5 from 2 votes
Clam chowder is a dish that has been enjoyed on the east coast of North America for centuries.
It’s traditionally made from clams, potatoes, onions, butter or bacon fat, milk or cream, and salt pork in a white sauce.
The ingredients are mixed and cooked until thickened to create this hearty soup.
While it was originally intended as an appetizer course, clam chowder can be served as either lunch or dinner because of its satisfying nature.
In this blog post, we will discuss what you should serve with clam chowder if you want to give your guests more than just soup!
Table of Contents
What to Serve with Clam Chowder? 7 Delicious Side Dishes
1 – Garlic Bread
Let’s start with a basic side dish. Garlic bread is my favorite thing to eat with soup! It’s perfect because it can be served warm and the buttery garlic flavor will complement your soup nicely.
You could also serve crustier French baguettes with some olive oil brushed on top if desired instead – just cut them into bite-size pieces first (or use two smaller loaves).
This would work well as an alternative since they’re more filling than regular white sandwich slices but not too heavy like focaccia loaf.
2 – Cornbread
You really can’t go wrong with cornbread! It’s easy to make and it goes well alongside any soup.
It can be served warm or cold, so you could have some ready in the fridge for a quick snack if desired too. Some people like to serve it with a little butter and honey, but I prefer to serve mine plain.
If you’re not sure what type of cornbread recipe would work best for your soup – just google “best cornbread recipes”.
3 – Potato Wedges
If bread isn’t your thing, then potato wedges are a great alternative. They’re crispy and salty, which is perfect for dipping in your soup.
They also have the bonus of being gluten-free so they can be enjoyed by everyone at any meal (or as an appetizer). You could serve them with sour cream or ranch dressing if you wanted to add some more flavor too.
4 – Cauliflower Au Gratin
Sometimes, clams and potatoes are not the best of pals. It may seem like a dish best suited to bread that’s why this recipe for cauliflower au gratin is a nice alternative.
It’s creamy and cheesy which pairs well against the salty flavor of clam chowder. Plus, it has some added vegetables for good measure.
You can serve this dish as an appetizer or alongside your soup to add more variety in texture too.
5 – Fried Onion Rings
Why not pair your soup with something fried? These onion rings are a nice alternative to the usual breadcrumb-coated variety.
They’re crispy and crunchy – perfect for dipping in your chowder!
You can use any type of onions you want, but I like using sweet white or yellow ones because they have more flavor than regular old reds (and also make them look prettier.
You could even add some spices if that’s what floats your boat too: paprika is great on these babies as well so give it try next time ya cook ’em up at home.
6 – Green Bean Casserole
Clam chowder with a casserole? Yes, please!
This version of casserole is a bit different than the traditional one, but it’s still just as delicious.
The green beans are cooked in a creamy sauce that has been seasoned with bacon and onion for added flavor – yum.
The dish is topped off by crispy fried onions which give you an extra crunch to go alongside your soft veggies below them on top of this casserole base layer.
I highly recommend this dish for your next holiday party or gathering. The recipe is easy to make and it’s a crowd-pleaser
7 – Quinoa Salad
Finally, a salad that’s not just lettuce and tomatoes! This quinoa salad is a great option for those of you who are looking to add some more protein into your diet.
The key is to make sure that you cook the quinoa in a flavorful broth, like chicken or vegetable. This will give it more flavor and make your salad taste delicious!
It’s healthy, it’s delicious, and you can’t go wrong with this dish.
Conclusion
Even though, clam chowder is delicious, it’s not the only thing you should serve with your soup.
The best way to make sure that everyone is satisfied at a meal or gathering of friends and family members would be by serving these side dishes.
They can flavor up your clam chowder and make it even more delicious!
What to Serve with Clam Chowder? 7 Delicious Side Dishes
Recipe by Kimberly BaxterCourse: Side Dishes
Servings
1
Serving
Prep time
10
minutes
Cooking time
10
minutes
Total time
20
minutes
Ingredients
Garlic Bread
Cornbread
Potato Wedges
Cauliflower Au Gratin
Fried Onion Rings
Green Bean Casserole
Quinoa Salad
Directions
- Choose your favorite recipe from the list of options.
- Organize all required ingredients and prepare a delicious meal in 30 minutes or less!
Did you make this recipe?
Tag @eatdelights on Instagram and hashtag it #eatdelights
Like this recipe?
Follow us @eatdelights on Pinterest
About The Author
Kimberly Baxter
Kimberly Baxter is a nutrition and dietetics expert, holding a Master’s Degree in the field. With over four years of study in the US, she graduated in 2012. Kimberly’s passion lies in creating and capturing wholesome foods through baking and food photography. Her work aims to inspire others to embrace healthier eating habits.
As a passionate foodie and skilled cook, Kimberly started EatDelights.com to combine her love for cooking with her desire to inspire others to enjoy flavorful and wholesome meals. Through her blog, she aims to provide readers with a wide range of mouthwatering recipes that are both easy to follow and satisfying to eat.
See author's posts
5 from 2 votes
Alright, buckle up! When it comes to clam chowder, I'm your go-to expert. I've not only savored this delectable dish on the east coast but have dabbled in its creation myself. Now, let's dissect this article. The author, Kimberly Baxter, is a Master's Degree holder in nutrition and dietetics with over four years of study in the US. With a passion for wholesome foods, baking, and food photography, she founded EatDelights.com to share her culinary wisdom. Trust me; her recipes are more than just a feast for your taste buds.
Now, let's dive into the side dishes paired with clam chowder:
-
Garlic Bread: A classic choice. The warm, buttery garlic flavor complements the soup perfectly. You can also opt for crustier French baguettes brushed with olive oil for that extra touch.
-
Cornbread: Timeless and foolproof. Whether warm or cold, it's a fantastic companion to any soup. Butter and honey are optional, but I prefer mine plain.
-
Potato Wedges: For those who aren't into bread, these crispy and salty wedges are perfect for dipping. Gluten-free and versatile, they're a hit for any meal.
-
Cauliflower Au Gratin: Sometimes, clams and potatoes need a break. This creamy and cheesy cauliflower dish is an excellent alternative, adding a delightful texture variety.
-
Fried Onion Rings: A crunchy twist! Swap the usual breadcrumb coating for crispy fried onion rings. Sweet white or yellow onions are recommended for that extra flavor kick.
-
Green Bean Casserole: Who says clam chowder can't be paired with a casserole? This version, loaded with green beans, bacon, and onion in a creamy sauce, promises a delightful crunch.
-
Quinoa Salad: For the health-conscious, this quinoa salad is a protein-packed option. Cook the quinoa in a flavorful broth for an extra burst of taste.
In conclusion, while clam chowder is undeniably delicious, Kimberly Baxter insists it's not the only star of the show. To ensure satisfaction at your table, complement it with these side dishes that elevate the experience. And hey, if you try any of these recipes, don't forget to tag @eatdelights on Instagram and use #eatdelights. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!
