This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
First, if you’ve never tried fish stews or chowders and you’re not sure it’s your cup of tea – please be sure to try this recipe for Salmon Chowder with Potatoes, Corn and Bacon!
It will convince you, at the very first bite, that you’ve been missing out on something incredibly wonderful.  Some people are turned off at the thought of fish chowders, but there’s a reason this hearty, rich soup is a favorite among those lucky enough to live near the coast and have fresh fish available in abundance.  In addition to being super easy to make, this chowder is, without a doubt, one of the best things I’ve cooked in my dutch oven … period.
While in Portlaoise Ireland, my husband ate a bowl of fish chowder and at the time, said it was the best he’s ever eaten.  He travels more than I do and is very brave when it comes to trying new dishes on the menu.  When he tried this Salmon Chowder and said it was as good and maybe even better than the Irish chowder, I knew that was extremely high praise.
Soft chunks of buttery potatoes, smokey bacon, sweet corn and tender bite sized pieces of flavorful salmon all wrapped up in a flavorful, rich and creamy broth – talk about delicious comfort food!  Good salmon is my favorite mild, un-fishy fish, so it’s perfect for this chowder.  The texture of the salmon holds together beautifully by cooking it at the very end.  When serving be sure to give it a good squeeze of fresh lemon juice.  The lemon really seals the deal for this rich Salmon Chowder.  It’s also a very filling dish, but no worries because the leftovers are still amazing the next day.
Don’t forget to PIN to your favorite soup board!
Salmon Chowder
Ingredients
- 1 pound yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
- 8 ounces sliced bacon, cut in half (I used nitrate-free Applewood Smoked Bacon)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ small onion, diced
- 6 scallions, chopped - both white and green parts
- 2 cups fresh corn or frozen
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- â…› teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 3 medium cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 8-ounce bottle clam juice
- 3 cups half-and-half, plus ½ cup addition milk if needed
- 1 ½ pounds salmon fillets, wild caught skin removed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon lemon zest
- Lemon wedges and fresh chopped fresh chives for serving
Instructions
- Bring a 3 quarts of water to a rolling bowl in a heavy bottom sauce pan. Salt the water and add the potatoes. Cook just until almost tender, about 10 minutes. Drain well in a colander and set aside.
- Cook the bacon until crisp in a 5-quart heavy bottom pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Remove the cooked bacon to a paper towel lined plate. Cut or break the bacon into ½-inch pieces and set aside.
- Remove all of 2 tablespoons bacon fat from the pan. Add the butter and cook the onions, scallions, corn, thyme and red-pepper in the dutch oven until the onions are tender, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and bay leaf and sauté for about 1 minute or until garlic becomes fragrant. Add the clam juice and deglaze the pan, scraping up any pieces struck to the bottom of the pan.
- Add the half and half to the onion mixture and bring just to a boil over medium heat. Add the potatoes, â…” of the chopped bacon (reserve â…“ for serving), and the salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook the potatoes for about 10 minutes.
- Salt the salmon pieces and add to the chowder along with the lemon zest. Occasionally stir gently and cook gently just until the salmon is cooked through, about 5 to 8 minutes.
- Discard the bay leaf and serve the chowder topped with chopped chives and the remaining bacon pieces. Garnish with fresh ground black pepper and a good squeeze of lemon juice. Serve with crusty bread for a complete and hearty meal.
Recipe Notes
- Recipe inspired from Epicurious
- Don't forget to serve each bowl with a good squeeze of fresh lemon juice. It really makes this soup come alive with a fresh, bright taste.
Nutrition
Here are a few more chowder recipes you might like:
- Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder ~ from Seasons & Suppers
- Springtime Salmon and Fennel Chowder ~ from The View from Great Island
- Creamy Cheesy Corn & Potato Chowder ~ from Saving Room for Dessert
- Easy Ham and Corn Chowder ~ from Simply Fresh Dinners
I love cooking soups and chowders in a good dutch oven like this 2-quart Le Creuset (photo is clickable)
The small print: If you decide to purchase something at Amazon after following my affiliate link, I receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you, which I use to pay for web hosting and services for this blog.
Finally, this past week we spent 5 glorious days in the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia camping at Loft Mountain.  My husband’s sister-in-law Rita came up from Nashville to join us for part of the trip and we all had a wonderful time.  We hiked on the Appalachian Trail which loops around part of Loft Mountain Campground, celebrated my husband’s birthday, ate wonderful campfire food, read books, laughed, played board games and enjoyed some crazy weather.  It was 85 degrees on our first day, then the blustery wind came and the temperatures went down to the low 30’s the next night.  Good thing we packed a variety of clothes and warm sleeping bags.
We had a steady mountain-top wind at about 25 miles per hour with gusts that were pretty wicked. Â What fun! Â I hope you got outside and enjoyed some of these beautiful fall days too!
I’m way behind on my blog visits so please forgive me for not commenting lately.  We had to drive several miles for phone reception and had no internet connection while camping in the mountains.  And honestly it was nice to escape from the electronic world for a few days.  But I’m glad to be home and so happy you took the time to visit.  Be sure to try this delicious recipe and thanks so much for stopping by!
Tricia
Hope
I used 1/2 lb. cod, 1/2 lb. bay scallops and 1/2 lb. flounder and it was delicious!
Tricia Buice
This sounds wonderful Hope! I love the additions to this chowder. Bravo!
Susan
Hi Tricia,
I want to make this soup recipe but was wondering if it could be made in an Instant Pot?
I make a lot of soups in it and the flavor and cooking time are really worth it!
Thank you!
Tricia Buice
Hi Susan. Yes! I think it would be a great recipe for the Instant Pot. I’m not an expert on that amazing kitchen tool so I’ll defer to you for the cooking time. Let us know how it goes and we’ll share your success with our readers. Thanks so much Susan!
Kim Michlin
This was a delicious and perfect way to use up the leftover salmon that my family was sick of eating. (Even for a family that does not love potatoes). The right amount of spice and flavor. It was perfect for a dreary, Fall day. Thanks for the recipe. (I did use chicken stock instead of clam juice and celery instead of scallops because that is what I had. I bet with the correct ingredients, it would be even better).
Tricia Buice
Thanks so much Kim. I’ve been thinking about this recipe and can’t wait to make it again. It’s rich and warming and so spoon-licking good! Thanks for taking the time to come back and let us know how you liked it.
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way
Hi, Tricia! I just found you! I haven’t made chowder with salmon before but my hubby loves to fish so I made it with Sheepshead. They are an odd looking fish but they are good. Your recipe sounds delicious. I like your addition of corn to it. And we couldn’t do without our Le Creuset Dutch oven. I think it is on the stove every day. Have a wonderful Sunday.
Tricia Buice
Hi Marisa! So happy you found us and hope you give the chowder a try. I haven’t had Sheepshead in years, and you’re right, they are a funny looking fish! Happy Sunday to you too!
Maggie
We are in sync! I just cooked a shrimp chowder the other day and will post the recipe later this week. The salmon versions sounds so delicious! I’ve never used clam juice in my soup. Imagine it will add tons of flavors into the soup. Can’t wait to try it out!
Tricia Buice
I can’t wait to see it Maggie! Chowders are so comforting and filling. Perfect for this wonderful fall weather!
Lizzie
Hi Tricia, thanks for the reminder/inspiration! I once had an unopened package of smoked salmon (frozen) and experimented with it in a chowder remarkably similar to yours. Defrosted it (duh), separated into small pieces and added it just for the last couple of minutes. No bacon needed, and it was fabulous. Make SURE to use waxy potatoes, or you’ll get salmon “moosh.” Thanks again.
Tricia Buice
Thank you Lizzie! Sounds great and good tips too. Have a lovely weekend.
Wendy
Your beautiful photos do amazing things. First, I don’t like fish (I cook it for my husband and daughter but I don’t eat it.) Then I see the mouth watering photos of this chowder. It looks so comforting and inviting and the flavors sound great. I may start liking fish! Second, I don’t camp/hike. Yet, seeing these beautiful vistas of fall foliage, hearing about disconnecting from the grid, and reading a whole book in a day (!), has me thinking about day hikes on the AT. This was a magical post!
Tricia Buice
Salmon is a good fish to start with Wendy 🙂 Thanks for the sweet comment. Hope you have a terrific weekend!
GiGi Eats
I want to CHOW this DER!!! 😉
Tricia Buice
Haha Gigi! You are a poet 🙂
Robyn @ Simply Fresh Dinners
I’m really behind in my blog visiting too, Tricia, but it’s so important to be unplugged for awhile. Glad you had a fun camping trip!
I have been planning on a chowder for the longest time and every time I buy the fish, I end up making something else with it, lol. I’m glad I did because now I can just make this perfect bowl of deliciousness! I’m a huge fan of salmon and this looks like everything I would want to eat every single day!
Tricia Buice
To me, inspiration is everything in cooking. If I don’t want to make something – it won’t turn out well if I try anyway. Hope you will try this recipe – it is so good. Have a lovely weekend Robyn!
Sara
This looks seriously good, I just love the idea of using salmon instead of clams for chowder!
Tricia Buice
The chunks of salmon are so tender and meaty – it is just delicious 🙂 Have a great weekend Sara!
Monica
You definitely don’t need to convince me because I love fish-based soups/broths, etc. Bacon is a definitely bonus here and it just looks like a wonderful meal right in that bowl. Great photos, too! Have a great time camping and spending time with family.
Tricia Buice
We don’t eat bacon much anymore, but in chowder it’s a must! I bet you and your family would love this one. Enjoy and have a great weekend!
cheri
Hi Tricia, first of all love salmon, it is my favorite. Love salmon chowder and this looks amazing, love that you added bacon.
Always wanted to hike the Appalachian Trail, on the bucket list. The trees are so beautiful, love all the color. Great pics, looks like Virginia is a beautiful place.
Tricia Buice
With all the hiking you like to do in Oregon, I bet you would love the AT. Virginia is very pretty with remarkably good weather most of the time. I loved your salmon chowder recipe too! Thanks for stopping by!
Chris Scheuer
Yummy Tricia. I used to make chowder all the time but kind of forgot about it. Thanks for reminding me and for sharing such a delicious looking recipe. Your getaway sounds wonderful, it is so good to disconnect sometimes! Love the pictures, that area is so beautiful!
Tricia Buice
I forget about recipes too Chris and then I think “why don’t I make that anymore!” Glad you’re home safe and sound. Hope you recover quickly from all that fun!
Gerlinde @Sunnycovechef
My favorite fish soup is cioppino made with dungeons crab but that’s expensive and a special meal. Your salmon chowder looks like a great alternative for eating fish soup. Hiking the Appalachian trail is on my bucket list. I’m glad you had a good time and yes, it’s good to get away from our devices and play board games.
Tricia Buice
I bet cioppino is delicious and worth the splurge every once in a while. Glad the AT trail is on your bucket list. Let me know if you ever have questions about the area. Virginia has over 500 miles of the AT within the state, more than any other. The area I mentioned is great for day hikes if you don’t want to sleep in the shelters on the AT. Such fun!
Monique
What a gal!!:)
Cooking..baking..camping..oh my goodness thank goodness you are not posting personal ads:)
Tricia..I do like a good chowder..many years ago not..but since adding bacon and corn;) I love them..have not tried with salmon and of course your photos make everyone want to make everything you make.
Tricia Buice
You are so cute Monique! Thanks for making me smile today, twice actually! Once when I read your current post and after your lovely comment. Have a terrific week!
sue | theviewfromgreatisland
I think chowders are the best soups, they are so comforting and satisfying…and salmon is such a nice change from cod or haddock!
Tricia Buice
I agree completely Sue! Hope you have a great week of fun 🙂
Susan
My husband and I love salmon and this looks like a terrific chowder recipe, Tricia! My gosh, I haven’t made a fish-based soup for over a year so happy to have your inspiration. Nothing like a warm bowl of chowder on a damp and chilly fall evening. Glad you stayed warm on the that chilly night of camping. Brrr!
Tricia Buice
It’s a good time of year for chowder – howling winds, cold nights – I’m ready! Hope you love it as much as we do Susan.
Angie@Angie's Recipes
mmm…salmon..my favourite! The chowder look droolicious, Tricia.
Tricia Buice
Thank you Angie – it is more delicious than it looks 🙂
John/Kitchen Riffs
LOVE chowder. Any and all. Don’t often make salmon chowder for some reason, and I should — doesn’t it look SO nice in the bowl? And tastes much better than it looks! Besides, smoky bacon and salmon pair so well. Anyway, good stuff — thanks.
Tricia Buice
You are right John, it does taste so much better than you would think from looking at it. I am very pleased with this recipe and hope you get the chance to give it a try. Thanks!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers
I can just imagine how delicious this chowder is by looking at it! Lovely photos and a wonderful hearty soup that I can’t wait to try 🙂 So glad you had a wonderful holiday. Looks so lovely and great to disconnect for a bit, I’m sure.
Tricia Buice
Thanks Jennifer – we did go off the grid for what seems like weeks. I haven’t read a book in one day in a very long time. It was lovely but also glad to be home again. I hope you’ll try this chowder – it’s really good. Thanks!
Larry
The chowder looks super good and while I’ve eaten many fish soups, never tried salmon but must do so soon. Hard to beat camping in the Blue Ridge.
Tricia Buice
Thanks Larry! We do love our camping and often wish we had your kind of camper – haha. We have a small pop-up but love it and got a great deal. They really are a little home on two wheels. Have a terrific week!