Easy New England Clam Chowder
A creamy, hearty clam chowder with smoky bacon, tender clams, and rich potato flavor, perfect for comforting meals and seafood lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, cook and stir the bacon and minced onion until the bacon is crisp and the onion is tender.
- Stir in the cream of potato soup and milk, then heat through, stirring occasionally.
- Add the minced clams, clam liquor, lemon juice, and pepper, then heat through again.
- Serve with saltines.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier chowder, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or milk after the soup is heated. If you don't have minced clams, chopped fresh clams can be used instead. You can also swap the bacon for diced ham for a different flavor. For extra flavor, try adding a dash of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chowder with saltines or crusty bread for a complete meal. A simple green salad pairs nicely, or you can serve it alongside a classic American dessert like apple pie. For a brunch twist, consider serving it with dishes like Overnight Breakfast Sausage Casserole.
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 the chowder from curdling. Stir occasionally and add a little milk if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy New England Clam Chowder contains roughly 135 calories, with 7g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (92% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make clam chowder without bacon?
Yes, you can make clam chowder without bacon. Simply omit it and use a bit of olive oil or butter to sauté the onions. This will still provide flavor without the meat, and you can enhance it with smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness.
How can I thicken my clam chowder?
To thicken your clam chowder, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) or mash some of the potatoes if you’re using them. Another option is to let the chowder simmer uncovered to reduce and thicken naturally.
What can I substitute for cream of potato soup?
If you don't have cream of potato soup, you can substitute it with homemade potato puree mixed with some cream or milk. Alternatively, you could use a can of cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile while maintaining 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).