Clam chowder pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes that enhance its rich, creamy flavor. Classic options like oyster crackers and saltine crackers add a satisfying crunch. Garlic bread brings a savory, garlicky note perfect for dipping. For something more indulgent, serve a lobster roll with its buttery, toasted bun. Cornbread provides a slightly sweet and crumbly texture, while green beans almondine add a fresh, crisp bite. Lemon wedges and a green salad can lighten up the meal, and steamed mussels complement the seafood theme perfectly. Discover more combinations to elevate your clam chowder dinner.
Oyster Crackers
Oyster crackers are a classic accompaniment to clam chowder, known for adding a satisfying crunch to each spoonful. These delightful crackers perfectly complement the creamy base of clam chowder, creating a harmonious texture contrast in every bite.
For those seeking a twist, ranch-seasoned oyster crackers offer a flavorful alternative, enhancing the overall dining experience and making each bowl of chowder even more enjoyable.
Saltine Crackers
Saltine crackers are a quintessential companion to clam chowder, offering a simple yet crisp contrast to the creamy soup. Their light, crispy texture provides a delightful crunch that enhances the rich flavors of the chowder.
Easy to find and widely appreciated, saltine crackers elevate the overall dining experience, making each spoonful of the creamy soup even more satisfying and enjoyable.
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread stands as a popular side dish to accompany clam chowder, offering a savory and garlicky flavor that enhances the creamy soup.
Toasted slices are perfect for dipping into the rich broth, adding a crunchy element to each bite.
Texas toast with its buttery and garlicky notes is an excellent alternative, deepening the dish's overall richness and satisfaction.
Lobster Roll
Why not elevate your clam chowder dinner by pairing it with a classic New England lobster roll?
This delightful sandwich features a split-top bun filled with fresh lobster meat mixed with mayonnaise, celery, lemon juice, and seasonings.
The buttery, toasted bun contrasts beautifully with the creamy, savory flavors of New England clam chowder, making it a perfect dish to serve with clam chowder.
Cornbread
Building on the rich and indulgent flavors of the lobster roll, cornbread provides a slightly sweet and crumbly counterpart that perfectly complements the creamy and savory essence of clam chowder.
A classic Southern side dish, a good cornbread recipe adds a comforting bowl of warmth to your hearty soup, balancing out the savory notes and making the meal more satisfying and filling.
Grilled Cheese
Grilled cheese offers a timeless and comforting companion to clam chowder, enhancing the dining experience with its crispy exterior and gooey interior.
The melted cheese inside the sandwich perfectly complements the creamy texture of clam chowder.
This classic comfort food is easy to make and can be customized with various cheeses and breads, making it a popular and satisfying choice for dinner.
Bread Bowl
For those seeking an even more immersive way to enjoy clam chowder, serving it in a bread bowl offers both a delicious and visually appealing option.
The hollowed-out loaf, whether sourdough or French bread, acts as an edible vessel that soaks up the creamy chowder.
This side dish provides a comforting, interactive dining experience, making it perfect for a cozy, hearty meal.
Cheddar Biscuits
Cheddar biscuits, with their flaky texture and rich, buttery flavor, make an ideal companion to clam chowder. Resembling the famous biscuits from Red Lobster, these cheesy delights add a savory contrast to the creamy soup.
The indulgent cheddar flavor complements the seafood notes of the chowder, providing a comforting and satisfying addition to your meal. Enjoy the perfect pairing of cheddar biscuits and clam chowder.
Steamed Asparagus
While cheddar biscuits provide a rich and savory complement to clam chowder, steamed asparagus introduces a nutritious and vibrant side dish to the meal.
This vegetable offers a healthy element with its crisp texture and earthy flavor. Steamed to preserve nutrients, asparagus pairs wonderfully with the creamy chowder, and adding almonds can enhance its nutty flavor, making it a delightful addition.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts serve as a flavorful and nutritious side dish that pairs exceptionally well with clam chowder. Their caramelized flavor adds depth and richness to the meal, complementing both New England and Manhattan versions.
This side dish enhances the dining experience by offering a hearty and satisfying option, making it a unique and flavorful addition to the creamy chowder.
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
Bacon-wrapped scallops provide a luxurious and indulgent side dish that pairs perfectly with clam chowder.
The saltiness of the bacon complements the rich flavors of the chowder, adding a smoky touch of elegance to your meal.
This delightful combination of succulent scallops and crispy bacon creates a delicious contrast in textures and flavors, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Green Beans Almondine
For a lighter yet equally satisfying option, Green Beans Almondine offers a delightful contrast to the richness of clam chowder. This classic French dish features sautéed green beans with butter and almonds, adding a crispy texture and vibrant color to your meal.
The nutty flavor of the almonds complements the chowder beautifully, creating a well-rounded, flavorful dining experience that is easy to prepare.
Lemon Wedges
Lemon wedges serve as a classic and simple addition to clam chowder, providing an invigorating kick that brightens up the flavors.
The citrusy element complements the seafood, adding a revitalizing touch to each spoonful and balancing the creamy, savory notes.
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice enhances the overall taste experience, making it a versatile and easy-to-use garnish for your clam chowder.
Green Salad
A green salad offers an invigorating and nutritious complement to the rich and creamy texture of clam chowder. Typically made with leafy greens such as lettuce or spinach, and fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots, it's a crisp and rejuvenating side.
A simple vinaigrette dressing, made with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs, enhances the flavors, balancing the meal perfectly.
Can the Same Side Dishes be Served with Clam Chowder and Spiral Sliced Ham?
Yes, the best side dishes for spiral sliced ham, such as roasted vegetables and scalloped potatoes, can also be served with clam chowder. The rich, creamy texture of the chowder pairs well with the savory flavors of the ham and these side dishes, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.
Steamed Mussels
Steamed mussels, with their delicate flavor and nutritional benefits, make an excellent accompaniment to clam chowder. They are often cooked in a flavorful broth and seasoned with garlic, white wine, herbs, and butter.
Served with crusty bread for dipping, steamed mussels add an elegant touch to your meal, providing a rich source of protein, iron, and zinc.