Smoked Salmon Potato Chowder

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Creamy, smoky, and soul-warming, Smoked Salmon Potato Chowder is the kind of comfort food that turns an ordinary evening into something extraordinary. Each spoonful delivers tender chunks of potato, flakes of smoked salmon, and hints of fresh dill swimming in a rich, velvety broth. Whether you’re cozying up by the fire or needing something hearty after a chilly day, this chowder satisfies without being heavy.

There’s something nostalgic about chowder, but the smoked salmon takes it in a gourmet direction. This isn’t your standard soup. It’s elevated, yet approachable, and comes together with surprisingly simple ingredients. Perfect for family dinners, a casual brunch starter, or even as a unique option for meal prep, it’s a dish that fits into any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Smoked Salmon Potato Chowder

This chowder is incredibly flavorful thanks to the smokiness of the salmon, which balances beautifully with the earthy creaminess of the potatoes. It’s also an easy one-pot meal, meaning less cleanup and more comfort. The broth is luscious without being overly rich, and the use of fresh herbs brings brightness to each bite. It’s a bowl of comfort that’s both elegant and rustic.

What Kind of Smoked Salmon Should I Use?

Look for cold-smoked salmon or hot-smoked (also called kippered salmon), depending on the flavor and texture you’re after. Cold-smoked is silky and delicate, perfect if you want a softer bite that melts into the chowder. Hot-smoked is firmer and meatier, ideal for a more pronounced salmon texture. Either option works beautifully, just be sure it’s not too salty as the soup base is already well-seasoned.

Ingredients for the Smoked Salmon Potato Chowder

A good chowder depends on both comfort and contrast. For this one, the ingredients are simple yet purposeful, each one playing an important role in building depth of flavor.

• Smoked Salmon – The hero of the dish, lending a savory smokiness that defines the chowder.
• Potatoes – Choose Yukon Gold or russets for their creamy texture that blends perfectly into the soup.
• Butter – Adds a rich, silky foundation to the chowder base.
• Onion – Brings sweet depth to the flavor base.
• Garlic – Infuses the broth with aromatic sharpness that complements the salmon.
• Celery – Offers subtle crunch and savory flavor that rounds out the base.
• Carrots – For color and a hint of sweetness.
• Flour – Used to create a light roux, thickening the chowder just right.
• Milk and Heavy Cream – These provide that luscious, creamy texture chowder is known for.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth – The liquid base, essential for balancing creaminess with savory notes.
• Dill – Brightens up the rich flavors with its fresh herbal zing.
• Salt & Pepper – Adjust to taste, especially depending on the saltiness of your salmon.

How To Make the Smoked Salmon Potato Chowder

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and sauté until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Base

Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir for about 1 minute to cook out the raw taste. Slowly pour in the broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

Step 3: Simmer the Potatoes

Add in the diced potatoes. Let everything simmer uncovered until the potatoes are tender, about 12–15 minutes.

Step 4: Add Cream and Salmon

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the milk and cream, letting it warm through gently. Add flaked smoked salmon and stir gently to combine without breaking it up too much.

Step 5: Season and Finish

Add chopped dill and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Let the chowder sit for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.

Serving and Storing This Chowder

This chowder serves 4 generous portions or 6 lighter servings, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or storing for lunch the next day. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re planning to freeze it, do so before adding the dairy to avoid separation—just stir in cream when reheating.

When serving, garnish with extra dill or a few capers for a briny punch. Warm crusty bread or oyster crackers pair perfectly on the side.

What to Serve With Smoked Salmon Potato Chowder?

Crusty Sourdough Bread

Warm, torn sourdough is perfect for soaking up every drop of creamy chowder.

Simple Arugula Salad

Its peppery bite balances the rich flavors of the soup beautifully.

Grilled Asparagus

A light, slightly charred side dish that works well with the smokiness of the salmon.

Pickled Red Onions

Bright acidity and crunch that contrast the creamy chowder.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasty and caramelized, they bring a depth that plays nicely with the soup.

Classic Caesar Salad

Crunchy romaine, creamy dressing, and salty parmesan make for a fresh counterpoint.

Deviled Eggs

A surprising pairing, but one that works! Their richness echoes the chowder without being overpowering.

Want More Soup Ideas?

If you’re a soup lover, you’ll want to explore these other cozy bowls from Luna Meals:

• Creamy Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup for a rich and hearty dinner idea.
• Thai Curry Chicken Noodle Soup with just the right amount of spice.
• Hearty Vegetarian Tortellini Soup for a meatless meal that doesn’t skimp on comfort.
• Irresistible Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup when you need slow-cooked satisfaction.
• Zesty Tuscan Artichoke Soup for something unexpected yet utterly comforting.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest soup board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with hot-smoked or cold-smoked salmon? Did you sneak in some peas or a squeeze of lemon?

I always love seeing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome, too—let’s help each other make the coziest bowls yet.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting soups and stews on Luna Meals on Pinterest and find your new favorite dinner delight!

Conclusion

Smoked Salmon Potato Chowder is a celebration of cozy textures and bold, satisfying flavors. It’s easy enough to whip up on a weeknight, yet impressive enough to serve for guests. Whether you’re already a chowder lover or new to creamy seafood soups, this one is bound to become a go-to favorite when you’re craving a bowl of pure comfort.

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