What to Serve with Clam Chowder? 25 Best Side Dishes

Are you wondering what to serve with clam chowder?

I know I always am!

Clam chowder is such a delicious and hearty soup, but it can be tough to know what to serve alongside it.

So if you are looking for some inspiration, then you are in the right place.

I’ve rounded up 25 of the best side dishes to serve with clam chowder including salads, breads, sandwiches, and more.

So go ahead and give one (or all!) of these recipes a try the next time you make clam chowder!

What to Serve with Clam Chowder? 25 Best Side Dishes

Don’t just settle for any old side dish with your clam chowder.

With such a rich and flavorful soup, you want a side dish that is going to complement it, not compete with it.

Fortunately, there are a number of great side dishes that go well with clam chowder.

Here are 25 of the best side dishes for clam chowder:

1. Roasted Red Potatoes

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Roasted to crispy perfection, these potatoes are the perfect side to a rich and creamy clam chowder.

See Also: What Sandwich Goes Well with Clam Chowder? 10 Best Sandwiches

The starchiness of the potatoes helps to thicken the soup, and the roasted flavor is a nice contrast to the sweetness of the clams.

Pro Tip: For extra crispy potatoes, toss them in cornstarch before roasting.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Swap out the red potatoes for Yukon golds or russets.
• Add some garlic or onion powder to the seasoning mix.
• Toss the potatoes with some bacon fat before roasting for an even richer flavor.

2. Simple Biscuits

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Now easier and faster than ever (just add water!), these biscuits go perfectly with any soup or stew.

See Also: What Salad Goes with Clam Chowder? 11 Best Salads

They’re light and fluffy, with a hint of saltiness that complements the flavors in clam chowder perfectly.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, try brushing the tops of the biscuits with melted butter before baking.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Use buttermilk instead of water for a richer flavor.
• Add some garlic powder to the mix for a savory twist.
• Stir in some shredded cheese before baking for cheesy goodness in every bite!

3. Easy Coleslaw

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A creamy coleslaw in 5 minutes (yes, really!) is the perfect side dish for clam chowder.

The combination of the two is a classic for a reason – the creamy soup cuts through the richness of the coleslaw, and the acidity in the coleslaw brightens up the soup.

This dish is so easy to make that you’ll never go back to store-bought coleslaw again.

Pro Tip: For an extra bit of flavor, add in a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Swap out the mayo for Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
• Add in some diced apples or grapes for sweetness and crunch.
• Stir in a few tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs, like dill or parsley.

4. Easy Cheddar Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins

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These “muffins” have plenty of melted, cheesy goodness (which we all know makes everything better).

They’re slightly spicy from the jalapeno, but you can always leave that out if you’re not a fan of heat.

I love having these with clam chowder because the cornbread soaks up all of the delicious broth.

Pro Tip: If you want a little extra crunch, sprinkle some chopped bacon on top before baking.

See Also: What Cheese Goes Well with Clam Chowder? 10 Best Cheeses

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Use a different cheese like pepper jack or Colby for a different flavor profile.
• Mix in some diced green onions or chives for an extra pop of flavor.
• Add in a cup of corn kernels for some sweetness and texture contrast.

5. Garlic Chive Smashed Potatoes

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The secret to incredibly flavorful smashed potatoes is twofold: first, you need to use starchy potatoes like Yukon golds or russets; and second, you need to cook them in boiling water until they’re nice and soft.

These garlic chive smashed potatoes are no exception – they’re light and fluffy on the inside, with a crispy outer crust that’s perfect for soaking up all the delicious clam chowder goodness.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, add a little bit of grated Parmesan cheese to the potatoes before you mash them.

3 Ways to Change It Up:

• Omit the chives and add fresh parsley or rosemary instead.
• Swap out the Yukon golds for sweet potatoes – they’ll give the dish a lovely sweetness and color.
• Use half butter and half olive oil for mashed potatoes that are both rich and healthy.

6. Roasted Asparagus

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Drizzled with olive oil and garlic (or any of your favorite herbs), this side dish is roasted to perfection.

The asparagus spears are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside – the perfect compliment to a creamy clam chowder.

Pro Tip: If you want to make this dish extra special, top it with Parmesan cheese or lemon juice before serving.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Add other vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts.
• Season with salt, pepper, and other spices like paprika or chili powder.
• Roast in the oven at a higher temperature for a shorter amount of time for more char and flavor.

7. Ranch Glazed Carrots

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These carrots go great alongside clam chowder because they provide a much needed sweetness and crunch.

The ranch dressing adds a nice creaminess and the dill really ties the dish together.

Pro Tip: I like to use rainbow carrots for this dish because they add a beautiful pop of color.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Omit the ranch dressing and glaze the carrots with honey instead.
• Swap out the dill for rosemary.
• Add some chopped bacon to the mix!

8. Quick Classic Macaroni Salad

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When simplicity is key, this is the macaroni salad for you.

It’s got all of the major players – elbow noodles, mayo, celery, onion – and comes together in about 15 minutes.

This dish is awesome with clam chowder because it provides a much-needed crunch and brightness.

Pro Tip: For an extra zing, add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the dressing.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Use a different type of pasta (e.g., shells or rotini)
• Add diced pickles or relish for sweetness and acidity
• Stir in some chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra protein

9. Special Fruit Salad

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Berries and tropical fruit make this salad extra special (especially when fresh berries are in season).

The sweetness of the fruit pairs perfectly with the savory clam chowder.

Pro Tip: If you can’t find fresh berries, frozen ones work just as well.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Add a handful of toasted almonds or pecans for some crunch.
• Swap out the white sugar for brown sugar or honey.
• Use a light citrus dressing instead of the mayo-based one listed in the recipe.

10. Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing

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This salad will go great with clam chowder because the hot bacon dressing will help cut through the richness of the soup.

The acidity of the vinegar will also be a nice contrast to the clams in the soup.

This salad is also great because it’s so easy to throw together.

All you need is some spinach, bacon, red onion, and your favorite vinegar.

Pro Tip: To save time, you can cook the bacon in advance. Just make sure to let it cool before adding it to the salad.

11. Spanish Rice

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If you have a big pot (or dutch oven) of clam chowder, you might as well make a big batch of this Spanish rice to go with it.

It’s so easy and only requires a few ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

Plus, it’s the perfect way to bulk up your soup and make it a little more filling.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, sauté the rice in some olive oil before adding the water.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Swap out white rice for brown rice or another grain.
• Add some veggies like peas, corn, or diced tomatoes.
• Stir in some cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.

12. Lemon Orzo with Parmesan & Peas

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Why not try this side dish with your clam chowder instead of the usual bread bowl?

See Also: What Bread Goes Well with Clam Chowder? 10 Best Breads

The orzo pasta is a great vessel for sopping up all that delicious broth, and the lemon adds a bright and acidic touch.

The Parmesan and peas round out the dish with some savory and earthy flavors.

Pro Tip: To save time, cook the orzo in the same pot as your clam chowder. Just start boiling the pasta when you’ve got about 10 minutes left on the soup.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Use a different type of pasta – try shells or elbows!
• Omit the Parmesan cheese to make it dairy-free.
• Swap out the peas for corn or green beans.

13. Simple Maple Baked Beans

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Whether you make this side dish to go with clam chowder or not, it’s delicious and easy to make.

The maple syrup gives the beans a slight sweetness, while the bacon and onions give them a savory flavor.

This dish is also very versatile – you can easily swap out the type of beans, add in different spices, or use veggie bacon to make it vegetarian.

Pro Tip: To speed up the cooking time, soak the beans overnight before baking.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Swap out the type of beans
• Add in different spices
• Use veggie bacon

14. Vegan Quinoa Salad

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Made with quinoa, chickpeas, red bell pepper, cucumber, parsley and lemon, this salad is the perfect side dish to any meal.

It’s light, refreshing and packed with flavor.

The best part?

It’s vegan, so you can feel good about eating it.

Pro Tip: If you’re not a fan of quinoa, you can swap it out for rice or couscous.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Add in some chopped kale or spinach for an extra nutritional boost.
• Swap out the chickpeas for black beans or lentils.
• Add in a diced avocado for some creaminess.

15. Oven-Roasted Carrots

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These cooked carrots are oven roasted with a few seasonings (to keep it simple, we went with just salt, pepper, and olive oil) and come out of the oven all caramelized and delicious.

They make the perfect side to a hearty bowl of clam chowder on a cold winter day.

Pro Tip: If you want to add a little bit of sweetness to these carrots, try drizzling them with honey before roasting.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Use different seasonings like garlic powder or cumin.
• Add some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
• Swap out the olive oil for melted butter or coconut oil.

16. Classic Broccoli Salad Recipe with Bacon

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Chock full of fresh crisp broccoli, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and bacon bits, this salad is the perfect side dish to take to your next potluck.

The sweet and tangy dressing ties all the flavors together perfectly.

Plus, it’s an easy way to get your kids to eat their veggies!

Pro Tip: For a little extra flavor, try roasting the broccoli before adding it to the salad.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Add some chopped up red onion for a little zing.
• Swap out the bacon for turkey bacon or crumbled up tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Use white balsamic vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar in the dressing.

17. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

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Brussels sprouts make a great side dish because they’re hearty and can stand up to rich, creamy soups like clam chowder.

They’re also a good source of vitamins and fiber.

I like to roast my Brussels sprouts with a little bit of olive oil, salt and pepper.

Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, you can cook Brussels sprouts in the microwave.

Just be sure to add a little bit of water to the bottom of the dish, and cover with a damp paper towel.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Swap out the olive oil for melted butter for a richer flavor.
• Add some garlic for an extra zing.
• Top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

18. Pomegranate Salad

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Fresh pomegranate AND a pomegranate dressing (what?!).

This salad is a game-changer when it comes to side dishes.

It’s bright, it’s flavorful, and it pairs perfectly with the creamy clam chowder.

Not to mention, it looks beautiful on the plate.

Pro Tip: If you can’t find pomegranate seeds, you can use chopped dried cranberries instead.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Use a different type of greens – spinach or arugula would be great substitutes.
• Swap out the pomegranate seeds for chopped nuts – pistachios or almonds would be delicious.
• Add some protein – grilled chicken or shrimp would be great additions.

19. Quinoa Pilaf

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If you want something on the healthier side to go with your clam chowder, quinoa pilaf is a great option.

Quinoa is a grain that is packed with protein and fiber, so it will help fill you up without weighing you down.

This dish also has a nice mix of veggies for some added color and flavor.

Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked quinoa to make this dish even easier.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Swap out the veggies for whatever you have on hand.
• Add in some cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
• Top with a fried egg for an extra-filling meal.

20. Sweet Potato Casserole with Butter Pecan Crumble Topping

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Why not try something unique and delicious for your next chowder side dish?

This sweet potato casserole is not only easy to make, but it’s also packed with flavor.

The pecans give a nice crunch, while the butter and brown sugar provide a delicious sweetness that takes this dish to the next level.

Pro Tip: If you want an even sweeter casserole, try using maple syrup instead of brown sugar.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Add marshmallows to the top for an extra sweet and gooey treat.
• Use different types of nuts in the crumble topping, such as walnuts or almonds.
• Stir in some raisins or dried cranberries into the casserole for a pop of color and sweetness.

21. Corn Pudding

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This old-fashioned corn pudding is a creamy, baked side dish that’s perfect for any fall gathering.

It’s sweet, it’s savory, and it pairs perfectly with a hearty chowder.

Plus, it couldn’t be easier to make!

Pro Tip: For an extra-rich corn pudding, substitute half of the milk for heavy cream.

22. The Creamiest Garlic Mashed Potatoes

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The addition of garlic and sour cream to these mashed potatoes makes them extra creamy and flavorful.

They’re the perfect side dish to a hearty chowder on a cold winter night.

Pro Tip: For an even creamier mashed potato, swap out the milk for half-and-half.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a richer flavor.
• Substitute Parmesan cheese for the cheddar cheese.
• Omit the green onions for a more subtle flavor.

23. Cornbread

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Simple, tasty, and versatile, cornbread is the perfect side dish for a hearty bowl of chowder.

The sweetness of the cornbread pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the soup, and the cornmeal gives the bread a satisfying crunch.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, add some diced jalapeños to your cornbread batter.

3 Ways to Mix Up Your Cornbread:

• Add shredded cheese to the batter for a cheesy twist.
• Stir in some diced onions or green peppers for a savory kick.
• Top your cornbread with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup before baking for a sweet touch.

24. Dinner Rolls

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Light, fluffy, buttery dinner rolls aren’t as difficult to make as you might think.

This recipe uses just a few ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.

And the best part is, they only take about 30 minutes to make!

These dinner rolls are the perfect side dish to any soup or stew, but I especially love them with chowder.

Pro Tip: For extra fluffy rolls, add an extra egg yolk to the dough.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Swap out the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour.
• Add some chopped herbs to the dough for a flavor boost.
• Use melted butter instead of vegetable oil for a richer flavor.

25. Garlic and Parmesan Kale Chips

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Baked in the oven until crispy, these kale chips are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional potato chips.

They’re perfect for dipping into chowder, or eating on their own as a snack.

The garlic and Parmesan give them a savory flavor that’s hard to resist.

Pro Tip: To get extra crispy kale chips, remove the stems and massage the leaves with olive oil before baking.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Swap out the Parmesan for another cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella.
• Add some red pepper flakes for a little bit of heat.
• Use olive oil spray instead of regular olive oil for a lighter version.

See Also: What Dessert Goes with Clam Chowder? 13 Best Desserts

3 Things To Consider When Choosing A Side Dish For Clam Chowder

1. The Flavor of the Clam Chowder

When choosing a side dish for clam chowder, you’ll want to consider the flavor of the soup. If you’re making a creamy chowder, opt for a simple side like boiled potatoes. If you’re making a tomato-based chowder, something with a little more acidity like pickled onions or cornbread will be a good complement.

2. The Texture of the Clam Chowder

The texture of your clam chowder will also play a role in choosing the right side dish. If you’re going for a thick and hearty soup, something light and airy like croutons or crackers won’t be the best choice. On the other hand, if you’re making a thinner soup, something heartier like cornbread or biscuits will be too much.

3. The Temperature of the Clam Chowder

You’ll also want to consider how hot or cold you plan on serving your clam chowder when choosing a side dish. If you’re planning on serving it hot, something that can be served at room temperature like crackers or croutons is a good option. If you’re planning on serving it cold, something that can be served chilled like pickled onions or celery would be ideal.

3 Reasons To Serve A Side Dish With Clam Chowder

1. It adds color to the dish: A side dish of green beans or a simple salad can add a much-needed pop of color to a bowl of clam chowder.
2. It balances out the flavors: A starch like rice or potatoes can help to balance out the salty and briny flavors of clam chowder.
3. It makes the meal more filling: A hearty soup like clam chowder is always better when served with a filling side dish. This ensures that you won’t be left feeling hungry after your meal.

FAQ

What Vegetables Go Good with Clam Chowder?

There are many different types of clam chowder, but the most popular include New England clam chowder and Manhattan clam chowder. For New England clam chowder, pair it with corn, potatoes, and onions. For Manhattan clam chowder, pair it with tomatoes, carrots, celery, and green peppers.

What Meat Goes with Clam Chowder?

With so many different types of clam chowder, it can be hard to decide what meat goes best with it. For a classic New England-style clam chowder, serve it with fish or shellfish. For a Manhattan-style clam chowder, try serving it with chicken or pork.

What Main Dish Goes Well with Clam Chowder?

The best kinds of main dishes to serve with clam chowder are seafood-based. This could be something as simple as grilled shrimp or fish, or something more substantial like a lobster roll or crab cake. If you want to keep it light, you could also serve a salad on the side.

What Side Dish Goes Well with New England Clam Chowder?

When serving New England clam chowder, you can’t go wrong with a simple green salad. Other popular side dishes include cornbread, biscuits, or even saltine crackers. For a heartier meal, serve the soup with grilled salmon or roasted chicken.

Related:

What Wine Goes with Clam Chowder? 10 Best Wines

What To Serve With Corn Chowder? 15 Best Side Dishes