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Best Clam Chowder is easy to make “from scratch,” with creamy soup flavors that mingle together with bacon, clams–for the very best chowder!
I love the magic of soup season—-the comfort and ease of gathering ’round the table with family and friends! And BEST Clam Chowder always brings a little magic to the table! You’ve got to try my similar Best Seafood Chowder recipe, or a “tomato” spin, my Manhattan Clam Chowder soup.
Chowder is easy to make – a “by scratch” version that is creamy, flavorful with bacon, and chockfull of clams! Watch the video!
What do you add to clam chowder to make it better?
If it’s the condensed kind, add heavy cream and whole milk in equal parts. And then of course we say bacon and butter! But grab the printable recipe below!
Simple ingredients for chowder soup:
Bacon + butter
Celery + leeks + onions + garlic
Red potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes
Broth (or stock)
Salt, white pepper, thyme
Flour
Half-and-half
Chopped clams
Bay leaf
Chopped fresh chives
OPTIONAL to add clam juice (for a more clam flavor)
What do you serve with Clam Chowder?
Planning a soup meal is quite simple, especially serving my yummy chowder as the main dish, with a side of hot bread and a basic green salad with Best Thousand Island Dressing! Here’s a list of what to serve with a hot bowl of chowder.
Bacon
Oyster Crackers
Salad
Shrimp cocktail
Bread
Corn on the cob
French fries
Make chowder from scratch
In the past, I’ve been intimidated to make this homemade soup, because I was afraid it wouldn’t be as tasty as a bowl that might be served at the beach, or at a really good restaurant. But this recipe is one of my favorites, and is one of the top easy recipes on my RE! Yay! :)
Oh, and we did make a few changes to the recipe, but don’t worry. Add more clam juice (optional) for a more intense clam flavor if you choose to.
How do you serve clam chowder?
You can also serve it on a big board, like below! Here’s the link to Epic Clam Chowder Dinner Board! Or, grab the link below to buy THE BIG BOARD (at the bottom). We love to set out the pot of soup in a braiser pan (low-line big pot).
What is the difference between Boston and New England clam chowder?
Well, New England and Boston Clam Chowder are really the same dish. What makes a chowder “different” is the broth that is used. For example, Rhode Island broth is clear, and Manhattan Style Clam Chowder has a red tomato broth. Boston is thick and creamy!
Is chowder better the next day?
Yes, it’s just as good the next day, if not better. So YES, you can make ahead of time for easy entertaining.
The flavors of this soup mingle together to make the tastiest leftovers. It will thicken as it stands overnight in the refrigerator so just whisk in a little milk or half-and-half before reheating.
How do you make Homemade Clam Chowder
Whatever the flavors, I say homemade is the best!
In a Dutch oven, you cook bacon (for amazing flavor!) over medium heat until crisp.
Then you saute celery, leek, and onion until tender, adding garlic. Eventually stirring in potatoes, broth, clam juice, salt, pepper and thyme.
Boil and simmer until potatoes are tender.
Make the creamy sauce (soooo good).
Stir in the clams and crispy bacon!
Optional to add in more clam juice (a couple bottles) if you choose to.
It’s comforting, filling, and delicious, and it’s also the perfect “light” holiday meal.
Best Clam Chowder is easy to make "from scratch," with creamy soup flavors that mingle together with bacon, clams–for the very best chowder!Makes 4 main dish bowls or 6 small lunch bowls.
Dutch Oven(I like this enameled version from Lodge)
Instructions
In a Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain; set aside. Add butter to the drippings (you can spoon out some of the drippings if you don’t want to ues that much); saute celery, leek, and onion until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the potatoes, broth, salt, pepper and thyme. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
In a small bowl, combine flour and 1 cup half-and-half until smooth. Gradually stir into the soup. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened.
Stir in clams and juice and remaining half-and-half; heat through (do not boil). Turn down to low heat; add the bay leaf. Cook for additional 2-3 minutes on low heat. Add in 4 strips of crumbled bacon.TIP: Optional to add in more clam juice in this step, if you choose a more clam flavor.
Crumble the reserved 4 strips of bacon. Garnish chowder with crumbled bacon and fresh chopped chives or green onions thinly sliced.
Notes
Originally posted December 2014 on Reluctant Entertainer
I’m Sandy—lover of food, family, cooking, THE BIG BOARD, travel, and bringing people together. Through great recipes and connection around the table, we become better, stronger, and more courageous people. Feasting on Life is real, and every time we do it, we grow a little more. Read more...
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I tried this in fall of last year and it was really good. It’s very filling but that didn’t stop me from having a second bowl! I’m actually making it again tonight!
A five star with certain modifications….the flour should be mixed with broth not half n half. I felt there were small lumps. I also added clam juice plus reserved clam juice. Also added chicken bouillon powder for more taste. Never put the bacon in it, but only added as a garnish. I wish I had added less potatoes and cut them even smaller!
Made the chowder last night for the first time and I tripled the recipe. OMG, so delicious. There was some left over but not because it wasn’t loved! I’m actually happy for the leftovers. It’s going to be a perfect lunch on this rainy afternoon!
Doing the math…do you not use all the bacon? The above recipe calls for 8-10 slices but looks like you only used 6. I tripled the recipe and now have a ton of bacon. Not complaining, it’ll get eaten but wondering if I should add more to the chowder?
This does look delicious – but I would really like to see the nutritional content posted for all of these recipes, like pretty much every other site I use does. . Freestyle is based upon a magical points system & I would have to go through the entire recipe & enter every single ingredient…not fun!
I tried this in fall of last year and it was really good. It’s very filling but that didn’t stop me from having a second bowl! I’m actually making it again tonight!
A five star with certain modifications….the flour should be mixed with broth not half n half. I felt there were small lumps. I also added clam juice plus reserved clam juice. Also added chicken bouillon powder for more taste. Never put the bacon in it, but only added as a garnish. I wish I had added less potatoes and cut them even smaller!
Hi. I want to make this for tomorrow for our Halloween party. Do you think I can make the entire soup today?
YES! It’s delicious if you make ahead.
Best ever hands down.
Made the chowder last night for the first time and I tripled the recipe. OMG, so delicious. There was some left over but not because it wasn’t loved! I’m actually happy for the leftovers. It’s going to be a perfect lunch on this rainy afternoon!
Doing the math…do you not use all the bacon? The above recipe calls for 8-10 slices but looks like you only used 6. I tripled the recipe and now have a ton of bacon. Not complaining, it’ll get eaten but wondering if I should add more to the chowder?
Of course you can add more bacon or less. Some people leave it out. It’s great either way!
I have made this many times and it is so delicious!
This does look delicious – but I would really like to see the nutritional content posted for all of these recipes, like pretty much every other site I use does. . Freestyle is based upon a magical points system & I would have to go through the entire recipe & enter every single ingredient…not fun!
Sorry I should have said the clam chowder in my earlier message
Tried this and it is delicious, quick and will be made again for sure.