Craving a warm and comforting bowl of New England clam chowder? Look no further! In this article, we will explore some delightful accompaniments that perfectly complement the rich and creamy flavors of this classic dish. From crispy oyster crackers to golden cornbread, get ready to elevate your clam chowder experience to a whole new level. So sit back, relax, and let us guide you through the delicious world of pairing options for your next bowl of New England clam chowder.
Bread Options
Crusty French Bread
When it comes to pairing bread with New England clam chowder, you can’t go wrong with a classic loaf of crusty French bread. The crispy exterior and chewy interior of the bread provide the perfect texture contrast to the creamy and rich chowder. Simply slice the bread and serve it on the side for dipping into the soup. The combination of the warm, velvety chowder and the crusty bread is simply irresistible.
Oyster Crackers
Another popular choice to accompany New England clam chowder is oyster crackers. These tiny, salted crackers are known for their ability to absorb the flavors of the chowder and add a delightful crunch to each spoonful. You can sprinkle a handful of oyster crackers on top of the chowder or serve them in a separate bowl for guests to add as desired. Oyster crackers are a classic and convenient option that adds a satisfying element to your chowder experience.
Cornbread
If you’re looking to add a touch of sweetness to your meal, cornbread is a fantastic choice to serve alongside New England clam chowder. The crumbly and slightly sweet texture of cornbread complements the creamy chowder perfectly. Whether you prefer traditional cornbread or cornbread muffins, this Southern favorite adds a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of the chowder. The combination of the rich chowder and the moist cornbread is sure to please your taste buds.
Seafood Sides
Pan-Seared Scallops
For seafood lovers, there’s nothing quite like pan-seared scallops to elevate your New England clam chowder experience. The tender and buttery scallops pair beautifully with the creamy chowder, creating a luxurious and indulgent combination. Sear the scallops in a hot pan until they develop a golden-brown crust, and serve them alongside or on top of the chowder. The rich flavor and delicate texture of the scallops will take your chowder to new heights.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Grilled shrimp skewers are a delightful addition to any seafood dish, including New England clam chowder. The smoky and slightly charred flavor of grilled shrimp complements the creamy chowder perfectly. Thread the shrimp onto skewers, season them with your favorite spices or marinade, and grill them until they turn pink and slightly opaque. Serve the shrimp skewers alongside the chowder for an extra touch of elegance and flavor.
Crab Cakes
If you’re looking for a seafood side that is both delicious and satisfying, crab cakes are an excellent choice to serve with New England clam chowder. The crispy exterior and tender interior of the crab cakes make for a delightful contrast to the creamy chowder. Whether you opt for homemade or store-bought crab cakes, you can’t go wrong with this classic seafood dish. Add a dollop of tartar sauce or a squeeze of lemon to enhance the flavors even further.
Salads
Garden Salad
A fresh and vibrant garden salad is a wonderful option to balance out the richness of New England clam chowder. The combination of crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and other assorted vegetables adds a refreshing element to your meal. You can customize the salad by adding your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, croutons, or a tangy dressing. Serve the garden salad as a side dish, and take a bite of the salad alongside each spoonful of chowder for a burst of freshness.
Caesar Salad
For those who enjoy a more robust salad option, Caesar salad is a classic choice to serve with New England clam chowder. The combination of crisp romaine lettuce, savory Parmesan cheese, crunchy croutons, and tangy Caesar dressing creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. The bold flavors of the Caesar salad complement the rich and creamy chowder, making each bite a delightful experience. Serve the Caesar salad alongside the chowder for a well-rounded meal.
Spinach Salad
If you’re in the mood for a lighter and healthier salad option, spinach salad is an excellent choice to pair with New England clam chowder. The tender leaves of fresh spinach provide a mild and slightly earthy flavor that pairs well with the creamy chowder. You can add a variety of toppings to your spinach salad, such as sliced strawberries, goat cheese, or toasted nuts, to add extra depth and texture. The combination of the light and refreshing salad with the hearty chowder creates a satisfying and balanced meal.
Vegetable Dishes
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
For a side dish that adds both color and flavor to your meal, roasted Brussels sprouts are an excellent choice. Roasting the Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness and caramelizes their edges, resulting in a delightful combination of crispy and tender textures. Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven until they are golden brown and tender. The nutty and slightly bitter flavor of the Brussels sprouts pairs well with the creamy chowder, creating a delicious contrast.
Steamed Asparagus
If you’re looking to keep things simple yet elegant, steamed asparagus is a perfect vegetable dish to serve alongside New England clam chowder. The tender and vibrant green spears of asparagus add a pop of color and freshness to your meal. Steam the asparagus until they are crisp-tender and then season them with a sprinkle of salt and a drizzle of lemon juice. The mild and slightly grassy flavor of the asparagus complements the rich chowder, creating a well-rounded combination.
Sautéed Green Beans
If you prefer your vegetables with a little more bite, sautéed green beans are an excellent option to serve with your New England clam chowder. The crisp-tender texture and mild flavor of the green beans provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup. Sauté the green beans with some garlic and olive oil until they are cooked but still retain their bright green color. The slightly sweet and nutty taste of the green beans pairs well with the richness of the chowder, creating a balanced and satisfying dish.
Potato Dishes
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Potatoes are a classic accompaniment to many dishes, and New England clam chowder is no exception. Garlic mashed potatoes are a comforting and flavorful option to serve alongside the chowder. The creamy and fluffy texture of the mashed potatoes complements the velvety chowder, creating a luxurious combination. To make garlic mashed potatoes, simply boil peeled and chopped potatoes until they are fork-tender, then mash them with garlic, butter, milk, and seasonings. The garlicky flavor of the potatoes adds depth and richness to your meal.
Baked Potato Wedges
If you’re looking for a more substantial potato dish, baked potato wedges are a fantastic choice to serve with New England clam chowder. The crispy and seasoned exterior of the potato wedges gives way to a fluffy and tender interior, creating a satisfying texture contrast. Cut russet potatoes into wedges, toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite seasonings, and bake them in the oven until they are golden brown and crispy. The combination of the hearty potato wedges and the creamy chowder is simply irresistible.
Potato Salad
If you’re hosting a gathering or picnic, potato salad is a versatile and crowd-pleasing side dish to serve with your New England clam chowder. The creamy and tangy dressing coats the tender potatoes, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish. Whether you prefer a traditional mayonnaise-based potato salad or a tangy vinaigrette version, the refreshing flavors of the potato salad will complement the rich chowder. Serve the potato salad chilled for a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
Cheese Pairings
Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Sharp cheddar cheese is a classic pairing for many dishes, including New England clam chowder. The robust and tangy flavor of sharp cheddar complements the creamy chowder beautifully. You can serve thin slices or grated sharp cheddar on top of the chowder, allowing it to melt and infuse the soup with its rich flavor. The combination of the velvety chowder and the sharp tang of the cheese creates a delightful explosion of tastes in every spoonful.
Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan cheese is known for its nutty and savory flavor, making it an excellent choice to serve with New England clam chowder. The finely grated Parmesan adds a salty and complex taste to the chowder, elevating its flavors to new heights. Melt some Parmesan cheese on top of the chowder or sprinkle it over the soup for an extra layer of depth and umami. The combination of the creamy chowder and the aromatic Parmesan cheese creates a truly satisfying culinary experience.
Gruyere Cheese
If you’re looking for a more sophisticated and luxurious cheese pairing for your New England clam chowder, Gruyere cheese is an excellent option. The nutty and slightly sweet flavor of Gruyere complements the creamy chowder perfectly. You can add a layer of melted Gruyere on top of the chowder for an added richness or serve it alongside the soup in thin slices. The combination of the velvety chowder and the decadent Gruyere cheese is sure to impress your taste buds.
Wine Options
Chardonnay
When it comes to finding the perfect wine pairing for New England clam chowder, a bottle of Chardonnay is a classic choice. The buttery and oaky flavors of the Chardonnay complement the creamy chowder beautifully, creating a harmonious combination. The medium to full-bodied Chardonnay with hints of vanilla and tropical fruit notes enhances the richness of the soup, making each sip and spoonful a delightful experience. Serve the Chardonnay slightly chilled to fully enjoy its flavors.
Sauvignon Blanc
For those who prefer a lighter and more refreshing wine to accompany their New England clam chowder, Sauvignon Blanc is an excellent option. The crisp and citrusy flavors of Sauvignon Blanc cut through the richness of the chowder and cleanse the palate. The vibrant acidity and hints of tropical fruit in the wine provide a perfect contrast to the creamy soup. Serve the Sauvignon Blanc chilled for a refreshing and palate-cleansing experience.
Pinot Grigio
If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-drinking wine to enjoy with your New England clam chowder, Pinot Grigio is a great choice. The light and fruity flavors of Pinot Grigio pair well with the creamy chowder, creating a harmonious combination. The citrusy and crisp qualities of the wine bring a refreshing element to each spoonful of the soup. Serve the Pinot Grigio chilled to fully appreciate its vibrant and delicate flavors.
Beer Pairings
Pale Ale
For beer enthusiasts, a cold and hoppy pale ale is an excellent choice to complement the flavors of New England clam chowder. The slightly bitter and citrusy notes of a pale ale enhance the savory flavors of the chowder, creating a balanced and refreshing pairing. The carbonation in the beer cuts through the creaminess of the soup and adds a delightful effervescence to each sip. Sit back, relax, and sip on a pale ale as you savor the flavors of your clam chowder.
Pilsner
If you’re looking for a lighter and more crisp beer option to serve alongside your New England clam chowder, a pilsner is a fantastic choice. The clean and refreshing flavors of a pilsner complement the creamy chowder perfectly. The light and slightly bready maltiness of the pilsner balances out the richness of the soup, creating a well-rounded combination. The effervescence and smooth finish of the beer make it a great choice to cleanse the palate between spoonfuls of chowder.
Wheat Beer
For those who enjoy a beer with a hint of fruity and spicy flavors, a wheat beer is an excellent option to pair with New England clam chowder. The light and refreshing qualities of a wheat beer complement the creamy chowder, adding depth and complexity to your meal. The banana and clove notes in the beer enhance the flavors of the soup, creating a delightful contrast. Enjoy a glass of wheat beer alongside your chowder for a truly satisfying and flavorful experience.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Iced Tea
For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, a glass of refreshing iced tea is a fantastic choice to enjoy with your New England clam chowder. The crisp and slightly sweet flavors of iced tea complement the savory chowder, creating a well-rounded and satisfying combination. Serve the iced tea with a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint for an extra burst of freshness. The cool and refreshing nature of iced tea makes it a perfect choice to quench your thirst while savoring the flavors of your clam chowder.
Lemonade
If you’re looking for a tangy and flavorful non-alcoholic beverage to accompany your New England clam chowder, lemonade is an excellent choice. The refreshing and citrusy taste of lemonade provides a delightful contrast to the richness of the chowder. Whether you prefer classic lemonade or a flavored variation, such as raspberry or lavender, the zesty and bright flavors of the drink will enhance your dining experience. Sip on a glass of lemonade as you enjoy each spoonful of your creamy clam chowder.
Sparkling Water
For a clean and refreshing non-alcoholic option, a bottle of sparkling water is a perfect choice to serve alongside New England clam chowder. The effervescence and crispness of sparkling water provide a palate-cleansing experience between each spoonful of the creamy chowder. Serve the sparkling water chilled and garnish it with a slice of lemon or a few fresh berries for a touch of elegance. The simple and refreshing nature of sparkling water enhances the flavors of the chowder and keeps your taste buds refreshed.
Desserts
Apple Pie
To end your New England clam chowder meal on a sweet and comforting note, apple pie is the quintessential dessert choice. The warm and fragrant flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples encased in a flaky crust create a delightful contrast to the savory chowder. Serve a slice of apple pie with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent experience. The combination of the sweet and tart apples with the creamy and rich chowder is a match made in dessert heaven.
Blueberry Cobbler
For a summer-inspired dessert that pairs beautifully with New England clam chowder, blueberry cobbler is an excellent choice. The juicy and slightly tart blueberries topped with a buttery and crumbly crust create a delicious contrast to the creamy chowder. Serve the blueberry cobbler warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. The burst of fruity flavors and the comforting textures of the cobbler make it a delightful way to end your meal.
Key Lime Pie
If you’re looking for a tangy and refreshing dessert option to complement your New England clam chowder, key lime pie is a perfect choice. The zesty and tart filling made with fresh key limes provides a delightful contrast to the rich chowder. The crumbly graham cracker crust and the smooth and creamy lime filling create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Serve a slice of key lime pie chilled with a dollop of whipped cream for an irresistible combination of sweet and tangy flavors.
