New England Clam Chowder
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Loaded with tender chunks of potatoes, celery and onions all swimming in a beautifully flavored cream-based broth loaded with chopped clams and crispy bacon on top, this New England Clam Chowder hits the spot.
New England Clam Chowder
So now that I’m up in the Portland area, it’s a bit colder, a bit wetter and soup like my New England Clam Chowder always seems to not only warm me up, but fill me up.
Creamy comfort food in 30 minutes? Yes please!
Did you know there are 3 types of clam chowder?
New England Clam Chowder is the white cream version, where Manhattan Clam Chowder is the red, tomato based broth one. Then there is Boston Clam Chowder, which is the same as New England version, but the broth is thicker.
Kitchen tips for New England Clam Chowder
- Keep those wonderful, tender clams out of the soup until the last minutes to heat through. So many times I read recipes where they are added too early and get overcooked. I mean, like bits of rubber. No bueno. We want tender clams in each spoonful!
- This recipe is for the New England version, but if you want to make the Boston version, simply bump the flour from 1/4 cup to a 1/3 and omit the added bottle of clam juice. Just use the 4 cans of chopped clams and their juices. This makes for a thicker version.
- I like to use small new white potatoes, not Russet or red potatoes in this soup.
- Go for the thick cut bacon and slowly render to crisp. These are great for the topping as opposed to the thinner version.
- I use heavy cream, to lighten it up, substitute with half and half.
Other Great Soup Ideas
- Zuppa Toscana
Seared Italian sausage meat, bacon, onion and garlic caramelize then simmer in a chicken broth loaded with fresh kale and potatoes that gets finished off with heavy cream. If you need a tasty, one pot, comfort food soup, this Zuppa Toscana is for you. - Mom’s Navy White Beans
A comfort food classic from my momโs recipe book, these Navy White Beans are tender, simply seasoned and can be flavored to suit any dish. She used to add sliced franks to stretch the meal and it always reminds me of her. - Bean Beef and Barley Soup
This Mixed Bean Beef and Barley Soup is a great one for the stovetop, but made quicker in the Instant Pot. My trusted kitchen appliance never fails and for this comfort food classic soup of beef and barley, I like to add mixed beans to bulk it up.
With only 10 ingredients, this is a beautifully seasoned soup, loaded with good things and it’s super easy to pull together on any busy week night.
So grab that loaf of crusty french bread, make a side salad if you want a bigger meal, and get ready to spoon into a bowl of tasty comfort food. Enjoy!
Subscribe to my Newsletter, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube for all my latest recipes and videos.
New England Clam Chowder
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon thick cut
- 1 medium yellow onion chopped (about 1 cup total)
- 2 ribs of celery chopped (about 1 cup total)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 24 oz chopped clams undrained
- 8 oz bottle clam juice
- 2 cups heavy cream or Half and Half
- 4 cups new white or Yukon Gold potatoes peeled, cubed small
- 1/2 tsp salt and black pepper each
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme leaves
Instructions
- Drain clam juice from each can into a measuring cup and keep clams separate in a small bowl.
- Cut bacon slices into sliced 1/2" pieces. Add to a large stock pot over low heat. Slowly render and cook until crisp. Remove bacon with slotted spoon and set aside.
- Add the onions and celery to the bacon fat, turn heat up to medium and cook for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and flour and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add both the bottle and drained clam juice, heavy cream, potatoes, kosher salt, pepper and thyme. Stir to mix thoroughly and bring to a boil. Lower heat to simmer and cook for 15 minutes uncovered, stirring occasionally, scraping bottom of pan.
- Use a potato masher and carefully mash to desired thickness. I like to leave chunks of potatoes. Add the reserved clams, stir through and cook another minute or two until warmed through. Add water or fish/chicken stock if needed for desired thickness. Season to taste with salt if needed.
- Serve topped with bacon crumbles and crusty bread.
Notes
Kitchen tips for New England Clam Chowder
- Keep those wonderful, tender clams out of the soup until the last minutes to heat through. So many times I read recipes where they are added too early and get overcooked. I mean, like bits of rubber. No bueno. We want tender clams in each spoonful!
- This recipe is for the New England version, but if you want to make the Boston version, simply bump the flour from 1/4 cup to a 1/3 and omit the added bottle of clam juice. Just use the 4 cans of chopped clams and their juices. This makes for a thicker version.
- I like to use small new white potatoes, not Russet or red potatoes in this soup.
- Go for the thick cut bacon and slowly render to crisp. These are great for the topping as opposed to the thinner version.
- I use heavy cream, to lighten it up, substitute with half and half.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionistโs advice.
The chowder seemed to be a little bland. Followed the recipe as written. We did enjoy it and will probably make it again, just need to figure out a way to give it that thing it was missing.
I always adjust the seasoning before eating any recipe and if using the heavy cream it can sometimes mask flavor. More salt or a dash of Tabasco ar emy favorite adds to this one Sue. Thanks for taking the time to come back and let me know.