Cape Cod Clam Chowder
Cape Cod Clam Chowder offers a hearty, flavorful experience with tender clams, smoky bacon, and creamy potatoes, seasoned with salt and enhanced by rich clam juice. Perfect for cozy gatherings or seafood lovers, this classic New England dish combines comfort and taste in every bowl.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry bacon until crisp and cut into small pieces.
- Remove bacon from the pan and set aside.
- Fry salt pork until golden brown and remove from the pan.
- Saute diced onions until soft.
- Drain clams, saving the juice, then chop the clams finely.
- Add enough water to the clam juice to make 3 cups, then bring to a boil.
- Add diced potatoes, browned salt pork, onions, and bacon to the boiling liquid.
- Simmer until the potatoes are done, about 15 minutes.
- Blend flour with cold water to form a smooth paste, then add to the soup, stirring until it boils and thickens.
- Add chopped clams and season with salt.
- Slowly add the milk, stirring constantly to incorporate.
- Add 2 tablespoons of butter just before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked bacon or pancetta instead of regular bacon. If you're looking for a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the milk, or try a dairy-free alternative like almond milk. Ensure the potatoes are cut uniformly for even cooking, and feel free to add herbs like thyme or bay leaves for an extra depth of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cape Cod Clam Chowder in warm bowls, garnished with fresh parsley or croutons for added texture. This chowder pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad. For an extra touch, consider serving it alongside a classic side like Okra-Tomatoes to create a well-rounded meal.
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 occasionally. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the milk to curdle. If the chowder thickens too much, add a splash of water or milk to reach the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cape Cod Clam Chowder contains roughly 1768 calories, with 11g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 174g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (184% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1139mg per serving (50% 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
How can I make this chowder gluten-free?
To make Cape Cod Clam Chowder gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Simply mix it with the cold water as directed, and your chowder will thicken just as well without gluten.
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).