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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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For a Mid westerner, transplanted in Colorado 50+ years ago, I think I got an A on my rendition of your clam chowder recipe. The only things I did differently were to put a pound of mushrooms, chopped, into the sauté part, and some chopped, sliced carrots. I cannot resist mushroom in anything, The carrots added a little bit of color and extra vitamins. I basically doubled the recipe as I needed a large batch. Thank you so much for the love photos to accompany the recipe.
Didn’t this recipe originally contain clam juice? Like separate from the canned clams? I’d like to use fresh clams and want to know how much juice to add
Hi,
I have made this recipe as written for years now (at least 3+) and it’s a HIT every time. Thank you!! We are going to try to make this a seafood chowder this year and add lobster or crab, I am hoping it goes well!
This chowder was phenomenal. The only changes I made was to do three 10 oz. cans of clams and a tablespoon of Old Bay seasoning. I ate two large bowls and need to return to my coma.
Before I do though, I have to mention that I reviewed your page about you and your family. Unreal… just beautiful.
Omg, I make good chowder…..this is better. 1/2 the flour, 1/2 to 3/4 cup extra broth, 1 extra (4 total)can of clams …plus juice…gone in 1 /2 hour… we r doing a repeat day after tomorrow, double batch. U know how thick u like things, but from there, this is awesome…home tested by a 15, a 17, a 2o, a 21, and a 48 yr old….it is great…thanku!! We loved it
I’ve made clam chowder for years, my old recipe (40+ years old) called for milk. It was good but your recipe is absolutely delicious!
I followed it exactly except for adding a little chopped Italian parsley along with the chives. My husband, my son and I ate almost the entire pot. I will definitely make this again and again!
This was very good. I only had two cans of clams and I’d say it definitely needs three. The only change I made was to substitute dried dill for the thyme. Will definitely make again with extra clams.
For a Mid westerner, transplanted in Colorado 50+ years ago, I think I got an A on my rendition of your clam chowder recipe. The only things I did differently were to put a pound of mushrooms, chopped, into the sauté part, and some chopped, sliced carrots. I cannot resist mushroom in anything, The carrots added a little bit of color and extra vitamins. I basically doubled the recipe as I needed a large batch. Thank you so much for the love photos to accompany the recipe.
The original recipe used clam juice- is this not part of the recipe now? I have made this recipe for years and love it!
you can totally add clam juice!
Wondering the same thing! Did it used to be one or two bottles of clam juice? It’s always a hit when I follow the original recipe!
You can totally add clam juice! :)
Didn’t this recipe originally contain clam juice? Like separate from the canned clams? I’d like to use fresh clams and want to know how much juice to add
You can add 1-2 bottles of clam juice. Totally optional!
Hi,
I have made this recipe as written for years now (at least 3+) and it’s a HIT every time. Thank you!! We are going to try to make this a seafood chowder this year and add lobster or crab, I am hoping it goes well!
This chowder was phenomenal. The only changes I made was to do three 10 oz. cans of clams and a tablespoon of Old Bay seasoning. I ate two large bowls and need to return to my coma.
Before I do though, I have to mention that I reviewed your page about you and your family. Unreal… just beautiful.
Kind regards,
Nick
This was amazing!!!!
Really was the best I’ve made yet.
Fantastic recipe! This is now our go-to clam chowder recipe.
Omg, I make good chowder…..this is better. 1/2 the flour, 1/2 to 3/4 cup extra broth, 1 extra (4 total)can of clams …plus juice…gone in 1 /2 hour… we r doing a repeat day after tomorrow, double batch. U know how thick u like things, but from there, this is awesome…home tested by a 15, a 17, a 2o, a 21, and a 48 yr old….it is great…thanku!! We loved it
I’ve made clam chowder for years, my old recipe (40+ years old) called for milk. It was good but your recipe is absolutely delicious!
I followed it exactly except for adding a little chopped Italian parsley along with the chives. My husband, my son and I ate almost the entire pot. I will definitely make this again and again!
This was very good. I only had two cans of clams and I’d say it definitely needs three. The only change I made was to substitute dried dill for the thyme. Will definitely make again with extra clams.