Best Clam Chowder Recipe: Creamy, Hearty, and Delicious

Clam chowder recipe is a classic, hearty soup made with tender clams, creamy broth, and savory bacon, perfect for chilly days or special family meals. This Best Clam Chowder Recipe offers a comforting and rich New England-style chowder, packed with chunks of potatoes, onions, and herbs that complement the briny clams. The smoky flavor of bacon adds depth, while the creamy base provides an irresistible, velvety texture. Serve it with oyster crackers or extra bacon for an authentic touch. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a chowder lover, this recipe ensures a warm, delicious meal that everyone will enjoy!

Creamy, Hearty, and Delicious

Clam chowder is a classic comfort food known for its creamy texture and hearty flavors. This Best Clam Chowder Recipe brings you a New England-style version with tender clams, savory bacon, and rich creaminess. Perfect for a cold day or a comforting family meal, this chowder offers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures. The crispy bacon adds a smoky touch, while the potatoes give the chowder its hearty base. Whether you serve it as a main dish or a starter, this clam chowder is sure to impress!

Why is it Called “Clam Chowder”?

Clam Chowder is named after its star ingredient—clams. This traditional soup originated in the coastal regions of New England, where clams were plentiful. The word “chowder” comes from the French word “chaudière,” meaning “cauldron,” which refers to the large pot used to cook this dish. Over time, clam chowder has evolved into a beloved American classic, known for its creamy base made with milk or cream, tender clams, and hearty vegetables like potatoes and onions.

How Should Clam Chowder Taste?

A well-made Clam Chowder should have a velvety, creamy texture with a rich, savory flavor. The broth should be smooth and thick, enveloping the tender chunks of potatoes and clams. Each spoonful offers a balance of creamy richness from the milk and cream, a slight brininess from the clams, and the savory crunch of crispy bacon. The thyme and bay leaf add subtle herbal notes, while the onions and garlic provide depth of flavor. The dish should be hearty yet delicate, warming and comforting with every bite.

Read more: Best Sweet Potato Fries Recipe: Crispy, Healthy, and Delicious

It’s About How to Make It Super Yummy or Perfect

To make the Best Clam Chowder Recipe perfectly, follow these essential tips:

1. Use High-Quality Clams: Whether you’re using fresh or canned clams, make sure they’re of high quality for the best flavor. If using fresh clams, steam them until they open and reserve the cooking liquid.
2. Don’t Skimp on the Bacon: Bacon adds a smoky, savory depth to the chowder. Cooking the onions and garlic in bacon fat infuses the base with even more flavor.
3. Simmer Slowly for Maximum Flavor: Letting the chowder simmer allows the flavors to meld together and ensures that the potatoes become tender and the soup thickens to the perfect consistency.
4. Balance the Creaminess: The combination of heavy cream and whole milk creates a luxurious broth. If you prefer a lighter version, you can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half.
5. Season to Taste: Adjust the salt, pepper, and other seasonings to your preference. A dash of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice can add brightness to the creamy broth.

Chowder Recipe

Clam chowder is a classic, hearty soup made with tender clams, creamy broth, and savory bacon, perfect for chilly days or special family meals. This Best Clam Chowder Recipe offers a comforting and rich New England-style chowder, packed with chunks of potatoes, onions, and herbs that complement the briny clams. The smoky flavor of bacon adds depth, while the creamy base provides an irresistible, velvety texture. Serve it with oyster crackers or extra bacon for an authentic touch. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a chowder lover, this recipe ensures a warm, delicious meal that everyone will enjoy!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American, New England

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Knife and cutting board
• Ladle
• Can opener (if using canned clams)

Ingredients

  

For the Clam Chowder:

• 4 slices bacon chopped
• 1 medium onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 3 medium potatoes
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cup clam juice
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 cans chopped clams with juice
• 1 tsp fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp butter
• Fresh parsley

Optional Garnish:

• Oyster crackers
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Extra crispy bacon

Instructions

 

• 1. Cook the Bacon

  In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot.

  2. Sauté the Vegetables

  Add the diced onion to the pot with the bacon fat and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

  3. Cook the Potatoes

  Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir to combine with the onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  4. Make the Roux

  Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat everything evenly. Cook the flour for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw taste.

  5. Add the Liquids

  Slowly pour in the clam juice (or water) while stirring to avoid lumps. Add the milk and cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

  6. Add Clams and Spices

  Stir in the canned clams along with their juice, thyme, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the chowder simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the soup has thickened slightly.

  7. Finish the Chowder

  Stir in the butter for extra richness. Remove the bay leaf and discard it.

  8. Serve

  Ladle the creamy clam chowder into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley, crispy bacon, and oyster crackers if desired. Serve hot!

Notes

• Fresh vs. Canned Clams: If you prefer, you can use fresh clams in this recipe. Steam the clams until they open, then chop the meat and use the cooking liquid in place of clam juice.
• Thicker Chowder: For a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot or add a little more flour during the roux stage.
• Add Vegetables: Some variations of clam chowder include celery or carrots for added texture and flavor. Feel free to add them along with the onions for a more veggie-packed chowder.
• Make it Ahead: This clam chowder stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to avoid curdling the cream.

Conclusion

This Best Clam Chowder Recipe is the ultimate comfort food, with its rich, creamy texture and savory flavors. Loaded with tender clams, hearty potatoes, and crispy bacon, this chowder is perfect for warming up on a cold day. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to impress with its deep, satisfying flavors. Serve it with a side of oyster crackers, extra bacon, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for the ultimate New England-style experience!