Aunt Angie'S Clam Chowder
A comforting and hearty clam chowder featuring smoky bacon, tender potatoes, minced clams, and a creamy broth. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a quick family meal, this dish combines smoky, savory, and creamy flavors in every spoonful, making it a classic favorite for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large kettle, fry the bacon until crisp.
- Add the minced onion and fry for a few minutes.
- Add the diced potatoes and cover with water.
- Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender.
- Add butter, milk, and crushed saltine crackers to the kettle.
- When the mixture is hot, add the minced clams, salt, and pepper.
- Heat the chowder for about 5 minutes, but do not boil.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra depth of flavor, consider using unsalted butter and adding a dash of Old Bay seasoning. If you want a thicker chowder, mash a portion of the potatoes after cooking. You can substitute fresh clams for canned ones, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. For a lighter version, use low-fat milk or a dairy alternative.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the clam chowder hot, garnished with additional crushed saltines or fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with Corn Chip Dip as an appetizer or a side of crusty bread. A fresh green salad, like Broccoli-Grape Salad, makes a delightful accompaniment to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If the chowder thickens too much, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Angie'S Clam Chowder contains roughly 2460 calories, with 37g protein, 299g carbohydrates, and 124g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (134% of the Daily Value), calcium (109% of the Daily Value), and protein (74% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2211mg per serving (96% 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 frozen clams instead of canned?
Yes, you can use frozen clams, but make sure to thaw them first and adjust the cooking time. Add them towards the end of the cooking process to prevent overcooking, which can make them tough.
What kind of potatoes work best for this chowder?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal for clam chowder because they have a creamy texture when cooked and will absorb the flavors of the broth well. Avoid waxy potatoes, as they may not break down enough.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can replace the saltine crackers with gluten-free crackers or even crushed gluten-free corn chips. Additionally, make sure your bacon and broth are gluten-free to ensure the entire dish meets your dietary needs.
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).