Best Clam Chowder Recipe: Creamy, Flavorful, and Easy!

There’s nothing like a warm bowl of clam chowder to comfort your soul—whether it’s a chilly evening or just a cozy lunch with friends. This homemade clam chowder is a must-try, packed with layers of flavor from crispy bacon, tender clams, and the perfect blend of herbs. Best of all, it’s easy to make from scratch! You won’t believe how simple this creamy soup comes together. Ready to dive into the best clam chowder ever? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Clam Chowder

What makes this clam chowder stand out from the crowd? It’s all about the balance of flavors and textures. You get:

• Creamy richness from the half-and-half
• Savory crispness from the bacon
• Tender chunks of clams that blend beautifully with potatoes, celery, and leeks
• Customizable options like extra clam juice for an intense seafood flavor.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this mouthwatering clam chowder:

• 8 strips of bacon, divided
• 2 Tbsp. butter
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 1 leek (or 1 shallot), finely chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3-4 small red or Yukon gold potatoes, cubed (optional to peel)
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• ½ teaspoon white pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups half-and-half, divided
• 3 cans (6.5 ounces each) chopped clams, undrained
• 1 bay leaf
• Chopped fresh chives or green onions, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

This clam chowder is surprisingly simple to make. Follow these steps for a perfectly creamy, flavorful soup every time:

1. Cook the Bacon

• In a Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. Remove it from the pot and drain on paper towels. Crumble 4 strips and set them aside for garnishing later.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

• Leave a little bacon grease in the Dutch oven (or spoon some out if you prefer). Add the butter, celery, leek, and onion. Sauté until the vegetables are tender—about 5 minutes.
• Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Simmer with Potatoes

• Stir in the potatoes, broth, white pepper, salt, and thyme. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

4. Thicken the Soup

• In a small bowl, whisk together flour and 1 cup of half-and-half until smooth. Slowly stir this mixture into the soup. Bring it back to a boil, stirring constantly until it thickens (1-2 minutes).

5. Add Clams and Bacon

• Stir in the clams (including their juice), the remaining cup of half-and-half, and the bay leaf. Lower the heat and let everything heat through without boiling—about 2-3 minutes.
• Add in the crumbled bacon from earlier. If you want a stronger clam taste, now is the time to stir in extra clam juice.

6. Serve and Garnish

• Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with the reserved crumbled bacon and a sprinkle of fresh chives or green onions for a pop of color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty clam chowder is a meal on its own, but if you’re looking for the perfect sides, consider these pairings:

• Crusty bread: A thick slice of sourdough or a warm baguette to soak up every last drop of that delicious broth.
• Oyster crackers: For a classic New England vibe.
• Side salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a great balance for the richness of the chowder.
• White wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs wonderfully with seafood-based soups.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: ~400
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 28g
• Sodium: 820mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this clam chowder ahead of time?
Yes! The flavors actually deepen if you make the chowder a day ahead. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, then reheat it gently over low heat when ready to serve.

Q: Can I substitute fresh clams for canned?
Absolutely! You can use fresh clams if you prefer, just steam them first and use the cooking liquid in place of the clam juice from the cans.

Q: Is there a way to make this lighter?
For a lighter version, swap out half-and-half for whole milk or a combination of milk and cream. You can also reduce the amount of bacon if you’re looking to cut back on fat.

More Seafood Recipes to Try

• Creamy Shrimp Alfredo: Indulgent and rich, this shrimp pasta is another crowd-pleaser!
• Garlic Butter Lobster Tails: A perfect date night meal, packed with flavor and elegance.
• Baked Cod with Lemon and Herbs: Simple, healthy, and bursting with fresh citrus flavors.

Conclusion

I can’t wait for you to try this Best Clam Chowder! It’s so creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor, it’s bound to become a staple in your home. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a cozy starter, this chowder is sure to impress.

When you make it, let me know how it turns out in the comments below. I’d love to hear any tweaks or personal touches you added to make it your own. Happy cooking, friends! 🌟

Love this clam chowder recipe? Save it on Pinterest for your next cozy night in and savor the ultimate comfort food! 🌟 Don’t forget to pin it for later!

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