What To Serve With Corn Chowder? 15 BEST Side Dishes

Corn chowder, with its sweet corn kernels, creamy base, and comforting, hearty warmth, is a classic dish beloved by many.

It's rich and satisfying on its own, but when paired with the right side dishes, a good bowl of corn chowder can become an extraordinary meal. Here are 15 fantastic sides that pair perfectly with corn chowder.

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The best side dishes to serve with corn chowder are cornbread, BLT sandwiches, birria quesadillas, sautéed mushrooms, potato pancakes, Hawaiian roll breakfast sliders, Italian sausage, tuna salad without mayo, gluten-free bread, steamed vegetables, bacon-wrapped shrimp, tomato bruschetta, baked sweet potato, Caprese salad, and quinoa salad.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Cornbread

Cornbread, with its slightly sweet flavor and crumbly texture, is a natural pair for corn chowder. Its rich, buttery notes harmonize with the creamy chowder, while its hearty texture stands up to the soup's robustness. Enjoy a slice fresh from the oven for a cozy, comforting meal.

2. BLT Sandwiches

BLT sandwiches, stacked with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and savory bacon, offer a wonderful contrast to the creamy, sweet corn chowder. The sandwich's crisp texture and the fresh flavors of the lettuce and tomato balance the rich, hearty chowder. Plus, the salty, savory bacon echoes the smoky notes often found in corn chowder.

3. Birria Quesadillas

Birria quesadillas, filled with tender, flavorful meat and melty cheese, make a hearty, satisfying side for corn chowder. The robust, savory flavors of the quesadillas pair beautifully with the sweet, creamy chowder, creating a rich, satisfying meal that's sure to please.

4. Sautéed Mushrooms

Sautéed mushrooms, with their earthy flavor and tender texture, offer a simple, flavorful side that pairs well with corn chowder. Their umami-rich taste complements the chowder's sweetness, while their tender texture provides a pleasing contrast to the chowder's hearty ingredients.

5. Potato Pancakes

Potato pancakes, crisp on the outside and tender inside, make a fantastic side for corn chowder. Their hearty, savory flavor balances the chowder's sweetness, while their crispy texture adds a nice contrast to the chowder's creaminess. Top the pancakes with a dollop of sour cream for an extra layer of richness.

6. Hawaiian Roll Breakfast Sliders

Hawaiian roll breakfast sliders, filled with eggs, cheese, and your choice of breakfast meats, are a delightful partner for corn chowder. Their sweet, soft rolls and savory fillings create a flavor profile that complements the creamy, sweet chowder perfectly. This combination makes for a comforting, satisfying meal that's great any time of day.

7. Italian Sausage

Italian sausage, with its bold, spicy flavor, provides a robust, hearty side that stands up to corn chowder. Its rich, savory flavor balances the chowder's creaminess, while its firm texture offers a pleasing contrast to the chowder's smoothness. Serve it grilled or sautéed for a flavorful addition to your meal.

8. Tuna Salad without Mayo

A tuna salad without mayo, made with flaky tuna, crisp celery, and a light, tangy dressing, offers a fresh, light side that balances the richness of corn chowder. The salad's fresh flavors and crisp texture provide a welcome contrast to the hearty chowder, making for a well-rounded meal.

9. Gluten-Free Bread

Gluten-free bread, with its hearty texture and pleasant flavor, is a great alternative for those with dietary restrictions. Warm and toasted, it's perfect for soaking up the creamy goodness of the chowder. Whether it's a simple white loaf or a seeded multigrain variety, gluten-free bread makes a wholesome and satisfying accompaniment to corn chowder.

10. Steamed Vegetables

A side of steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or green beans, adds a fresh, light contrast to the rich corn chowder. The vegetables' natural sweetness and slight crunch provide a nice balance to the creamy, savory chowder. Plus, it's a great way to pack more nutrients into your meal.

11. Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

Bacon-wrapped shrimp, with its sweet, succulent shrimp encased in crispy, salty bacon, offers a decadent side that pairs well with corn chowder. The shrimp's delicate flavor and the bacon's robustness create a side dish that's both flavorful and satisfying.

12. Tomato Bruschetta

Tomato bruschetta, featuring ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a hint of garlic on toasted bread, is a vibrant, fresh side that complements corn chowder. The tomatoes' juiciness and the basil's aromatic flavor provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy chowder.

13. Baked Sweet Potato

A baked sweet potato, with its soft, creamy interior and slightly caramelized flavor, makes a hearty, nutritious side for corn chowder. The sweet potato's natural sweetness harmonizes with the sweet notes in the chowder, while its hearty texture makes the meal even more satisfying.

14. Caprese Salad

A Caprese salad, composed of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil leaves, offers a light, refreshing side that contrasts beautifully with the hearty corn chowder. The salad's fresh, clean flavors provide a welcome break from the chowder's richness, creating a balanced, satisfying meal.

15. Quinoa Salad

A quinoa salad, featuring fluffy quinoa, fresh vegetables, and a tangy vinaigrette, provides a light, healthy side for corn chowder. The salad's diverse flavors and textures, along with its protein-packed quinoa, make it a satisfying accompaniment that doesn't weigh you down.

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