Chowder is a
soup often prepared with
milk or
cream and thickened with broken
crackers, crushed
ship biscuit, or a
roux. Variations of chowder can be
seafood or
vegetable. Crackers such as
oyster crackers or
saltines may accompany chowders as a side item, and cracker pieces may be dropped atop the dish.
New England clam chowder is typically made with chopped
clams and diced potatoes, in a mixed cream and milk base, often with a small amount of butter. Other common chowders include seafood chowder, which includes fish, clams, and many other types of shellfish;
corn chowder, which uses corn instead of clams; a wide variety of
fish chowders; and potato chowder, which is often made with cheese. Fish chowder, corn chowder, and clam chowder are especially popular in New England and
Atlantic Canada.