clam chowder recipe

🥣 Creamy New England Clam Chowder Recipe – Cozy & Classic

Make the best New England clam chowder with tender clams, creamy potatoes, and crispy bacon. A hearty, cozy soup perfect for chilly nights or seafood lovers!

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📌 Why You’ll Love This Clam Chowder Recipe

This rich and creamy clam chowder is loaded with chopped clams, diced potatoes, and smoky bacon—everything you crave in a classic New England soup. Whether you're serving it in a bread bowl or with oyster crackers, it’s a warm and satisfying favorite.

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🛒 Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups peeled and diced potatoes (Yukon gold or russet)
• 1 cup clam juice (from canned clams or bottled)
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 2 (6.5 oz) cans chopped clams, drained (juice reserved)
• Salt & freshly cracked black pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook Bacon & Veggies

1. In a large pot, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
2. Add butter to the bacon fat. Sauté onions and celery for 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

2. Make the Base

1. Sprinkle flour over the veggies and stir for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
2. Slowly pour in clam juice and chicken broth while whisking.
3. Add diced potatoes and simmer for 10–15 minutes, or until tender.

3. Add Clams & Cream

1. Stir in the milk, heavy cream, and chopped clams.
2. Season with salt, pepper, and optional thyme. Simmer on low for 5–10 minutes—do not boil.

4. Serve

• Top with crispy bacon and chopped parsley. Serve with crusty bread or oyster crackers.

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🧠 FAQs

Can I use fresh clams instead of canned?
Yes! Steam 2 lbs of fresh clams and reserve the juice. Chop the meat and add it in place of canned clams.

How do I thicken my clam chowder?
Flour and starchy potatoes naturally thicken it. For thicker chowder, simmer longer or mash a few potatoes.

How long does clam chowder last?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.

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📝 Tips & Variations

• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for the roux.
• Add depth: A splash of white wine or Worcestershire sauce enhances flavor.
• Bread bowl upgrade: Serve in a hollowed-out sourdough roll for an extra-cozy meal.

🥣 Similar Recipes to Clam Chowder Recipe :

1. Corn Chowder

→ A creamy soup made with sweet corn, potatoes, and bacon — rich and comforting like clam chowder.
Interlink idea: “If you love the creaminess of Clam Chowder, you’ll enjoy this hearty Corn Chowder packed with flavor.”

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2. Seafood Chowder

→ A mix of shrimp, clams, crab, and fish simmered in a creamy broth — the ultimate ocean-inspired soup.

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3. New England Lobster Bisque

→ A smooth, velvety soup made with lobster meat, cream, and sherry — a luxurious seafood alternative.

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4. Potato Leek Soup

→ A silky, earthy soup made with potatoes, leeks, and cream — comforting and simple, similar in texture to chowder.

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5. Fish Chowder

→ A lighter chowder using white fish, herbs, and milk — a rustic coastal dish that’s delicious and easy to make.