This Easy Creamy Fish Chowder is a warm hug in a bowl! With tender fish, potatoes, and a creamy base, it’s super comforting and perfect for chilly days.
Honestly, who can resist the scent of chowder bubbling on the stove? I love pairing it with some crusty bread for dipping—can’t get enough of that combo!
This recipe is so simple! Just toss everything into the pot and let it simmer. In no time, you’ll have a delicious meal that’s both hearty and satisfying!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: This adds a delicious, smoky flavor to the chowder. If you prefer a healthier option, turkey bacon is a great substitute. Or, omit it entirely for a vegetarian version and sauté your veggies in olive oil instead.
White Fish: Cod and haddock are fantastic choices for this chowder. If you can’t find these, any firm white fish like tilapia or pollock will work well. You can even use shrimp or crab for a different twist!
Heavy Cream: This creates the creamy texture we love. If you want a lighter version, half-and-half or whole milk can be used. For a dairy-free option, try coconut milk or a cashew cream, which will still add richness.
Potatoes: I like using russet potatoes for their fluffy texture. If you’re looking to save time, frozen diced potatoes are a quick alternative. You can also use sweet potatoes for a unique flavor.
How Do I Get My Chowder to Have the Best Flavor?
Building flavor is key in this chowder, and there are a few essential steps to follow:
- Start by cooking the bacon to create a flavorful base. The rendered fat will enhance your dish.
- Sauté your onion and celery well until soft. This step is vital to develop those flavors further.
- Don’t rush adding the garlic; just a minute is usually enough to avoid burning it.
- Let the potatoes cook until fork-tender before adding the cream and fish. This ensures everything blends nicely.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper towards the end of cooking—you can always add more, but it’s hard to take it out!
These tips will help you achieve a delicious chowder every time. Happy cooking!
Easy Creamy Fish Chowder
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chowder:
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups fish stock or vegetable broth
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 lb white fish fillets (such as cod or haddock), cut into chunks
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Oyster crackers or crusty bread (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting chowder will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal that feels fancy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Bacon:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside, but keep the tasty bacon fat in the pot!
2. Sautéing the Veggies:
Next, add the chopped onion and sliced celery to the pot. Sauté them over medium heat until they are nice and soft, which should take about 5 minutes. This will create a flavorful base for your chowder!
3. Adding Garlic:
Now, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Make sure not to let it burn—just a quick stir will do!
4. Cooking the Potatoes:
Add in the diced potatoes along with the fish stock (or vegetable broth). Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, which should take about 10-15 minutes.
5. Mixing in Cream and Fish:
Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the heavy cream and thyme. Carefully add the chunks of fish to the pot. Let it simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.
6. Seasoning to Taste:
Don’t forget to taste your chowder and season with salt and pepper to your liking. This step is crucial to bring out all those delicious flavors!
7. Serving Up:
When your chowder is ready, serve it garnished with the cooked bacon and fresh parsley on top. It adds a lovely touch!
8. Optional Additions:
If you like, serve your chowder with oyster crackers or some crusty bread on the side for dipping—it’s a fantastic combo!
Enjoy your warm and creamy fish chowder—perfect for satisfying those comfort food cravings!
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Creamy Fish Chowder
Can I Use Frozen Fish for This Recipe?
Yes, frozen fish works just fine! Just make sure to thaw it completely before adding it to the chowder. You can thaw frozen fish overnight in the refrigerator or place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker thaw.
Is There a Way to Make This Chowder Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Almond or cashew cream can also work well to maintain the creamy texture without dairy.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Chowder?
Leftover chowder can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of extra broth or cream if it thickens too much in the fridge.
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
You can enhance the flavor by adding a splash of white wine while cooking, or toss in some fresh herbs like dill or parsley before serving. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten up the flavors nicely!
