The Ultimate “Side”kicks for Clam Chowder

What Goes With Clam Chowder?

Clam chowder is one of those foods that really can stand on its own.

Whether you’re having traditional New England, Manhattan Red, Rhode Island or any of the other regional varieties, it’s easy to think of it as a meal in itself.

However, sometimes you might be a little on the extra hungry side or perhaps you’re hosting a get together with family and friends. In situations like this, it makes sense to think about sides or other things that complement it and round out that special meal.

The challenge with clam chowder is that its unique seafood flavor can make it tricky to pair well with other foods.

But, not to fear because we’ve got just the list you’ve been looking for.

Everything is here for you to help you find just the right mix of and make that delectable bowl of clam chowder absolutely perfect.

1. Bread

I’d go so far as to say that for many of us, adding a tasty roll or bread to a piping hot bow of clam chowder would be enough. If you’re anything like me, then bread and chowder are such a natural pairing that it almost doesn’t seem worth mentioning.

Almost any type of bread will do, with the possible exception being overly sweet rolls or bread, like Hawaiian sweet rolls, for example. Aside from that, the only other consideration that might come to mind would be to choose a bread that can hold up to the liquid and not get too soggy.

Some great options to try include:

  • French Baguette
  • Dinner Rolls
  • Crostini
  • Sourdough

For those of you who simply can’t get enough bread, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the ever popular bread bowl! If that sounds like a tasty idea, but you don’t have time to run to the store and grab one, then this recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction will have you whipping up a homemade bread bowl in no time!

2. Crackers

Much like bread, crackers are another staple that many of us simply cannot do without when it comes to a side for our beloved clam chowder. Almost any type of cracker works well, but a few of the best options to try include:

3. Salads

The best kinds of salad choices for clam chowder will be those that contrast the rich creaminess of clam chowder on your palate. Cold green salads with a tangy taste profile are our pick to do just that. We’ve got a tasty list of popular recipes you can check out – they’re guaranteed to make that clam chowder shine!

Tossed Green Salad

Sometimes it’s best to keep things simple and what could be easier than a tossed green salad? However, simple doesn’t have to mean boring or uninspiring and we can prove it with this delicious-looking salad from Creme De La Crumb. It’s chock full of diverse ingredients that pair perfectly with clam chowder like bacon bits, sunflower seeds, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar and heaps of leafy greens.

Ceasar Salad

The ever popular Ceasar salad is a can’t miss choice as a clam chowder side. The tangy flavor of the ingredients, the cool crispness of lettuce and the crunchy snap of croutons makes it a great option to pair with any type of clam chowder.

This classic recipe from Natasha’s Kitchen has it all – fresh garlic, dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, red wine vinegar, olive oil and romaine lettuce. There’s even a recipe included to make your own croutons right at home if the mood should strike!

Tangy Coleslaw

Most coleslaws feature a heavy-handed helping of mayo, which might not always be the best option for pairing with clam chowder. Instead, consider opting for a vinegar-based recipe like this one from Chef Billy Parisi. It’s got a little bit of spunk, a little bit of sweet and is a can’t miss for your clam chowder.

4. Sandwiches

There’s something so satisfying about having just the right sandwich to accompany your clam chowder, and the great news is there are lots of tasty options to try.

Whether you’re looking for something cold or hot, it’s hard to go wrong with possibly one exception. When deciding what to try, you’ll probably want to opt for something that doesn’t compete directly with the taste of your chowder or that overpowers it.

Sandwiches that fall into this category might include tuna salads and melts or anything that’s overly sweet.

With those considerations in mind, there’s almost no limit to your options. From cold sandwiches like the humble BLT to tasty warm favorites like the grilled cheese, you really can’t go wrong.

If you’re craving one, then be sure and check out our ultimate list of the best sandwiches for clam chowder.

5. Wine

For many of us, having a glass of wine is one of the most enjoyable aspects of a delicious meal. However, when it comes to pairing it with soups or stews, it’s possible that it might be a little more liquid than you’d prefer in one sitting.

This is especially the case when the broth is thinner since it can make for an unpleasant combination on the palate. However, that’s not necessarily the case with creamier soups like clam chowder. In fact, the richness of clam chowder makes a great complement to white wines and lighter reds.

If having a glass with your chowder sounds like a delicious idea, then we’ve got an exhaustive list of wines that pair well with clam chowder. No matter the type of chowder you’re having, we’ve got a pairing for it, so be sure and have a look!

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