This gluten free smoked oyster chowder is quick and easy to make, and full of rich flavors. The unexpected smokiness from the smoked oysters adds so much flavor to this creamy chowder. No flour or Roux needed!
This homemade chowder is the perfect comfort food for anyone who loves chowder! If you love chowder, here are some more delicious gluten free chowder recipes you will want to make!
My son has been asking me to make a gluten free chowder since we went gluten free six years ago. I made a few attempts at a gluten free roux, but none really worked the way I had hoped. (Talk about recipe fails!!)
Creating a chowder without a roux might be easier. Potatoes would add a lot of substance and thickness to this soup…but I wasn’t sure if these potatoes could thicken this soup enough that I could skip the roux. If you have been reading my blog for a while, you will know I love a food chemistry challenge!!
This experiment worked!! You will find this is one of the best chowders out there…and it was made in one pot. Nice and easy!
(I have a lot of delicious gluten free soup recipes on my blog like this Shredded Chicken Taco Soup, Cold Busting Chicken Turmeric Soup, and my kids’ favorite, Lentil Bacon Soup.)
What do you do with smoked oysters
The star of this recipe is the smoked oysters. I often wondered what to do with smoked oysters, but this article has so many great ideas. The smoked oysters added a smokey richness to this gluten free chowder recipe that is hard to duplicate.
This soup isn’t quite thick enough to be an oyster stew, but with more potatoes and seafood, it could come close!
And even better, my son LOVED this chowder.
This chowder is full of cod, smoked oysters, and potato chunks….and even better, gluten and wheat free!
Types of chowder
This chowder recipe is made based on New England Clam Chowder. I love the milky creaminess of these types of chowders. New England chowders have a heavy cream base. You can also find chowders based on Manhattan Chowders. This type of chowder has a tomato base.
Easy variations:
You know how much we love soups and stews that you can adjust! This oyster chowder is no different and can be customized to your liking. Here are some ideas:
- Red Potatoes – If you don’t have brown potatoes on hand, no biggie! You can replace them with red potatoes, and every bite will be just as scrumptious!
- Mushrooms – If you are a fan of mushrooms, you should add in a few! They give an earthy flavor to the dish that can’t be beaten.
- Onions – Can’t live without onions? Add some in this chowder and gobble up a bowl of hot soup.
- Bacon – Seriously, everything is better when you add some salty bacon!
- Spinach – Spinach is a perfect ingredient to add in so you can have some extra nutrients. Bonus points if your kids and spouse don’t notice!
You can also use my roux free recipe to create a seafood chowder. Just use your favorite seafood!
What to serve with chowder
Excited to make some yummy oyster chowder, but aren’t sure what to serve with it? I have you covered with these flavorful ideas:
- Cast Iron Skillet Gluten Free Focaccia Bread
- Mardi Gras Jambalaya Stuffed Baked Potatoes
- Gluten Free Grilled Cheese Sandwich With Brie, Apples, and Bacon
- Bacon Wrapped Maple Baked Cornish Game Hen
Interesting facts about smoked oysters:
If you aren’t accustomed to eating smoked oysters, you might be a little scared of them. Don’t worry; they are delicious and packed full of healthy nutrients you are going to want in your life. Here are some interesting facts you might like to know:
- You can eat oysters right out of the can! You don’t have to heat them up or anything. Serve them with some gluten free crackers and your taste buds will thank you!
- A can of smoked oysters has a shelf life of 3-5 years! If you want to stockpile healthy food, this is one to add to your list. And if you are in California, smoked oysters are a great idea for those earthquake supply kits!
- Oysters are a shellfish that has vitamin C, zinc, protein, iron, and selenium. (Selenium is great for keeping your brain happy!)
- Smoked oysters are keto friendly, gluten free and paleo! So you can enjoy this guilt-free pleasure whenever you like!
How do you store leftover soup?
Store any leftover oyster soup in an airtight glass container. The oyster chowder will last around 2 days in the fridge. If you notice an abnormally fishy odor or it becomes slimy, then it is time to throw it out.
To reheat the oyster soup, warm it up on the stove in a pot stirring occasionally. Heat it on low heat so it doesn’t burn. It should be warm in 10-15 minutes.
Can you freeze oyster chowder?
Technically, yes you can freeze oyster chowder. I don’t really recommend it because the texture of the potatoes will not be very good once you reheat the chowder. You can always give it a try and see if you like it, but typically I don’t care for reheated potatoes after they have been frozen.
More delicious soup recipes to try:
- This Chicken Taco Soup is a kid-favorite soup!
- Creamy Vegan Butternut Squash Soup is perfect for fall.
- If you love noodles, this Gluten Free Ramen Soup is going to become your favorite!
- Grab a slow cooker and try this homemade creamy Gluten Free Mushroom Soup.
Things You Need to Make This Recipe:
How to make gluten free chowder:
Cod and Smoked Oyster Chowder
Easy creamy roux free seafood chowder recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh cod
- 1 can smoked oysters in olive oil
- 3 cups water
- 3 cups milk
- 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- avocado or olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, thinly sliced
- 2 large leeks, sliced and washed
- 1/2 teaspoon Hungarian paprika
- 1 teaspoon yellow miso paste
- 1 teaspoon salt, more if you like
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown leeks in oil for 4 minutes.
- Add cod and water.
- Cover and bring to a boil and cook for 10 minutes until cod is cooked.
- Add potatoes, oysters, paprika, sage, miso, salt, pepper, and milk.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking to bottom of the pot.
- Serve hot.
Notes
If you do not have smoked oysters, feel free to substitute clams or other seafood.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 203Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 327mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 3gSugar: 1gProtein: 16g
For a recipe idea to go with this soup, check out these fritters:
Pam Greer
Thanks for all the tips on making a great chowder! I have to admit I’ve never made one!
Sandi Gaertner
You are so welcome Pam. I hope you get a chance to try this recipe over the weekend 🙂
Marisa Franca@ All Our Way
We love soup and one of my favorites is a good chowder. I would take that before anything else. Your chowder looks fantastic — I’d love to dive right into it.
Sandi Gaertner
Dive away Marisa :-). Thank you so much!
Patricia @ Grab a Plate
I looooove chowders, including any and all types of seafood chowders. This sounds amazing with the oysters! Glad your experiment worked so well! Yum!
Sandi Gaertner
Thank you Patricia 🙂
Platter Talk
I don’t know how I missed this one; it literally caused my stomach to growl and it’s not even noon here yet. I love seafood chowders and yours looks sublime. I’m also interested in knowing if you would be interested in a temporary son exchange; I so wish we could get our kids to eat this! Great job, once again.
Sandi Gaertner
My son would love to come 🙂 He is easy…my daughter is the difficult picky eater. Not sure if it ever gets better, she has been like that her whole life.
Audrey Blakeney
Oysters are delicious, but I find them hard to incorporate into meals, since they have such a pungent taste. This cod and smoked oyster chowder recipe you shared may be a great way to begin eating clams more. Cod has a light taste, so combined with the oyster, it will be delicious. Thank you for sharing a great and inspiring recipe with those of us who live off of others food recipes for yummy meals.
Sandi Gaertner
Thank you Audrey. I think the oysters combined with the miso paste really work well together in this chowder. I appreciate your stopping by 🙂
Tara
I am missing soups, we haven’t had a homemade one forever, this looks so good!
Sandi Gaertner
Thank you Tara 🙂
Katerina
Doesn’t make you feel so happy and proud when a recipe you’ve been trying to create eventually is a success? It does to me! This is a great chowder and I am sure my family would love it too!
Sandi Gaertner
Definitely 🙂
Steph @ Steph in Thyme
Sage and paprika, how divine! What wonderful flavor additions to this soup, which looks so hearty and creamy and wonderful.
Sandi Gaertner
Thank you Steph 🙂
Healing Tomato
This is a great chowder recipe. I have never tasted chowder before, except the vegetarian versions. You make amazing looking recipes and you have great eye for styling.
Sandra
What a great feeling when a recipe works just the way you want it to! Your chowder looks delicious!
Joy @ Joy Love Food
I love seafood chowders, this sounds delicious, plus I love that it is made all in one pot, how easy!
christine
I’m so glad you figured it out, what an accomplishment, it looks beautiful. I’m not that familiar w/ smoked oysters but I’m interested to try. We love chowders, I’ll have to try adding smoked oysters one of these times. Thanks!
Sandi Gaertner
The smoked oysters definitely add a fun smokey flavor to the chowder.
lizzy
Ok…. I am in love with this recipe. I don’t make chowder enough. This looks so mouthwatering – great pictures! Def. making!
Sandi Gaertner
Thank you so much Lizzy 🙂
Michelle @ The Complete Savorist
You are the GF wizard. This chowder is fantastic.
Sandi Gaertner
It was definitely worth all of the trial and error 🙂
jules
I can’t wait to try this recipe, but with non-dairy milk. I’m trying to decide between coconut milk and a lower fat option. Do you think milk fat is key to the creaminess here? Just weighing my options … 🙂
Thanks for the recipe inspiration!
~jules
gfJules.com
Sandi Gaertner
That is a great question Jules. I would think coconut milk because it is creamier…but you may need to adjust the seasonings so the coconut doesn’t over power the chowder.
Amber | Caleigh's Kitchen
I love a good chowder, and this one looks fantastic!
Thanks for sharing on Try a Bite Tuesday! Hope to see you back next week!
Sandi Gaertner
Thank you Amber 🙂
Laura O|PetiteAllergyTreats
I’m so glad you were finally able to recreate a pre gluten recipe. Your son is so lucky! I would love a bowl of this hearty chowder. Pinned
Sandi Gaertner
Thank you Laura 🙂
Amanda Paa
thanks for experimenting with the potato “roux”! I’ve been stuck on finding one that worked as well. i see smoked oyster chowder in my future 🙂
Sandi Gaertner
Let me know how you like it Amanda 🙂
Jen
So glad to hear this works with potato instead of a roux, looks like it would be easier to cook that way which is always good 🙂
Sandi Gaertner
It is definitely a lot easier Jen…with the same great taste 🙂
Catherine
Dear Sandi, your chowder looks wonderful and delicious. I would love a bowl of this hearty soup. It sounds so good. xo, Catherine
Sharon @ What The Fork Food Blogon @ What The Fork Food Blog
I love making chowder in the summer. As a New Englander, summer is all about the chowder and fresh seafood!
Sandi Gaertner
Thank you Sharon…I grew up in New England and I remember driving up to Maine to eat chowder.
Jane
This looks delicious! So happy to hear that your recipe was a success! Pinned!
Sandi Gaertner
Thank you so much Jane 🙂
Celeste
Love a good chowder and this one looks great!
Sandi Gaertner
Thank you Celest 🙂
The Food Hunter
Glad this worked out for you. It sounds delicious.
Sandi Gaertner
Thank you…it is great to finally get it right 🙂