New England'S Finest Clam Chowder
A creamy, comforting New England clam chowder with tender potatoes, smoky bacon, and fresh clams, perfect for seafood lovers and chilly days.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute the bacon until almost crispy.
- Add the onions and cook until transparent.
- Add the potatoes, water, salt, and pepper.
- Cook over medium heat, uncovered, for 12 to 15 minutes or until the potatoes are soft.
- Drain and chop the clams, reserving the clam liquid.
- Add the chopped clams, 3/4 cup of clam liquid, butter, and half and half to the potato mixture.
- Mix well and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes over medium heat.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked bacon instead of regular bacon. You can substitute the fresh clams with canned clams in a pinch, just add them at the end to avoid overcooking. If you want to lighten the chowder, use whole milk instead of half and half, but keep in mind it will be less creamy. For added depth, try incorporating a splash of white wine.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your New England clam chowder hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with Southern Carolina Cornbread for a delightful meal. Consider offering oyster crackers on the side for added texture and crunch. A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables can round out the meal nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently, until heated through. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the cream to separate. For longer storage, you can freeze the chowder, but it's best to leave out the dairy and add it when reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of New England'S Finest Clam Chowder contains roughly 1375 calories, with 8g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 134g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (115% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1543mg per serving (67% 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 clam chowder without bacon?
Yes, you can absolutely make clam chowder without bacon for a lighter version. Simply sauté the onions in olive oil or butter instead. You can also add a little smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor typically provided by the bacon.
What type of clams are best for chowder?
For the best flavor, use fresh, small clams like littlenecks or cherrystones. Canned clams are a convenient substitute if fresh clams are not available. Just be sure to include some of the juice from the can for added flavor.
How can I thicken my clam chowder?
If your chowder isn't thick enough, you can create a slurry by mixing equal parts cornstarch and cold water, then adding it to the soup while stirring. Alternatively, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes directly in the pot to create 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).