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Creamy smoked salmon chowder with gnocchi, corn, and herbs in a white bowl on a rustic table

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
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 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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