Smoked fish soups always feel warm and comforting. This Hairy Bikers Smoked Haddock Chowder Recipe is rich and creamy. It is simple but full of flavor.
I love making this Hairy Bikers Smoked Haddock Chowder Recipe on cold evenings. The smell fills my kitchen with warmth.
If you want to learn how to make Hairy Bikers Smoked Haddock Chowder, you are in the right place. Let me share this cozy bowl with you.
Why I Love Making This Smoked Haddock Chowder
This chowder feels like a hug in a bowl. The smoked haddock gives deep flavor. The potatoes make it thick and filling. Cream adds softness and comfort.
I first made this on a rainy Sunday. The house felt quiet and calm. One spoonful made everyone smile. Since then, it became a family favorite.
It looks fancy but is very easy. The ingredients are simple. The steps are clear. Anyone can make it at home.
Equipment List
- Large heavy pot
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
- Small bowl
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Hairy Bikers Smoked Haddock Chowder Recipe
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Course: Main Course / Soup
- Cuisine: British
- Calories: 420 kcal per serving

Ingredients You Need for Hairy Bikers Smoked Haddock Chowder Recipe
- 400g smoked haddock fillets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 leek, sliced thin
- 2 medium potatoes, diced small
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fish stock
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Wash and chop all vegetables first. Dice potatoes into small cubes. Slice leek thin. Remove skin from haddock if needed. Keep everything ready near the stove. This makes cooking smooth and easy.
2. Cook the Onions and Leek
Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot. Add chopped onion and sliced leek. Cook on medium heat for five minutes. Stir gently. They should turn soft but not brown.
3. Add Potatoes and Herbs
Add diced potatoes into the pot. Stir well to coat with butter. Add bay leaf and thyme. Cook for two minutes. This step helps build flavor from the start.
4. Pour in Stock and Milk
Add fish stock and milk into the pot. Stir slowly. Bring to a gentle simmer. Do not boil hard. Let potatoes cook for about fifteen minutes until tender.
5. Add the Smoked Haddock
Place smoked haddock fillets into the pot. Push them under the liquid. Cover and simmer for eight minutes. The fish should become soft and flaky.
6. Remove and Flake the Fish
Take the fish out carefully. Remove any bones. Break the fish into large chunks using a fork. Keep pieces nice and chunky for texture.
7. Finish with Cream
Return flaked fish to the pot. Add heavy cream and stir gently. Simmer for five more minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Sprinkle fresh parsley before serving.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use fresh smoked haddock for best taste.
- Do not overcook fish or it becomes dry.
- Add sweetcorn for a sweet twist.
- Add a small pinch of smoked paprika for warmth.
- Use half cream and half milk for lighter version.
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
History or Fun Fact About the Dish
Chowder is a traditional seafood soup. It became popular in coastal areas. Fishermen used fresh catch in simple soups.
Smoked haddock is common in British cooking. The Hairy Bikers made it famous again on television. Their version feels rustic and comforting.
Pairings & Complementary Recipes
This chowder pairs well with warm crusty bread. Garlic bread works beautifully. A simple green salad balances the richness.
You can serve it with roasted vegetables. For drinks, try sparkling water with lemon. A light white tea also works nicely.
Occasion or Event Ideas
This dish is perfect for winter dinners. Serve it at family gatherings. It works well for Sunday lunch. It feels special but simple. You can also serve it for small dinner parties. Guests will love the creamy flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store in airtight container in fridge for up to 2 days.
- Do not freeze because cream may split.
- Reheat slowly on low heat.
- Stir gently while reheating.
- Add a splash of milk if too thick.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Carbs | 20 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Values are approximate and may vary.
Health Benefits
Smoked haddock is rich in protein. It helps build and repair muscles. Fish also provides important vitamins like B12.
Potatoes give energy and fiber. Milk and cream add calcium for strong bones. When eaten in balance, this chowder can be part of a healthy meal.

Hairy Bikers Smoked Haddock Chowder Recipe
Ingredients
- 400 g smoked haddock fillets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 1 leek sliced thin
- 2 medium potatoes diced small
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fish stock
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
- Wash and chop all vegetables first. Dice potatoes into small cubes. Slice leek thin. Remove skin from haddock if needed. Keep everything ready near the stove. This makes cooking smooth and easy.
Cook the Onions and Leek
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot. Add chopped onion and sliced leek. Cook on medium heat for five minutes. Stir gently. They should turn soft but not brown.
Add Potatoes and Herbs
- Add diced potatoes into the pot. Stir well to coat with butter. Add bay leaf and thyme. Cook for two minutes. This step helps build flavor from the start.
Pour in Stock and Milk
- Add fish stock and milk into the pot. Stir slowly. Bring to a gentle simmer. Do not boil hard. Let potatoes cook for about fifteen minutes until tender.
Add the Smoked Haddock
- Place smoked haddock fillets into the pot. Push them under the liquid. Cover and simmer for eight minutes. The fish should become soft and flaky.
Remove and Flake the Fish
- Take the fish out carefully. Remove any bones. Break the fish into large chunks using a fork. Keep pieces nice and chunky for texture.
Finish with Cream
- Return flaked fish to the pot. Add heavy cream and stir gently. Simmer for five more minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Sprinkle fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh smoked haddock for best taste.
- Do not overcook fish or it becomes dry.
- Add sweetcorn for a sweet twist.
- Add a small pinch of smoked paprika for warmth.
- Use half cream and half milk for lighter version.
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
FAQs about Hairy Bikers Smoked Haddock Chowder Recipe
1. Can I use fresh haddock instead of smoked?
Yes, you can use fresh haddock. But smoked haddock gives deeper flavor. If using fresh fish, add extra seasoning for taste.
2. Can I make this chowder ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it one day before serving. Store in fridge and reheat gently. The flavors often become even better next day.
3. Is this chowder very salty?
Smoked haddock already has salt. Taste before adding extra salt. Adjust carefully to avoid making it too salty.
4. Can I make it dairy-free?
You can replace milk and cream with coconut milk. The flavor will change slightly. But it will still be creamy and tasty.
5. What makes this chowder thick?
Potatoes naturally thicken the soup. Cream also adds body. If you want it thicker, mash some potatoes inside the pot.
Final Thoughts
This Hairy Bikers Smoked Haddock Chowder Recipe is warm and comforting. It is simple but full of flavor.
Now you know the Ingredients for Hairy Bikers Smoked Haddock Chowder and how to make Hairy Bikers Smoked Haddock Chowder at home. Try it once and it may become your favorite too. One bowl is never enough.

Zoey Lane is the voice behind ZoeyCooks.com, where she shares comforting, home-tested recipes inspired by everyday cooking. She believes great food should be simple, approachable and enjoyable to make.












Leave a Review