Jack'S New England Clam Chowder
A hearty New England clam chowder featuring tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and succulent clams in a creamy broth, perfect for cozy gatherings and seafood lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the canned clams and reserve the juice.
- Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble and set aside.
- Saute the diced onion in the bacon drippings.
- Add the crumbled bacon, peeled and diced potatoes, and clam juice to the pot.
- Simmer until the potatoes are tender.
- Mix flour into the half-and-half, then slowly add this mixture into the pot, stirring until the chowder thickens.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in the clams and cook briefly to heat through.
- Turn off the heat and add butter, stirring until melted and incorporated.
Tips & Substitutions
For an even richer chowder, consider adding a splash of white wine or a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor. If you're short on time, frozen diced potatoes can be a great substitute for fresh ones. You can also mix in some fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for added freshness. Adjust the seasoning as you go for the best taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with fresh parsley or croutons for added texture. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving alongside Meatballs And Potatoes or a simple green salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chowder on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You may need to add a splash of broth or milk to restore the creamy consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jack'S New England Clam Chowder contains roughly 1253 calories, with 20g protein, 166g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (90% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (69% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (53% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 512mg per serving (22% 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, but you'll need to clean and cook them beforehand. Make sure to reserve the cooking liquid to add to your chowder for extra flavor. Adjust the cooking time to ensure the clams are tender when added.
What type of potatoes work best for chowder?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal for chowder due to their creamy texture and ability to hold up during cooking. Avoid waxy potatoes, as they may become mushy and not provide the desired consistency.
Can I make this chowder ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, the flavors meld beautifully when made a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove before serving. Keep in mind that the chowder may thicken, so add a bit of broth or milk as needed.
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).