Eazy Clam Chowder

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

A warm, hearty clam chowder featuring tender potatoes, savory bacon, and creamy milk, perfect for comforting meals and seafood lovers alike.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup onion, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 4 white potatoes, diced
  • 5 cups water
  • 1 cup clams
  • 2 cups powdered milk
  • 4 teaspoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 6 strips bacon
  • 3 tablespoons oil

Instructions

  1. Saute diced onions and celery in oil until tender.
  2. Add diced potatoes and 4 cups of water; simmer for 15 minutes.
  3. Add canned clams to the mixture.
  4. Mix powdered milk with 1 cup of water in a separate bowl.
  5. Add the milk mixture, butter, and salt to the clam and vegetable mixture.
  6. Pour the mixture into an ovenproof dish.
  7. Garnish with cooked bacon strips.
  8. Serve hot.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of powdered milk. You can also swap out the clams for shrimp or crab if you prefer a different seafood flavor. If you like a bit of spice, adding a dash of cayenne pepper can enhance the chowder's flavor. Make sure to sauté the vegetables until they're just tender to maintain some texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this chowder hot, garnished with crispy bacon strips for an added crunch. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For a twist, try serving it alongside Cold Vegetable Pizza for a refreshing contrast.

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 milk from curdling. You can add a splash of water or broth to thin it out if it thickens too much during storage.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Eazy Clam Chowder contains roughly 1211 calories, with 11g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 113g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2259mg per serving (98% of the Daily Value).

1211 kcal 61% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.2g 22% DV
Total Fat 113g 100% DV
Carbs 41.5g 15% DV
Fiber 1.4g 5% DV
Sugar 23.8g 48% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2258.6mg 98% DV
Potassium 326.7mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 94.8mg 32% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 40.8mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 2.1mg 2% DV
Vitamin D 1.1mcg 5% DV
Calcium 130.5mg 10% DV
Iron 1.1mg 6% DV
Contains Milk Shellfish

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 this clam chowder ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chowder a day in advance. Allow it to cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, gently reheat on the stove and enjoy the flavors that have melded together.

What type of clams should I use?

Canned clams work well for this recipe, but if you prefer fresh clams, make sure to clean and steam them first. Chopped canned clams like minced or whole baby clams are great options and will add a delicious seafood flavor to your chowder.

Can I freeze the clam chowder?

Yes, this chowder can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove.

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).

American recipes → Pork recipes → Seafood recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →