediately signals comfort and elegance.
You can serve it with crusty bread, biscuits, or a light salad for a complete meal. It also stores and reheats well, making it great for meal prep or next-day leftovers. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just cooking for yourself, this chowder brings a touch of indulgence without being overly complicated.
Tips for Making the Best Salmon Chowder
To make a truly outstanding salmon chowder, the key lies in layering flavors. Start by crisping the bacon to build a smoky base, then sautéing the aromatics like onions, garlic, and celery in the rendered fat. This foundational step allows the vegetables to absorb the savory flavor before the broth and cream are added.
Use fresh salmon if possible—it provides a tender, flaky texture and a clean flavor that complements the creamy base. If you’re using frozen salmon, be sure to thaw and pat it dry beforehand to avoid excess moisture diluting the chowder. The salmon should be added toward the end of the cooking process and simmered just until it’s cooked through to prevent overcooking.
Another tip is to cut the potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Letting the soup rest for a few minutes after cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully. For added richness and a finishing touch, a sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens up the dish and adds color contrast.
Variations and Customizations
While the base recipe is delicious on its own, there are numerous ways to tailor this chowder to suit your tastes or dietary preferences:
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Make it dairy-free by using full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute. This gives the chowder a slightly tropical twist while keeping it rich and satisfying.
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Add more vegetables like leeks, peas, or spinach to increase the nutritional value and create variety in texture and flavor.
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Swap bacon for pancetta or smoked sausage for a different kind of smokiness.
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Spice it up with red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for a subtle heat that balances the creaminess.
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Make it gluten-free by ensuring all your broth and bacon ingredients are certified gluten-free. This dish is naturally gluten-free otherwise.
These customizations can make salmon chowder suitable for different occasions and dietary needs, making it a go-to recipe you can rely on and reinvent whenever you like.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftovers of salmon chowder are often even more flavorful the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The cream may thicken as it sits, so when reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the consistency without sacrificing flavor.
To reheat, gently warm the chowder over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid bringing it to a boil, as the cream can separate and the salmon may become tough if overcooked. It’s best reheated on the stovetop rather than the microwave for optimal texture.
This chowder also freezes moderately well, though it’s important to note that cream-based soups may change in texture after thawing. For best results, freeze the chowder before adding cream, and stir it in fresh when reheating.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Chowder
This Creamy Salmon Chowder hits all the right notes—it’s warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying. Unlike many seafood dishes that feel extravagant or time-consuming, this one comes together in under an hour, using everyday ingredients that you might already have on hand. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate more fish into your diet without resorting to plain grilled fillets or complicated dishes.
The texture combination is also something to love: the creaminess of the broth, the tenderness of the salmon, the crunch of vegetables, and the occasional bite of bacon all create a well-rounded experience in each spoonful. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel taken care of, and the leftovers only get better, which is always a bonus.
This recipe also appeals to a wide range of palates—from seafood lovers to comfort food enthusiasts. It offers just the right amount of indulgence, making it feel like a special treat, yet it’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
Conclusion
Creamy Salmon Chowder is a soul-satisfying dish that brings together hearty ingredients, rich flavors, and comforting textures in a single pot. It’s a beautiful marriage of simplicity and depth—offering a homemade, from-scratch feel without requiring hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re curled up by the fire or hosting a casual dinner with friends, this chowder is bound to impress.
Its flexibility also ensures it can evolve with your preferences—dairy-free, extra-spicy, veggie-packed, or indulgently creamy. However you choose to make it, one thing is certain: this salmon chowder will become a beloved staple in your recipe rotation, cherished for its warmth, flavor, and easy elegance.