This recipe for lobster chowder is the perfect way to usher in fall. Its rich, flavorful and loaded with big chunks of lobster meat and sweet summer corn.
Chowder is a humble soup. Its essentially peasant food for fishermen, made with inexpensive cuts of fish or shellfish (you know, like clams) and whatever odds and ends are laying around: celery, onion and potatoes, and most certainly cream. Always cream. Like in my New England style Clam Chowder and Fish Chowder.
This recipe however, is anything but peasant food. This is fancy chowder, the kind you serve on holidays or to people you want to impress, just like my famous lobster bisque.
Its a special meal (for special occasions or just cozy comfort food) because its made with one of my favorite ingredients of all time: lobster.
Love lobster? Dont miss these crispy lobster corn fritters or the best recipe ever for Maine lobster rolls!
Lobster chowder is the ultimate comforting indulgent soup. Chunks of tender lobster meat swim in a velvety creamy broth loaded with potatoes, onions, celery, and herbs. Its rich, decadent flavor makes lobster chowder a luxurious meal.
But when serving this iconic soup it can be tricky finding sides that complement rather than compete with the chowder. The key is picking dishes that provide contrasting textures colors, flavors and nutrition. This creates a well-rounded, satisfying meal that highlights the lobster chowder as the star.
In this article, I’ll share 12 delicious side dish ideas that pair wonderfully with lobster chowder. From bright salads to crispy breads, these recipes lend the perfect supporting roles to let the chowder shine.
Chowder-Friendly Salad Sides
A fresh, crisp salad provides the ideal lighter contrast to rich, heavy lobster chowder. The crunch of the vegetables paired with tangy vinaigrettes cuts through the chowder’s indulgent creaminess.
I suggest making green salads featuring peppery greens like arugula, watercress or kale. Their slight bitterness stands up especially well to the sweet lobster and potatoes in the soup. For extra pop, add juicy fruits like strawberries, oranges or pears to complement the peppery greens.
Some perfect salad sides for lobster chowder include:
- Arugula Salad with Strawberries, Feta and Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Baby Kale Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
- Watercress and Mandarin Orange Salad
Warm, Buttery Breads
Few things pair better with creamy soups than warm, crusty breads. The crunch contrasts the chowder’s smooth, velvety texture. Meanwhile, the carb-on-carb combo is deeply comforting and satisfying.
For lobster chowder, I suggest garlic bread or cheesy biscuits. Their hits of garlic, butter and cheese complement the soup’s decadence. Dunking the bread in the creamy broth is simply divine.
Some tasty bread accompaniments for chowder include:
- Cheesy Garlic Toast
- Rosemary Parmesan Croutons
- Buttermilk Cheddar Biscuits
- Parsley-Flecked Popovers
Colorful, Crisp Vegetables
Fresh, vibrant vegetables add nice pops of color, crunch and brightness to balance lobster chowder’s heavier textures and colors. I recommend serving raw veggie crudités with flavorful dip, or quick-cooking vegetables like green beans, broccoli and asparagus.
Hearty roasted veggies like cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and beets also pair well, lending deep flavors. Just be sure to keep the seasonings simple to let the lobster shine.
Some tasty veggie sides for chowder include:
- Celery Root Remoulade
- Blistered Green Beans with Lemon and Garlic
- Roasted Cauliflower with Parmesan
- Honey Roasted Carrots
Satisfying Whole Grains
Nutty whole grains like brown rice, farro, barley or quinoa make fantastic counterparts to rich lobster chowder. Their chewy textures and fiber provide satisfying contrast. Gently seasoned grain salads are ideal, as they won’t compete with the chowder.
Some hearty whole grain sides for chowder include:
- Lemon Thyme Quinoa
- Herb-Roasted Barley
- Brown Rice Pilaf with Pecans and Cranberries
- Farro Salad with Kale and Feta
Indulgent Pastas
In place of grains, creamy pastas make a delicious pairing with lobster chowder. The combination of starch, cream and butter is comfort food at its finest. Keep the pasta sauces light to let the chowder shine. Olive oil, pesto or a touch of cheese are ideal.
Some luscious pasta sides for chowder include:
- Orecchiette with Spinach and Parmesan
- Cavatappi Alfredo
- Gemelli with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
- Macaroni and Cheese
Complementary Chowders
While lobster is the star of the show, adding a small side cup of a lighter chowder provides backup. I suggest pairing with corn chowder or mixed seafood chowder for extra briny flavor. Chowders made with veggies like zucchini, mushrooms or cauliflower also work nicely.
Some chowder pairings for lobster chowder include:
- Light Seafood Chowder
- Creamy Corn Chowder
- Zucchini Chowder
- Cauliflower Chowder with Cheddar
Crunchy, Tangy Coleslaws
The crunch and brightness of coleslaw balances out lobster chowder’s richness. Using colorful veggies like purple cabbage, carrots and radishes amps up the visual appeal. Toss the slaw in a zingy dressing with vinegar and citrus. Top with fruits and nuts for even more contrast.
Some tasty coleslaw side options include:
- Apple Coleslaw with Maple Cider Dressing
- Jicama Slaw with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing
- Rainbow Coleslaw with Jalapeno Lime Vinaigrette
More Fabulous Pairings
Beyond the categories above, here are a few more side dish ideas that work wonderfully with lobster chowder:
- Cornbread – For savory crunch
- Corn on the Cob – Natural sweetness balances the chowder
- Potato Chips – Salty, crispy texture and carbs
- Bacon – Smoky, salty, meaty crunch
- Grilled Cheese – Gooey cheese dunked in the broth
Putting Together a Complete Lobster Chowder Meal
When building a full meal around lobster chowder, I recommend including at least one lighter salad or veggie dish for nutrition and color. Balance with an indulgent carb like cheesy biscuits or pasta. For extra protein, add a seafood, meat or plant-based choice like shrimp, chicken or beans.
Play with contrasting textures, colors and flavors to complement the chowder. With the right supporting sides, you can turn the iconic soup into a whole restaurant-worthy feast perfect for holidays, special occasions or anytime you crave comfort.
What Goes Best with Lobster Chowder?
Some top side dish recommendations include:
- Green salads with vinaigrettes
- Warm, crusty breads and biscuits
- Fresh, colorful vegetables
- Whole grains like quinoa, rice and farro
- Creamy pastas in cheese or olive oil sauces
- Corn bread, potato chips, bacon
With the right supporting sides, you can turn lobster chowder into a spectacular centerpiece meal. The sides will elegantly highlight the lobster flavors and textures so the chowder shines.
Why This Recipe Works
- Great to make ahead and tastes even better the next day!
- Sweet corn and bacon highlight the beautiful lobster taste.
Cooked lobster – Use cooked fresh lobsters with their shells. Use the claws, knuckles, body and/or lobster tail meat along with the shells for the broth. Ask your fishmonger if they can steam the live lobsters for you to save time. Always ask them to steam for one minute less than recommended to avoid overcooking the meat, as it will cook in the chowder.
Corn on the cob – Youll use the kernels in the chowder, and the corn cobs to flavor the broth. If fresh corn on the cob isnt in season, you can use frozen corn kernels but the broth wont have quite as much flavor.
Potatoes – I prefer Yukon Gold potatoes, but other waxy potatoes such as yellow or red skin will also work.
Cream sherry – Cream sherry provides a sweet flavor that compliments the sweetness of the corn and lobster, but you can use dry sherry.
Dry white wine – Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, un-oaked Chardonnay, Soave, Picpoul, and Grenache Blanc are a few types of dry white wines that can be used.
Heavy cream – Use heavy cream or heavy whipping cream. Dont substitute something with a lower fat content or non-dairy alternative. The cream gives the chowder its rich creaminess.
*Find the full ingredient list in the recipe card below!
Large stock pot or Dutch oven – A big heavy pot will hold everything while making the stock.
Slotted spoon or spider – To strain the lobster shells.
Claw crackers – To break apart the lobsters, but you can use a hammer, meat mallet, the back of a butter knife and/or sharp kitchen shears.
Lobster Chowder with Roasted Corn | Bake It With Love
FAQ
What goes well with lobster chowder?
- Steamed clams or fresh mussels.
- Potato salad.
- Pasta salad.
- Fresh salad.
- Coleslaw.
- Clam chowder.
- Corn on or off the cob.
- Mac and cheese.
What is a good side dish with seafood chowder?
- Crusty Bread : A classic choice, sourdough or a baguette is perfect for dipping into the chowder.
- Cornbread : Sweet cornbread adds a nice contrast to the savory chowder.
- Salad : A light green salad with a vinaigrette can balance the richness of the chowder.
- Coleslaw
- Oysters or Clams
What is a good side dish for lobster?
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Mashed Potatoes:Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic and satisfying pairing with lobster, especially when served with a generous amount of melted butter.
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Roasted Asparagus:Steamed or roasted asparagus adds a touch of freshness and a subtly earthy flavor that complements the rich taste of lobster.
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Garlic Bread:A warm, crusty loaf of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover butter and adding a savory flavor to the meal.
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Mac and Cheese:A creamy and cheesy side that’s a crowd-pleaser, especially for a casual lobster dinner.
What kind of salad goes with lobster bisque?
Light and Bright. Watercress salad is another light option that pairs beautifully with lobster bisque. The peppery bite of watercress, combined with a light lemon dressing, offers a fresh and slightly spicy contrast. It’s a simple yet effective way to add brightness to the meal.