New England Clam Chowder Soup(Microwave)
Creamy and hearty New England clam chowder with smoky bacon, tender potatoes, and savory clams, perfect for a comforting meal in minutes using the microwave.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place bacon in a 2-quart casserole; microwave at high for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Remove bacon, reserve drippings, and drain bacon on paper towel.
- Stir potatoes and onions into bacon drippings.
- Cover and microwave on high for 7 to 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in flour, salt, and pepper.
- Drain clams, reserving juice.
- Blend clam juice and mixture into potato mixture.
- Microwave on high for 8 minutes or until mixture thickens.
- Stir in clams and crumble bacon into the mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using thick-cut bacon. If you're short on time, pre-cooked bacon can be a great substitute. Instead of potatoes, you could use cauliflower for a lower-carb option. To enhance the creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream just before serving. Fresh thyme can also elevate the dish's flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with crumbled bacon and fresh parsley. This dish pairs beautifully with Texas Style Corn Bread for a comforting meal. Consider serving a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the chowder, making it a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave on medium power in a covered bowl, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of milk if the chowder thickens too much during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of New England Clam Chowder Soup(Microwave) contains roughly 309 calories, with 8g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (18% of the Daily Value), protein (16% of the Daily Value), and iron (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2044mg per serving (89% 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 make this chowder ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chowder ahead of time. Just follow the recipe until the point before adding the clams and bacon. Store it in the fridge and reheat gently, then stir in the clams and bacon before serving.
What can I substitute for clams?
If clams are unavailable, you can use canned diced potatoes and a seafood broth to create a similar flavor. Alternatively, some people enjoy using cooked chicken or even mushrooms for a different twist.
How can I make this chowder thicker?
To thicken the chowder, you can add an additional tablespoon of flour mixed with some cold milk before stirring it into the pot. Alternatively, use a cornstarch slurry or blend a portion of the chowder and mix it back in for a creamier 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).