New England Style Clam Chowder
Creamy and hearty, New England Clam Chowder features tender potatoes, savory clams, and smoky bacon in a rich, milky broth. Perfect for comfort food lovers, it offers a comforting blend of flavors that suit casual gatherings or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook potatoes, water, and salt until tender.
- Cut bacon into small pieces and fry until almost cooked.
- Add chopped onion and cook slowly until bacon is completely cooked.
- Combine all cooked ingredients in one pot and add evaporated milk and chopped clams with liquid.
- Bring to a boil, but do not boil.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier chowder, use half-and-half instead of evaporated milk. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes before adding the clams. Adding a pinch of smoked paprika can enhance the flavor. Feel free to substitute fresh clams with canned ones if they're unavailable, but be sure to drain and rinse them well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or oyster crackers. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a light Spinach Salad(If You Like Spinach, You Will Love This Spinach Salad!) for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat to prevent curdling. Adding a splash of water or milk can help restore the original consistency if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of New England Style Clam Chowder contains roughly 1932 calories, with 30g protein, 278g carbohydrates, and 78g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (109% of the Daily Value), potassium (101% of the Daily Value), and iron (79% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2315mg per serving (101% 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, clam chowder can be made ahead of time. In fact, the flavors often improve after a day in the refrigerator. Just remember to reheat it gently and avoid letting it boil to maintain the creaminess.
What type of clams is best for clam chowder?
While any canned clams will work, chopped or minced clams are typically best for chowder. If using fresh clams, littlenecks or cherrystones are excellent choices due to their tender texture and flavor.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add diced celery or carrots for added flavor and texture. Just sauté them with the bacon and onion to ensure they soften before combining with the potatoes and clams.
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).