Baltimore-Style Smoked Salmon Chowder
A rich and creamy chowder featuring tender potatoes, leeks, and smoky salmon, inspired by the East Coast's coastal flavors. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 40 minutes pairs smoked salmon, medium, diced potatoes, large, sliced leeks for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz smoked salmon
- 2 medium, diced potatoes
- 1 large, sliced leeks
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 stalks, diced celery
- 1/2 medium, finely chopped onion
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 1/2 medium onion and 2 stalks celery, 1 large leek (sliced), and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Add 2 medium diced potatoes, 1 tsp thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir well and cook for 3 minutes.
- Step 3: Pour in 4 cups water and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Step 4: Stir in 8 oz smoked salmon and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Simmer for 5 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.
- Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baltimore-Style Smoked Salmon Chowder take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Baltimore-Style Smoked Salmon Chowder?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep smoked salmon from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baltimore-Style Smoked Salmon Chowder?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baltimore-Style Smoked Salmon Chowder for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baltimore-Style Smoked Salmon Chowder?
American seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
