16 Best Herbs and Spices for Clam Chowder

If you’re looking for the best herbs and spices for clam chowder, then you’ve come to the right place.

I’ve rounded up 16 of my favorite spices and herbs that go great in clam chowder.

From thyme and rosemary to bay leaves and black pepper, these ingredients will take your soup to the next level.

So go ahead and give them a try the next time you make this chowder!

See Also: What Salad Goes with Clam Chowder? 10 Best Salads

16 Best Herbs and Spices for Clam Chowder

I’m sure you’re aware that there are a lot of different herbs and spices out there.

But, when it comes to clam chowder, you want to use the best of the best.

You want to use herbs and spices that will enhance the flavor of the soup without overwhelming it.

Fortunately, I’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the 16 best herbs and spices for clam chowder.

Here they are:

1. Parsley

Parsley has a somewhat peppery flavor that can help to brighten up a dish.

See Also: 10 Best Sandwiches To Serve With Clam Chowder

It’s a great addition to any chowder recipe, and I like to use it as a garnish.

Pro Tip: I like to chop up parsley and sprinkle it on top of my chowder before serving.

This not only looks pretty, but it also adds a little bit of extra flavor.

2. Chives

Chives have a mild onion flavor and can be used as a garnish or added to soups and sauces.

I love adding them to chowders because they add a touch of flavor without being overwhelming.

Pro Tip: If you’re using dried chives, rehydrate them in water for about 10 minutes before using.

3. Thyme

Thyme dances between earthy, minty, and woodsy (in the best way possible).

It’s a perfect addition to any chowder recipe, as it can really help round out the flavors.

I like to use fresh thyme whenever possible, as it has a more potent flavor than dried.

Pro Tip: If you’re using dried thyme, be sure to give it a good sniff before adding it to your dish.

If it smells musty or dusty, it’s time to replace it.

4. Basil

Basil is a balance between sweet and savory (with hints of mint) making it the perfect addition to any chowder recipe.

I personally love using it in a corn chowder because it brightens up the dish and compliments the sweetness of the corn.

Pro Tip: If you want to really bring out the flavor of basil, add it at the very end right before you serve.

5. Oregano

Oregano is peppery and assertive, and a little goes a long way.

It’s often used in Italian and Greek dishes, but I like to use it to add a punch of flavor to soups and stews.

A few sprigs of oregano can really brighten up a chowder or bisque (See Also: What to Serve with Corn and Crab Bisque?).

Pro Tip: To get the most flavor out of your oregano, strip the leaves from the stem and give them a rough chop before adding them to your dish.

6. Rosemary

Rosemary is a lemony-pine-like herb that is commonly used in Mediterranean dishes.

It’s a great addition to any clam chowder recipe because it adds a bright, fresh flavor.

I like to use rosemary in lieu of salt when cooking chicken or fish.

The herb is also delicious when added to roasted vegetables.

Pro Tip: When using rosemary, be sure not to add too much as the flavor can be overpowering.

A little goes a long way!

7. Marjoram

Marjoram has an earthy and woodsy taste (with notes of citrus and pine) that goes really well with clam chowder.

I like to add a little bit of it towards the end of cooking so that the flavor doesn’t get too overwhelming.

Pro Tip: If you can’t find marjoram, oregano is a good substitute.

8. Bay Leaves

Bay leaves have an almost minty flavor that goes really well with clam chowder.

I like to add a couple bay leaves to my soup when I’m cooking it, and then remove them before serving.

Pro Tip: When cooking with bay leaves, make sure to remove them before eating.

They can be sharp and pointy, and no one wants a mouth full of bay leaf shards.

9. Dill

Dill has a bright and sweet taste (somewhere between anise, parsley, and celery) that can really elevate a dish.

I love using it in clam chowder, but it’s also delicious in potato salad, egg salad, or on top of roasted vegetables.

Pro Tip: If you’re using fresh dill, add it at the end so that its flavor doesn’t get cooked out.

10. Paprika

Paprika has a subtle earthiness that pairs well with the briny flavor of clam chowder.

I like to add a sprinkle of paprika on top of my soup for a little bit of color and flavor.

Pro Tip: For an extra flavorful punch, try smoked paprika. It will give your soup a nice smoky flavor without being overwhelming.

11. Sage

Sage has a strong, slightly minty (and musky) flavor that goes really well with the creamy, briny flavors of clam chowder.

I like to use fresh sage leaves in my chowder, but you could also use dried sage.

If you’re using dried sage, start with a small amount and add more to taste.

Pro Tip: To really bring out the flavor of sage, fry the leaves in a little bit of oil until they’re crispy.

Then, sprinkle them on top of your soup just before serving.

12. Coriander Seeds

Coriander seeds taste slightly nutty, citrusy and sweet all at the same time.

They go really well in clam chowder, but can also be used in other soups, stews and curries.

If you want to try something different, add them to a fruit salad or make a coriander syrup to top off your favorite desserts.

Pro Tip: To get the most flavor out of your seeds, toast them lightly in a dry pan before using.

13. Allspice

Allspice tastes like a mix of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg (AKA, the holy trinity of fall spices).

It’s perfect in clam chowder because it adds a warm and cozy depth of flavor.

Pro Tip: A little goes a long way with allspice.

When using it in soup or stew, start with a small amount and add more to taste.

14. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is mostly hot and a little fruity (so if you don’t like spice, this might not be for you).

It’s perfect in clam chowder because it cuts through the richness of the soup and adds a nice depth of flavor.

Pro Tip: If you’re using cayenne pepper to add heat to a dish, start with a small amount and add more to taste.

This spice is very potent and a little goes a long way!

15. Onion Powder

Onion powder tastes a lot more oniony than fresh onions, so use it sparingly.

It’s perfect for when you want the flavor of onions without the texture.

I like to add a little bit of onion powder to my clam chowder recipe because it really brings out the flavors of the other ingredients.

Pro Tip: When using onion powder, start with a small amount and add more to taste.

It’s easier to add more than it is to take away!

16. Garlic Powder

Garlic powder tastes less assertive (and sweeter) than fresh garlic, making it a perfect addition to clam chowder.

It will add a gentle flavor that won’t overpower the soup.

Pro Tip: To get the most out of garlic powder (or any dried herb or spice), toast it in a dry pan over medium heat for a minute or two before using.

This will help to release the flavors and make them more potent.

See Also:

11 Best Herbs and Spices for Split Pea Soup

What Herbs Go with Mushroom Risotto? 13 Best Herbs

What Herbs Go with Roast Lamb? (11 Best Herbs)

What Herbs Go with Beef Roast? (11 Best Herbs)