15 Crab Cakes and Chowders Worth a Weeknight

When the week is packed, a cozy seafood meal can still have a place at the table. You’ll find hearty soups and golden crab cakes with flavors that make a simple dinner feel inviting. These recipes are well suited to relaxed family meals when you want something comforting without a complicated menu.

Light and Tender Baked Maryland Crab Cakes

3 crab cakes on a round platter. — Baked Maryland Crab Cakes. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Sweet crab meat stays at the center of these delicately seasoned cakes, while baking gives them a lovely golden exterior. They are a simple choice for a seafood dinner when you want something satisfying without a lot of fuss.
Get the Recipe: Light and Tender Baked Maryland Crab Cakes

Easy Crab Cake Sauce with a Tangy Finish

A bowl of creamy white dipping sauce garnished with chopped parsley, next to crab cakes and a lemon slice. — Crab Cake Sauce. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

A bright, tangy sauce adds just the right contrast to crisp, savory crab cakes. It comes together quickly and makes an easy weeknight seafood dinner feel a little more special.
Get the Recipe: Easy Crab Cake Sauce with a Tangy Finish

Creamy Boston Clam Chowder with Bacon

Creamy soup in white bowls, topped with crispy bacon pieces and chopped chives. — Boston Clam Chowder with Bacon. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Tender clams and soft potatoes simmer in a rich, creamy broth accented with savory bacon. This comforting soup brings classic New England flavor to the table in a cozy weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Boston Clam Chowder with Bacon

Hatch Green Chile Corn Chowder with Blackened Shrimp

Creamy corn chowder gets a flavorful kick from Hatch green chiles and a savory boost from blackened shrimp. Potatoes add hearty texture, making this a satisfying bowl for a quick seafood-inspired dinner.
Get the Recipe: Hatch Green Chile Corn Chowder with Blackened Shrimp

Slow Cooker Turkey Chowder for Leftover Makeovers

Slow Cooker Turkey Chowder. Photo credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

Tender turkey and creamy broth transform leftovers into a hearty chowder that feels like a completely new meal. The slow cooker keeps preparation simple, making this a practical choice for a relaxed weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Turkey Chowder for Leftover Makeovers

Crispy Dungeness Crab Cakes with a Golden Crust

Dungeness Crab Cakes. Photo credit: Simple And Fraiche.

Sweet Dungeness crab is tucked into tender cakes with a wonderfully crisp exterior. They come together quickly enough for a weeknight seafood dinner and pair beautifully with a fresh salad, slaw, or dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Dungeness Crab Cakes with a Golden Crust

Slow Cooker Potato and Poblano Chowder

Tender potatoes and mildly smoky poblano peppers create a thick, satisfying chowder with plenty of cozy flavor. Letting the slow cooker do the work makes this an easy dinner for a busy evening or chilly weekend.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Potato and Poblano Chowder

Creamy New England Clam Chowder for Weeknights

New England Clam Chowder. Photo credit: Wonky Wonderful.

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A rich, creamy broth surrounds tender clams and hearty vegetables in this classic coastal soup. It is a cozy dinner option when you want the comforting flavors of a seaside chowder without leaving home.
Get the Recipe: Creamy New England Clam Chowder for Weeknights

Loaded Hatch Chile Potato Clam Chowder

Hatch Chile Potato Clam Chowder. Photo credit: Chicken Fried Kitchen.

Creamy potatoes, tender clams, and roasted Hatch chiles come together in this hearty twist on traditional chowder. The loaded baked-potato character makes every spoonful especially comforting on a chilly evening.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Hatch Chile Potato Clam Chowder

Buttery Ritz Crab Cakes with Fresh Crab

Ritz Crab Cakes with Fresh Crab. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

Sweet crab meat and buttery cracker crumbs create tender cakes with a crisp, golden exterior. Their rich flavor makes them a lovely centerpiece for a simple seafood dinner served with a salad or favorite side.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Ritz Crab Cakes with Fresh Crab

Instant Pot Corn Chowder with Bacon and Chipotle

Sweet corn, smoky bacon, and chipotle peppers give this creamy chowder plenty of character. The Instant Pot makes it a convenient choice when you want a hearty bowl that tastes like it spent much longer cooking.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Corn Chowder with Bacon and Chipotle

Smoked Crab Cakes with a Subtle Wood-Fired Flavor

Smoked Crab Cakes. Photo credit: Smoked Meat Sunday.

Sweet crab meat takes on a gentle smoky character that adds another layer of flavor to these tender cakes. The preparation is approachable enough for a weeknight while still bringing something special to the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Crab Cakes with a Subtle Wood-Fired Flavor

Smoky Shrimp and Corn Chowder

Shrimp and Corn Chowder. Photo credit: Belle of the Kitchen.

Sweet corn and tender shrimp pair beautifully with smoky chipotle flavor in this creamy, satisfying soup. It comes together quickly enough for a weeknight while still feeling like something you might order at a favorite restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Shrimp and Corn Chowder

Crunchy Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Sauce

Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Sauce. Photo credit: Chef's Pencil.

Golden crab cakes get a bright, buttery finish from a lemon-infused sauce that complements the seafood beautifully. The contrast between the crisp coating and tender center makes this a satisfying meal for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Sauce

Slow Cooker Manhattan Clam Chowder with Vegetables

Clams, vegetables, and a savory broth simmer together slowly for a comforting bowl with classic Manhattan-style character. The hands-off cooking makes it a practical seafood dinner when your evening is already full.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Manhattan Clam Chowder with Vegetables