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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 personally do not eat seafood but I would love to make this for my family because they all do.
Could I also use this as a base for seafood chowder? If so what other seafood would I add to make it?
If not what would I do to make it a seafood chowder?
I am really sorry but the Thyme was absolutely waaaaay too overpowering. I couldn’t taste anything else in the soup except the Thyme. Very disappointed as I have never been to this site nor ever left a disparaging comment on one but I feel like there needs to be a disclaimer about the Thyme flavor.
Made this for game day today, did not change a thing. It was delicious. I like to use Bumblebee whole baby clams. They are just the right size with no chopping required. Since I don’t like to miss a down of football I cooked it in the slow cooker. Followed the cooking directions for a pot, just cooked it longer. Hubby said it was the best I have ever made & guests loved it. Being chowder lovers I like to serve in big bowls. Next time I will double the recipe as there was none left after one bowl for four of us. Granted it as enough but like to have extra just in case someone wants a second helping.
Oh wow!! This recipe was divine!! My entire crew loved it and I am excited to add it to my recipe collection….. it’s going in my coveted book, not just kept on Pinterest. Thanks for such a yummy and not difficult recipe.
Hello, and thanks for this greatttttt recipe!!! Followed it to the letter; and, it came out perfect. I like that it isn’t tooo clammy- just the right amount of clam taste, not overwhelming!! Will make for many more years to come!
! Btw, I am sitting here eating a bowl right now (on a 90 degree day in Michigan) and loving it!!!
This chowder was amazing!!! Absolutely the BEST Clam Chowder my husband and I have ever had! Will definitely make again.
I personally do not eat seafood but I would love to make this for my family because they all do.
Could I also use this as a base for seafood chowder? If so what other seafood would I add to make it?
If not what would I do to make it a seafood chowder?
Yes, you can use this for a base. Personally, I’d add cooked salmon! DELISH!
This was excellent and so glad I found the perfect recipe.
I am really sorry but the Thyme was absolutely waaaaay too overpowering. I couldn’t taste anything else in the soup except the Thyme. Very disappointed as I have never been to this site nor ever left a disparaging comment on one but I feel like there needs to be a disclaimer about the Thyme flavor.
Sorry, haven’t had any complaints like that. Maybe make a note to cut down next time, according to your preference.
Made this for game day today, did not change a thing. It was delicious. I like to use Bumblebee whole baby clams. They are just the right size with no chopping required. Since I don’t like to miss a down of football I cooked it in the slow cooker. Followed the cooking directions for a pot, just cooked it longer. Hubby said it was the best I have ever made & guests loved it. Being chowder lovers I like to serve in big bowls. Next time I will double the recipe as there was none left after one bowl for four of us. Granted it as enough but like to have extra just in case someone wants a second helping.
Oh wow!! This recipe was divine!! My entire crew loved it and I am excited to add it to my recipe collection….. it’s going in my coveted book, not just kept on Pinterest. Thanks for such a yummy and not difficult recipe.
I love clam chowder! I also add corn and grated carrot if I have it I put ham in well as bacon. A little cooking wine adds to the taste too.
Has anyone used almond flour instead of the white flour?
I don’t think the flavor would be very good with almond flour, Colleen, but if you try it and you like it, please come back and tell us!
Hello, and thanks for this greatttttt recipe!!! Followed it to the letter; and, it came out perfect. I like that it isn’t tooo clammy- just the right amount of clam taste, not overwhelming!! Will make for many more years to come!
! Btw, I am sitting here eating a bowl right now (on a 90 degree day in Michigan) and loving it!!!
I’ve always wanted to go to Michigan! YAY! So happy you love the recipe like we do!
where does the bay leaf come in?