All American Clam Chowder
A creamy, hearty clam chowder with smoky bacon and tender potatoes, perfect for cozy gatherings and seafood lovers seeking comforting, flavorful dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a pan until crisp.
- Remove bacon and break into 1-inch pieces.
- Brown minced onions in bacon fat.
- Add clam juice and cubed potatoes.
- Cover and cook for about 15 minutes until potatoes are done.
- Stir in bacon pieces and minced clams.
- Heat the chowder without boiling.
- Use cooked bacon as a garnish if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using a mix of smoked and regular bacon. If you prefer a lighter option, turkey bacon can be substituted. You can also add some celery or carrots for extra vegetables. For a creamier chowder, use half-and-half instead of milk, or add a touch of sour cream. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can elevate the taste, so feel free to include them.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the clam chowder hot, garnished with the reserved bacon pieces for a crunchy texture. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a light salad, such as Broccoli Salad With Poppy Seed Dressing. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Baked Beans(Abington Grange Supper) to complete the experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat to prevent curdling. If the chowder thickens too much, add a splash of milk to reach the desired consistency. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it can change the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of All American Clam Chowder contains roughly 508 calories, with 12g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value) and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1074mg per serving (47% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh clams instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh clams. Be sure to steam them open and reserve the juice before adding them to the chowder. This will enhance the flavor significantly, but be mindful to adjust the amount of liquid you add accordingly.
Is it possible to make this chowder gluten-free?
Certainly! To make this chowder gluten-free, use gluten-free cream of celery soup and ensure your bacon is gluten-free as well. You can also thicken the chowder with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend if desired.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of clam juice. You can add additional vegetables like corn or bell peppers for flavor and nutrition. Consider using a plant-based cream alternative to maintain the creamy texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).