Description
Rich and creamy New England clam chowder is easy to make right in your own kitchen! This classic comfort food is loaded with savory flavors and hearty ingredients that will make you feel like you’re dining by the seaside, even if you’re miles away from the shore.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 4 slices thick cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3 medium russet potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 8 ounce bottle clam juice
- 2 cups heavy cream or half and half, divided
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- (2) 6.5 ounce cans chopped clams (undrained)
- salt and pepper to taste
- oyster crackers for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, cook bacon over medium-high heat until browned, about 7 minutes. Remove bacon from pot to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
- Leaving the bacon grease in the pot, add onion and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring often.
- Stir in thyme, potatoes, chicken stock, and clam juice. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- In a small bowl combine 1 cup of the half and half and flour. Whisk until smooth. Slowly stir into the soup and return to a simmer. Cook 2-3 minutes or until thickened.
- Add clams and their juice along with the remaining half and half and cook 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with chopped bacon and fresh parsley if desired and serve with oyster crackers.
Notes
Store leftover chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, it tastes even better reheated the next day!
Freeze soup in a freezer-safe container (affiliate link) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: soup
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 384
- Sugar: 5.3 g
- Sodium: 745.3 mg
- Fat: 18.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 37.3 g
- Fiber: 2.7 g
- Protein: 17.5 g
- Cholesterol: 72.4 mg