Description
This Oyster Chowder is rich, creamy, and deeply comforting, made with tender oysters, aromatic vegetables, and a smooth dairy base. It delivers classic coastal flavor with a balanced texture that feels hearty yet refined, making it perfect for a satisfying lunch or cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Four ounces chopped Applegate Naturals Turkey Bacon
Two celery stalks finely chopped
Two medium carrots peeled and finely chopped
One medium onion finely diced
Two fresh garlic cloves minced
One and one half teaspoons dried thyme
One medium potato peeled and chopped into small cubes
Three cups seafood broth low sodium
One to two pints fresh oysters drained and coarsely chopped
Two cups half and half at room temperature
Instructions
1. Strain the oysters over a bowl and reserve the liquid then strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth and set aside
2. Coarsely chop the drained oysters and refrigerate until ready to use
3. Finely dice the celery carrots and onion using a knife or food processor
4. Heat a saucepan over medium heat and cook the chopped turkey bacon until crisp then transfer to a plate and reserve
5. Leave a small amount of rendered fat in the pan and add the celery carrots and onion cooking gently until soft but not browned
6. Add the minced garlic and dried thyme stirring until fragrant
7. Add the chopped potato and seafood broth including reserved oyster liquid then simmer until the potatoes are just tender
8. Reduce heat and slowly stir in the half and half until smooth
9. Add the chopped oysters and reserved bacon crumbles and cook gently until hot and oysters begin to curl at the edges
10. Remove from heat season to taste and serve warm
Notes
Keep the heat gentle once dairy is added to prevent separation
Fresh oysters provide the best flavor and texture for this recipe
Do not allow the chowder to boil after adding the oysters
Potatoes naturally thicken the chowder without the need for flour
Leftovers should be reheated slowly over low heat
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American