Best Clam Chowder
A rich and creamy clam chowder with savory bacon, tender potatoes, and a hint of onion, perfect for warming up on a chilly day or serving as a comforting appetizer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the minced onion in butter.
- Add clam liquor and cubed potatoes. Cover and cook over low heat for 15 minutes.
- Add the cream of celery soup, milk, and crumbled fried bacon.
- Heat the mixture until warm but do not bring to a boil.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a dash of hot sauce. If you prefer a thicker chowder, you can blend a portion of the potatoes and stir them back in. Substituting the cream of celery soup with homemade cream of mushroom can provide a nice twist. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can enhance the taste further.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with additional crumbled bacon or fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple side salad, such as Nutty Broccoli Salad, for a refreshing contrast. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Easy Ham And Potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover clam chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring often. If the chowder thickens too much, add a little milk to reach your desired consistency. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it can lead to uneven heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best Clam Chowder contains roughly 1279 calories, with 31g protein, 146g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (119% of the Daily Value), protein (62% of the Daily Value), and calcium (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1866mg per serving (81% 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, fresh clams can be used instead of canned. Make sure to clean and steam them until they open, then chop and add them to the chowder. You may want to reserve some clam juice for added flavor.
How can I make this chowder gluten-free?
To make the chowder gluten-free, use gluten-free cream of celery soup or make your own using cornstarch as a thickening agent. Ensure that the bacon and any other ingredients you use do not contain gluten.
What can I do if the chowder is too salty?
If your chowder turns out too salty, add more potatoes to absorb the excess salt. Alternatively, you can dilute it with a bit of unsalted broth or water, but be cautious not to compromise the flavor.
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).