Smoked Salmon Chowder Recipe: Creamy, Hearty, and Packed with Flavor

Smoked salmon chowder is one of those dishes that instantly warms you from the inside out. Rich, savory, and deeply satisfying, it blends smoky salmon with crisp bacon, tender vegetables, and a luxuriously creamy broth. It’s a classic soup with Pacific Northwest roots — and once you’ve had a bowl, it’s easy to see why it’s a regional favorite.

This version offers a unique spin with gnocchi in place of traditional potatoes, giving the soup extra body and a pillowy texture that pairs beautifully with the flaky salmon. Finished with fresh dill and parsley, it’s the kind of chowder that feels comforting yet elevated — perfect for cozy evenings, special gatherings, or just a quiet night in.

In the sections below, you’ll find everything you need to make this chowder from scratch, including tips, substitutions, and step-by-step guidance to get the flavor just right.

Why You’ll Love This Smoked Salmon Chowder

This isn’t just any seafood soup — it’s a flavor-packed chowder that brings together classic comfort and rich, smoky elegance. Here’s what makes it stand out:

• Incredible depth of flavor: Smoked salmon, bacon, and Parmesan create layers of savory richness in every spoonful.
• Creamy without being heavy: Thanks to the balance of milk, cream, and broth, the texture is velvety but not overly rich.
• Gnocchi instead of potatoes: A satisfying twist that gives the chowder more body and texture.
• One-pot recipe: Easy cleanup and streamlined cooking make it weeknight-friendly.
• Customizable ingredients: Use fresh salmon, swap out the dairy, or add seasonal vegetables.
• Perfect for cold weather or dinner parties: This chowder feels indulgent enough for guests but simple enough for any night of the week.

Whether you’re a fan of classic clam chowder or just looking to elevate your soup game, this smoked salmon version is a must-try.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This smoked salmon chowder comes together with a combination of pantry staples and a few key fresh ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Base Aromatics

• 8 slices bacon, diced
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 6 garlic cloves, minced

Herbs and Seasoning

• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (or ketchup for a subtle sweetness)

Thickener and Liquid Base

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 6 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

Main Components

• 1 pound honey-roasted smoked salmon, skin removed and cut into chunks
• 1 ½ cups canned corn (or fresh if in season)
• 1 package mini potato gnocchi
• 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh Herbs and Finish

• 2 to 3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Juice of ½ lemon (for serving)

Ingredient Notes:

• Salmon: Honey-roasted smoked salmon adds depth and a touch of sweetness. If unavailable, regular smoked salmon or even flaked cooked salmon works.
• Gnocchi: Adds a soft, doughy texture. Can be swapped for peeled, diced Yukon gold potatoes.
• Dairy: For a lighter option, use all milk. For dairy-free, substitute with coconut cream and plant-based milk.

How to Make Smoked Salmon Chowder (Step-by-Step)

Making smoked salmon chowder from scratch is easier than it looks. Everything comes together in one pot, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner.

Smoked Salmon Chowder

This hearty and creamy smoked salmon chowder brings together crispy bacon, sweet corn, aromatic herbs, and rich smoked salmon with gnocchi instead of potatoes. Perfect for fall and winter comfort food cravings!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

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• 8 slices bacon diced
• 1 large onion diced
• 3 medium carrots diced
• 2 celery stalks diced
• 6 garlic cloves minced
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp tomato paste or ketchup
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups canned corn or fresh, if available
• 1 lb honey-roasted smoked salmon skin removed and cut into chunks
• 1 package mini potato gnocchi
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 –3 tbsp fresh dill chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
• Juice of ½ lemon optional, for serving

Instructions

 

• In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
• In the bacon grease, sauté onion, carrots, and celery for 7–10 minutes until tender.
• Add garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute.
• Sprinkle in the flour and stir to coat. Cook for 30–60 seconds to eliminate the raw flour taste.
• Add 1 cup of chicken broth to deglaze the pot, then pour in the remaining broth. Return the bacon. Simmer covered for 15–20 minutes.
• Add the gnocchi and cook for about 3 minutes.
• Stir in corn, smoked salmon, milk, cream, Parmesan, dill, and parsley. Add black pepper to taste.
• Heat just until simmering — do not boil. Remove from heat, cover, and let rest 30 minutes.
• Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon juice and extra herbs on top.

Video

Notes

• Don’t boil the soup after adding the milk and cream — it can curdle.
• Letting the soup rest before serving helps deepen the flavor.
• Fresh corn is best if in season, but canned works fine too.
• Gnocchi adds a unique twist, but you can substitute diced potatoes if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcal

Keyword Smoked Salmon Chowder, Smoked Salmon Chowder Recipe

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Step-by-Step Breakdown

If you’d like a more detailed walkthrough before cooking, follow these step-by-step instructions:

• Cook the Bacon
  In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook diced bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
• Sauté the Aromatics
  Add diced onion, carrot, and celery to the bacon fat. Sauté for 7–10 minutes until tender.
• Add Garlic, Herbs, and Tomato Paste
  Stir in garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, paprika, pepper, and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute.
• Stir in Flour
  Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 30–60 seconds.
• Deglaze and Simmer
  Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth to deglaze, then add the rest. Return bacon and simmer 15–20 minutes.

• Add Gnocchi
  Drop in gnocchi and cook for 3 minutes or until they float.
• Add Corn and Salmon
  Stir in corn and flaked smoked salmon.
• Add Dairy and Herbs
  Stir in milk, cream, Parmesan, dill, and parsley. Heat gently without boiling.
• Rest Before Serving
  Remove from heat, cover, and let sit 30 minutes for flavor to develop.
• Serve with Garnishes
  Ladle into bowls and top with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Pro Tips for the Best Chowder

To take your smoked salmon chowder from good to unforgettable, keep these tips in mind:

1. Don’t Boil After Adding Dairy

Once the milk and cream are in, lower the heat. Boiling can cause the dairy to separate, giving the soup a grainy texture. A gentle simmer is all you need to warm it through.

2. Let It Rest Before Serving

After cooking, cover the pot and let it rest for 20–30 minutes. This allows the smoked salmon flavor to deepen and meld with the herbs and broth.

3. Use High-Quality Smoked Salmon

Look for honey-roasted or alderwood smoked salmon for maximum flavor. Pre-packaged smoked salmon fillets from Costco or a trusted fishmonger work well.

4. Adjust the Salt Carefully

Smoked salmon and bacon are already salty, so add salt gradually and taste as you go. It’s better to season at the end than to overdo it early.

5. Fresh Herbs Make a Difference

Fresh dill and parsley add brightness and balance the richness of the chowder. Avoid dried dill here, as it can overwhelm the soup’s subtle smoky notes.

6. For a Thicker Chowder

Add a few mashed gnocchi or let the soup reduce slightly uncovered before adding the dairy. You can also increase the flour to 1/3 cup for a thicker base.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Whether you’re working with what’s in your pantry or looking to tweak the flavor or dietary profile, this smoked salmon chowder is easy to adapt. Here are some common and creative substitutions:

Swap Gnocchi with Potatoes

If you don’t have gnocchi on hand, use diced Yukon gold or red potatoes. Add them with the broth and simmer until fork-tender before moving on to the next steps.

Use Fresh Salmon Instead of Smoked

No smoked salmon? You can use fresh or leftover cooked salmon. Bake, grill, or pan-sear it, then flake into chunks and stir it in near the end of cooking.

Make It Dairy-Free

Substitute full-fat coconut milk for cream and unsweetened plant-based milk for whole milk. The result will still be creamy but with a slightly different flavor.

Add a Seafood Twist

Turn this into a seafood chowder by adding cooked shrimp, lump crab, or scallops along with the salmon. Just make sure not to overcook the seafood.

Gluten-Free Option

Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour and make sure your gnocchi is certified gluten-free. Some brands offer potato gnocchi without wheat.

Amp Up the Veggies

Toss in a handful of chopped spinach, kale, or peas for extra color and nutrients. Add them in the final 5 minutes of cooking.

Spice It Up

Want a little heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to balance the richness of the cream and salmon.

What to Serve with Smoked Salmon Chowder

This chowder is rich, creamy, and comforting on its own — but the right side dish can make it feel like a complete meal. Here are some great serving ideas that complement the smoky, savory flavor without overpowering it:

Crusty Bread or Sourdough

A thick slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy broth. Sourdough adds a nice tang that pairs especially well with smoked salmon.

Herbed Biscuits

Flaky buttermilk or chive-studded biscuits add a buttery contrast to the chowder. Bonus: they’re great for dipping.

Light Green Salad

Balance the richness with a simple salad of arugula, mixed greens, or spinach dressed in lemon vinaigrette. You’ll get freshness and a slight acidity that cuts through the creaminess.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or broccolini make elegant sides. Their caramelized flavor stands up to the bold chowder.

Oyster Crackers or Crostini

Keep it traditional with a handful of oyster crackers, or elevate it with toasted crostini brushed with garlic oil.

Sparkling Water or a Dry White Wine

For drinks, pair with something refreshing like sparkling water with lemon or a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

For more pairing ideas, check out this guide on what to serve with soup from The Kitchn.

How to Store and Reheat

Smoked salmon chowder stores surprisingly well, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers. Just follow these tips to keep it tasting fresh and creamy.

Refrigeration

Let the chowder cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Tip: Stir well before reheating, as separation is natural with cream-based soups.

Freezing

You can freeze this chowder, but keep in mind that the texture of dairy and gnocchi may change slightly when thawed.

• Let it cool completely
• Store in freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion
• Freeze for up to 2 months

To improve results after freezing:

• Reheat gently over low heat
• Add a splash of broth or cream to smooth the texture

How to Reheat

Stovetop (best method):
Reheat over low to medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Don’t let it boil — this prevents curdling.

Microwave (quick method):
Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Cover loosely to avoid splatter.

FAQs About Smoked Salmon Chowder

Final Thoughts

Smoked salmon chowder is one of those recipes that feels indulgent, comforting, and deeply flavorful — yet comes together with simple ingredients and just one pot. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or serving it as a starter for guests, it’s a dish that leaves a lasting impression.

With its smoky richness, creamy broth, and soft bites of gnocchi and vegetables, this chowder brings out the best in cold-weather cooking. And thanks to its flexibility, you can make it your own with the substitutions and tips we’ve shared.

If you try this recipe, let us know how it turned out in the comments below. We’d love to hear what you paired it with — and don’t forget to rate the recipe. Looking for more cozy meals? Explore our Dinner Recipes for more inspiration.

Craving a bold, flavorful side dish to go with this chowder? Try our Honey Curry Roasted Cauliflower — it’s sweet, savory, and perfectly spiced to complement any hearty soup.