Last Updated on January 18, 2024 by Sabrina Currie
I love New England style clam chowder. Warm and creamy soup with sweet, juicy clams, tender potatoes and heavy cream. So delish in the winter. If you're like me and want to serve it as a meal, here are the best 50 sandwiches and sides to serve with clam chowder!
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Types Of Clam Chowder
There are two main types of chowder. Manhattan clam chowder is tomato based and New England clam chowder, aka Boston clam chowder, is cream based. Both include potatoes, bacon, celery and of course, clams. Either can be garnished with parsley or green onions. The side dishes below will pair well with both types of chowder but I like to choose a side that contrasts with the soup.
For the tomato-y Manhattan clam chowder, a creamy grilled cheese, salad with ranch dressing or a tuna melt go particularly well.
For the creamy Boston clam chowder, I would choose a tangier sandwich like the muffuletta, a salad with vinaigrette or a light seafood appetizer like shrimp cocktail.
Both soups pair equally well with the breads, crackers, fritters and fries.
The best New England clam chowder recipe is full of tender clams, cubed potatoes (russets or Yukon gold) and smoky bacon in a creamy broth of clam juice and heavy cream. These simple ingredients create a comforting soup with rich flavor. For another American classic creamy seafood soup, try oyster stew. It also pairs well with all the side dishes listed below.
Classic Clam Chowder Partners
- Sandwiches - Soup and a sandwich has always been a winner and chowder is no exception. Go luxe with a lobster roll or homestyle with a tuna melt or grilled cheese. Bright and tangy muffuletta sandwiches are a great side sandwich too.
- Bread - Every soup pairs well with some type of bread if there isn't a sandwich. A crusty bread bowl holding your New England chowder is always novel and delicious. Buttery bread rolls, a baguette, flaky biscuits or savory cornbread muffins are great for mopping up a bowl of chowder.
- Crackers - Oyster crackers provide a classic crunchy option as do saltines. For a light meal, crackers add the perfect crispy side dish to chowder and are fun to crumble into your creamy soup too.
- Salad - A classic Caesar salad, garden salad, tangy coleslaw, an all green cucumber salad or a full on chunky colorful salad are all refreshing great choices to have with a bowl of clam chowder.
- Fritters + Fries - Pub-style favorites, crispy fritters and French fries are tasty on the side and dipped into creamy chowder. Clam fritters, corn and crab fritters or mushroom fritters make perfect comfort food side dishes that are right at home with chowder and a (root) beer!
- More Seafood - New Englanders love their seafood as do most of us that love a good bowl of their namesake chowder. Serve up your seafood stew with shrimp cocktail, bacon-wrapped scallops, oysters on the half shell, garlic butter sauteed crab, mussels mariniere, or salmon patties. These are just a few ideas, get creative and make a seafood feast with your favorite seafood sides.
- Veggie Sides - Whether full on dinner or a formal lunch, some vegetables on the side are always welcome with this rich soup. Simple French style green beans, asparagus, a platter of crudités (veggies and dip), roasted broccoli or zucchini antipasti are all perfect side dishes for this hearty soup.
Toppings and Garnishes For Clam Chowder
Not just for looks, a great garnish adds fresh flavor and contrasting textures. Here are the best garnishes for clam chowder and a few unique ideas too!
- Lemon wedges are great served alongside so diners can add a squeeze of lemon juice to their soup.
- Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, chives, tarragon or chervil are all mild, complimentary flavors that look beautiful chopped and sprinkled over top.
- Croutons (I like seasoning mine with salt and garlic before roasting) are another great garnish that adds a little crunch on top. Chop them in small squares or cut a baguette on the diagonal before toasting and brushing with olive oil and a swipe of garlic.
- Fresh clams in their shells that have been steamed open are great. If you used fresh instead of canned clams to make your chowder, reserve a few in their shell to top the finished bowls of soup.
- Crispy bacon bits are a no-brainer. Cook extra when starting your soup and save a few tablespoons to sprinkle over the top of each serving.
- Deep fry a few cubes of potatoes for some crunchy potato croutons to add on top.
- Swirl a tablespoon of fresh heavy cream over top or whip the cream slightly so that it is thickened and spoon a dollop on top of each bowl.
Sandwiches
Flavorful picnic sandwiches and grilled cheese sandwiches are all delicious partners for Boston or New England clam chowder. Check out all these super tasty sandwich variations!
The Perfect Sourdough Grilled Cheese
This is your ultimate guide to making the best Sourdough Grilled Cheese! The guide walks you through each step for making a perfect grilled cheese sandwich.
Sourdough Grilled Cheese Sandwich 
Apple and Brie Grilled Cheese with Hot Honey
Sweet tart apple, creamy, earthy brie, crisp, buttery toast with a kiss of lightly spicy honey. Honey adds both a sweet and savoury flavour that makes the apple and brie sing. This is comfort food at it's finest!
Apple Grilled Cheese 
Grilled Eggplant (Aubergine) Cheesy Sandwich
grilled eggplant (aubergine) cheesy sandwich. air fryer eggplant sandwich recipe. grilled aubergine mozzarella sandwich.Indian sandwich recipe
Grilled Eggplant Cheesy Sandwich 
Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich
With savory ham, creamy cheese and a bit of mustard, a Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich is classic comfort food for a family friendly lunch.
Grilled Ham and Cheese 
Bacon & Jalapeño Pimento Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Grilled cheese isn't just for kids when you make this Bacon & Jalapeño Pimento Grilled Cheese Sandwich recipe.
Bacon & Jalapeño Pimento Grilled Cheese 
Quick and Easy Kimchi Grilled Cheese
This recipe for Kimchi Grilled Cheese is a satisfying sandwich featuring the Korean condiment paired with melted cheese on sourdough bread.
Kimchi Grilled Cheese 
Katsu Sando (Pork Cutlet Sandwich)
Katsu Sando features a fried pork cutlet sandwiched in between slices of Japanese Milk Bread with shredded lettuce and tonkatsu sauce.
Japanese Pork Katsu Sandwich 
Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt (Panera Copycat)
This Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt is a Panera Copycat Recipe and it is absolutely packed full of flavor! So easy to make in just 15 minutes!
Chicken Avocado Melt 
Air Fryer Hamburgers
Air Fryer Hamburgers - these delicious, juicy, flavorful, and easy burgers can be on your table in a jiffy, complete with all your favorite toppings. When you need a quick meal that you know everyone
Cheeseburgers 
Green Goddess Grilled Cheese
A fresh, bright and herby comfort food sandwich stacked high with crisp veggies and melty cheese.
Green Goddess Grilled Cheese 
Air Fryer Tuna Melt
This easy air fryer tuna melt tastes like a cross between a classic tuna sandwich and a grilled cheese, and the result is as delicious!
Tuna Melt 
Easy Salmon Melt
With no required chopping and just a few minutes under the broiler, this salmon melt is easy and nutritious. I'd even call it comfort food!
Salmon Melt 
Bánh Mì Thịt Nướng (Grilled Pork Sandwich)
Banh Mi Thit Nuong is a Vietnamese sandwich that combines smoky lemongrass grilled pork, tangy pickled veggies, and fresh herbs, all nestled within a soft, airy baguette. Grill or bake the meat to perfection.
Pork Banh Mi 
Classic Muffuletta With Olive Salad
Muffuletta is a truly savoury, zesty and piquant sandwich. Traditionally made out of one whole loaf of bread and then cut into wedges, it can just as easily be made into individual servings. Olive salad is the delicious "secret" ingredient to this sandwiches popularity.
Muffuletta 
Turkey Avocado Sandwich
A Turkey Avocado Sandwich is healthy, wholesome, and delicious! Enjoy tender turkey, crispy bacon, and creamy avocado all in one bite.
Turkey Avo Sandwich 
Southern Tomato Sandwich
The classic summer sandwich! This is how to build a perfect Gluten-Free Southern Tomato Sandwich that's also vegan, allergy-free, and so quick and easy!
Southern Tomato Sandwich 
Spinach corn sandwich
Spinach corn sandwich- a cheesy grilled sandwich that can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It can also be enjoyed as an appetizer.
Grilled spinach corn sandwich 
Potato sandwich(Aloo sandwich)
Potato sandwich, also known as masala aloo sandwich is a delicious vegetarian grilled sandwich from India that's full of flavors.
Indian Grilled Potato Sandwich 
Pickles + Condiments
Pickles are always a refreshing, crispy side to creamy chowder and sandwiches. Pick from all sorts of colorful pickles to brighten up your clam dinner. Or serve up a little bacon aioli to boost the savory flavor. Serve it smeared on croutons or dollop a little in your bowl.
Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles
Crispy and tangy (not too sweet) Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles come together in less than 10 minutes. No canning required!
Bread and Butter Pickles 
Fermented Radishes
Tangy and flavorful, these fermented radishes make the best radish pickles. Use these fermented radishes on top of tacos, huevos rancheros or as the perfect pairing to your lunchtime sandwich. Makes 2 1-quart jars.
Pickled Radishes 
Easy Homemade Bacon Aioli Sauce (Bacon Mayonnaise)
Makes approximately 2 cups or 16 two tablespoon sized servings.
Bacon Aioli 
Bread, Biscuits + Buns
Choosing one of these is almost essential to a great chowder meal. Choose from simple seasoned oyster crackers or saltines or whip up dinner rolls, biscuits, popovers or croutons to dip and swipe into every last bit of creamy soup.
Fried Seasoned Oyster Crackers
This easy seasoned oyster crackers recipe is the best. These crispy fried snacks are irresistible. Use your own spice blend or storebought.
Oyster Crackers 
Sourdough Bread Bowl
Serving soup, stew, or chili in a sourdough bread bowl makes every bite more delicious! Use this bread bowl recipe to make them at home.
Sourdough Bread Bowl 
Rosemary Focaccia
Rosemary focaccia is soft and fluffy on the inside, crusty on the outside with sprigs of rosemary and flakey salt sprinkled all over.
Rosemary Focaccia 
Savory Parsnip Scones (perfect with soup)
Savory parsnip scones are delightfully unique and pair incredibly well with many soups. Need a parsnip recipe-don't let this one pass you by!
Savory Parsnip Scones 
Old Fashioned Yeast Rolls
This old fashioned yeast roll recipe creates soft pull apart dinner rolls that everyone loves! Your holiday needs warm homemade yeast rolls!
Yeast Rolls 
Cheddar Chive Popovers
This easy popover recipe makes the best no yeast dinner rolls. Mix the cheddar chive batter in your blender and use a popover pan or muffin tin to bake.
Cheddar Chive Popovers 
Herb Biscuits
Not only do these flaky, buttery Herb Biscuits taste and look incredible, they are actually surprisingly easy to make! They're packed with fresh herbs and perfect for breakfast or a side to any meal!
Herb Biscuits 
Bisquick Cheddar Biscuits (Cheddar Bay Biscuit Copycat)
This Bisquick Cheddar Biscuits recipe is my EASY version of Cheddar Bay Biscuits! Only 4 ingredients in this easy cheddar biscuit recipe.
Easy Cheddar Biscuits 
Easy Garlic Crostini With Olive Oil
A flavorful Easy Garlic Crostini recipe, featuring crisp bread slices infused with aromatic garlic and rich olive oil and toasted until golden brown.
Garlic Crostini 
Rosemary Garlic Bread
Rosemary garlic bread is a rustic bread recipe that's bursting with savory garlic flavor and so easy to make! No bread maker required!
Rosemary Garlic Bread 
Easy Garlic Cheese Bread
This cheesy garlic bread is super delicious and cannot be easier to make. Turn a simple French loaf into the best garlic bread.
Garlic Cheese Bread 
Homemade Breadsticks Recipe
Homemade Breadsticks are fluffy, buttery, soft, and super easy to make with only a few pantry ingredients. Learn how to make this recipe quickly from scratch, and forget about ever buying them from the store.
Breadsticks 
Easy Mexican Cornbread
Learn how to create a delicious and authentic homemade Mexican cornbread, perfect for any occasion, using this straightforward recipe.
Mexican Cornbread 
Salad
Soup and salad is just about as classic as soup and a sandwich. In fact, why not pair a sandwich AND a salad with your Boston or Manhattan chowder?! Light and crisp salads work best but there are lots of delicious combinations to try.
Apple Walnut Salad
Crispy, crunchy, salty and sweet, this apple walnut salad is so delicious and takes only minutes to make!
Apple Walnut Salad 
Prasini Salad (Greek Green Salad)
Prasini Salata or Greek spring salad has crisp romaine lettuce, fresh dill, sliced scallions, and creamy feta with a bright lemon dressing. It's perfect for hot summer days or busy weeknights!
Greek Green Salad 
Greek Spinach Salad With Lemon And Feta
Briny olives, salty feta, fresh lemon juice and olive oil partner up for this crisp Greek flavored spinach salad. A quick and easy salad that's always popular. (GF, Vegetarian)
Greek Spinach Salad 
Apple Kale Slaw With Maple Tahini Salad Dressing (V)
Maple, tahini and lime make a fantastic creamy and tangy dressing while apples and kale give satisfying crunch and texture. This is a fast, vegan and gluten-free kale salad that's big on flavor and goes great with BBQ!
Apple Kale Slaw 
Fresh Homemade Coleslaw
This fresh homemade coleslaw is quick and easy to make and tastes delicious, crisp and refreshing! Learn how to make this classic and versatile dish using fresh vegetables.
Coleslaw 
Simple Spinach Salad
Toss together this easy & healthy simple spinach salad in just 15 minutes. It's a fresh side dish that goes with any meal or enjoy for lunch.
Spinach Salad 
Kale Crunch Salad (Chick-Fil-A Copycat)
This Kale Crunch Salad is light, fresh, and crispy. It is made with healthy ingredients and tastes just like the Chick-Fil-A salad!
Kale Crunch Salad 
Easy Lemon Parmesan Salad
Crunchy romaine salad recipes just hit the spot! This creamy lemon salad dressing recipe is easy to make. Homemade salad dressing doesn't need to be difficult to make! Give our easy lemon salad a try!
Easy Lemon Parmesan Salad 
Rainbow Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Rainbow Salad combines the vibrant colors of the rainbow in a big salad bowl. Not only is it beautiful, it's bursting with healthy vegetables you'll
Rainbow Salad 
Zucchini Feta Salad With Hazelnuts (Courgette Salad)
A light and refreshing salad that looks and tastes like summer! Use a vegetable peeler to cut courgette (zucchini) into ribbons, thin slices or use a veggie spiralizer to make zoodles.
Zucchini Hazelnut Salad 
Veggie Side Dishes
To round out your tasty clam chowder dinner, serve up a side of nutritious and delicious vegetables! Or serve the crispy potatoes as a garnish on top of steaming bowls of chowder.
Crispy Sauté Potatoes with Garlic
These perfectly Crispy Sauté Potatoes with Garlic are the perfect accompaniment to steak, fish, meatballs, or any creamy dishes.
Crispy Potatoes 
Air Fryer Broccoli
This Air Fryer Broccoli recipe cooks in just 6 minutes. Tender with roasted edges, it tastes just like roasted broccoli in a fraction of the time…
Air Fryer Broccoli 
Garlic Parmesan Smashed Cauliflower
This Garlic Parmesan Smashed Cauliflower is a delicious healthy side dish. It is easy to make and goes with any protein.
Smashed Cauliflower 
Cheesy Cauliflower Bread
Nutrient-packed cauliflower forms the base of this low-carb, gluten-free bread that's topped with cheesy goodness.
Cheesy Cauliflower Bread 
Seafood Sides
For a luxurious seafood dinner, add a few of these tasty sides and create a coastal feast.
Smoked Salmon Caesar Salad
This Smoked Salmon Caesar is the perfect light salad for the summer. Toss it with the creamy homemade Caesar dressing for a healthy meal.
Smoked Salmon Caesar Salad 
Thai Prawn Salad With Mango And Spot Prawns
Thai prawn salad will be on your table in under 30 minutes. Bright and vibrant with fresh herbs and a Thai style dressing that can be made ahead.
Thai Prawn Salad 
Classic Easy Oyster Vinaigrette Recipe (Mignonette)
Just a pinch of salt, pepper and sugar along with shallots and vinegar make this tangy, light and totally delicious sauce for oysters. A truly classic recipe with great flavor. This makes enough for 36 oysters and with just 12 calories per serving, this sauce is guilt-free!
Raw Oysters With MIgnonette 
Crispy Pan Fried Oysters With Lemon Caper Aioli
This will serve 4 as a main course or more if served as an appetizer. I like to serve mine with some greens for freshness and some pickled red onions for extra acid and crunch. Alternatively, pop these crispy oysters into a soft squishy bun, add the aioli and garnish with shredded lettuce or cabbage as a po'boy sandwich.
Pan Fried Oysters 
Crispy Corn And Crab Fritters With Spicy Mayo
Lots of crab and minimal light batter make these corn and crab fritters light and crispy. Makes approximately 12 crab fritters depending how big or small you make them.
Crab + Corn Fritters 
Quick, Easy Garlic Butter Sautéed Imitation Crab Meat
Tender, delicious, and savory bites of imitation crab meat sautéed in fresh butter and seasonings make a fantastic (and budget-friendly) appetizer or main course. Serves 2 as a main course or 4 as an appetizer. Stretch it farther by serving up bite sized toasts topped with the warm crab mixture.
Garlic Butter "Crab" 
Easy Grilled Prawns With Garlic And Parsley Butter
Delicious and easy, these large size shrimp are perfect to toss on the grill, basting a few times with garlic butter and herbs, then served on a platter with lots of napkins for your guests to eat, shelling them as they go.
Peel + Eat Grilled Prawns 
Broiled Scallops In Shell
A luxurious, affordable seafood appetizer ready in 30 minutes or less, these broiled scallops are the perfect way to start any dinner or party.
Cheesy Baked Scallops 
Crispy Japanese Fish Katsu
Delicious and easy Japanese style crispy cod (or other white fish) recipe. This takes only 5 ingredients and less than 30 minutes to make! Serve with quick homemade katsu sauce or use store-bought tonkatsu sauce.
Crispy Fish Katsu 
Easy Furikake Salmon
Quick and easy crispy topped salmon bakes up fast for a delicious, quick meal. Serve furikake salmon with rice, soy sauce or lemon wedges and a quick salad of cucumbers dressed with rice vinegar or steamed veggies.
Pin It For Later
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More Seafood Soup Recipes
Grab a large pot and try one of these tasty seafood main dish soups on the next cold winter day!
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- Easy Cioppino Recipe-A Delicious Italian Seafood Stew
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See more Soup and Stew →
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Cheers and happy cooking, Friends! Sabrina
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