Description
This classic Homemade Clam Chowder is rich, creamy, and packed with tender clams, hearty potatoes, and savory aromatics. It’s a comforting New England-style soup that’s perfect for chilly days and cozy meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 2 cups bottled clam juice
- 1 cup water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 (6.5 oz) cans chopped clams, with juice
- 1 1/2 cups half-and-half or heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter (optional, for extra richness)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Add the onion and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir to coat the vegetables. Cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
- Gradually stir in clam juice, water, bay leaf, and thyme. Add the diced potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Add clams with their juice, half-and-half (or cream), and butter if using. Simmer for another 5 minutes—do not boil after adding cream.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove bay leaf before serving.
- Serve hot, garnished with reserved bacon and fresh parsley.
Notes
- For a thicker chowder, mash a few of the cooked potatoes in the pot before adding the cream.
- Use fresh clams if preferred—steam, chop, and reserve juice for added freshness.
- Chowder tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld—just reheat gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: clam chowder, New England clam chowder, creamy soup, homemade chowder, seafood soup, classic chowder