Corny Clam Chowder
A rich and hearty clam chowder with sweet corn and smoky bacon, perfect for comforting gatherings and seafood lovers seeking a creamy, flavorful soup.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry the bacon until crisp and set aside.
- Leave the bacon drippings in the pan and sauté the chopped onions until translucent.
- Add the bay leaf, chicken broth, chopped celery, potatoes, clam juice, and pepper to the pan.
- Cook, covered, for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- Add the creamed corn, regular corn, and minced clams to the soup.
- Cook, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.
- Stir in the light cream and heat through.
- Crumble the cooked bacon and add it to the chowder just before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, try using smoked bacon instead of regular. If you're short on time, canned potatoes can be a quick substitute, though fresh potatoes offer better texture. To enhance the creaminess, you can mix in a bit of sour cream or cream cheese. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference, and feel free to add herbs like thyme for extra depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Corny Clam Chowder with crusty bread or crackers for dipping. A fresh green salad pairs beautifully with this dish, making it a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside homemade Chicken 'N Noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for an appealing presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat to avoid curdling the cream. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out if it becomes too thick during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Corny Clam Chowder contains roughly 1238 calories, with 14g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 100g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), and iron (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 722mg per serving (31% 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 for an even more robust flavor. Just ensure to clean and steam them before adding them to the chowder. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as fresh clams will require less time to cook than canned ones.
How can I make this chowder gluten-free?
To make the Corny Clam Chowder gluten-free, ensure that the chicken broth you use is labeled gluten-free. Additionally, check that the creamed corn does not contain any gluten-containing additives. The recipe is naturally gluten-free otherwise, as it doesn't contain flour or wheat products.
Can I freeze the chowder?
While it's possible to freeze clam chowder, the texture may change upon thawing due to the cream. If you plan to freeze it, consider omitting the cream and adding it during reheating after thawing to maintain a better consistency.
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).