25 Chowder Recipes That’ll Warm You Up on the Chilliest Nights (2024)

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Sweet parsnip, creamy coconut milk and aromatic sage combine to make this low-FODMAP and dairy-free (yet undeniably decadent) chowder from Coterie member Phoebe Lapine. File this one under guilt-free comfort food.

Fresh tarragon, brown butter-basted lobster and sherry make this silky bisque sing—but the real secret is the homemade lobster stock, which imparts a rich, complex flavor that you just can’t achieve with a store-bought broth.

Thyme and bay leaf-scented milk make a creamy and aromatic base, while quinoa adds textural interest and extra heartiness to this comforting cauliflower chowder, courtesy of Coterie member Heidi Larsen. Let’s just say this one checks all the boxes.

The palate-pleasing combination of salty ham and starchy potatoes in this easy Crockpot chowder promises to satisfy the stomach. Best of all, you can whip it up without breaking a sweat (or the bank, for that matter).

Oysters, crab meat and shrimp bathe in a bold and spicy broth in this authentic, Creole-style seafood gumbo. Your mind will be blown by this flavor bomb…if you can get your roux right, that is.

Lighten things up with this elevated take on a classic corn chowder, which features tender, meaty shrimp and copious amounts of fresh corn swimming in a silky coconut milk broth.

Seafood lovers will swoon for this one-pot wonder—a rich, tomato-based bisque that boasts the sweet flavor of crabmeat and a divinely creamy consistency. Best of all, it takes a mere 30 minutes to make.

Mushrooms dial up the umami and fresh thyme brightens the flavor profile of this velvety potato chowder. Consider it comfort food with class.

The broccoli and cheese combo in this hearty, decadent soup will make you feel like a kid again. Oh, and the recipe is so easy, a kid could probably make it.

The seafood flavor really shines through in this take on a New England clam chowder, thanks to a light, dairy-free broth that’s positively loaded with clams.

Here, a savory and creamy chowder featuring a dream team of bacon, potatoes, leeks and chanterelles. We’d call it a crowd-pleaser, but it’s kind of too tasty to share.

You don’t have to feel bad about cozying up to a bowl of this insanely rich and cheesy deconstructed lasagna soup, ‘cause the leafy greens and carrots make it semi-virtuous.

Italian sausage and cabbage are a match made in heaven—particularly when swimming in a flavorful, gravy-like broth. Pair this one with a slice of crusty bread and you’ll be on cloud nine.

An unexpected herb, marjoram, gives this light, veggie-packed Crockpot chowder a serious flavor boost, while the fresh corn provides a pleasantly toothsome texture. Set it, forget it and thank us later.

Classic clam chowder gets an extra kick from andouille sausage, bacon and Cajun spices, and the end result is decidedly more exciting. Bonus points if you spring for the bread bowl.

An Olive Garden favorite you can enjoy at home whenever you please that consists of fluffy and oh-so filling little gnocchi floating in a comforting, creamy chicken chowder. Yes, please.

Seasonal veggies sing in this mild chowder, which combines summer squash and sweet corn. The cheddar and bacon garnish is the kind of finishing touch that’ll convince you to add this soup to your regular weeknight rotation.

Coming home to find this rich and creamy deconstructed chicken pot pie waiting for you in your crock pot is like getting a warm hug at the end of a long day.

Trust us—you won’t be sad you passed on potatoes once you taste this crave-worthy, low-carb cauliflower chowder.

Proof that you really can have it all—this vegan potato leek soup is equal parts decadent comfort food and fresh, light fare. It’s also downright delicious.

Fennel bulb and smoked paprika harmonize beautifully in this nuanced and elegant salmon chowder—a fast and easy dish that will fool your friends and family into thinking you’ve attained Top Chef status.

Crispy bacon, juicy Italian sausage, parmesan, cream and a name that’s really fun to say. What else do you need to know?

Chicken cordon bleu is comfort food for when you’re feeling fancy; this scrumptious soup stays true to the spirit (and flavor) of the classic dish, but with a fuss-free presentation that’s just right for a cozy night in.

Pros: Tender beef and succulent mushrooms (a match made in heaven); creamy broth; 30-minute cook time in an Instant Pot.

Cons: huh?

This low-carb, keto-friendly chowder relies on store-bought (or homemade) buffalo sauce to replicate the beloved flavor of an order of chicken wings…but without the messy fingers. Needless to say, this one has game day potential.

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Emma Singer is a freelance contributing editor and writer at PureWow who has over 7 years of professional proofreading, copyediting and writing experience. At PureWow, she covers...