Smokey Clam Chowder
A creamy, smoky clam chowder with bacon, potatoes, and herbs, perfect for cozy gatherings and seafood lovers seeking rich, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute bacon until crisp and brown; remove to paper towel and set aside.
- Spoon 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings into a heavy saucepan.
- Saute chopped onion and celery in bacon drippings for 5 minutes or until softened.
- Drain clams, reserving the liquid, and set clams aside.
- Add clam liquid, water, and potatoes to the saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer gently about 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- Crumble the drained bacon and reserve.
- In a small bowl, stir together 1/4 cup of milk and flour until smooth.
- Stir the milk-flour mixture into the saucepan along with the remaining 1 3/4 cups milk and the half and half.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and bubbles.
- Stir in the reserved clams, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
- Sprinkle with cooked bacon and parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smokier flavor, consider adding a dash of liquid smoke or using smoked clams. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute half the bacon with turkey bacon. You can also use frozen diced potatoes to save prep time. To enhance the creaminess, try using a mix of heavy cream and sour cream instead of half and half.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Smokey Clam Chowder with crusty bread or buttery crackers for dipping. It pairs beautifully with Hot Asparagus Roll-Ups for a delightful appetizer combination. For a complete meal, consider a light green salad on the side to balance the richness of the chowder.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover clam chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If the chowder thickens, add a splash of milk or water to reach your desired consistency before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Smokey Clam Chowder contains roughly 1561 calories, with 37g protein, 240g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (107% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (105% of the Daily Value), and protein (74% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2015mg per serving (88% 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! Just ensure you steam them until they open, and reserve the liquid for the chowder. You'll need about 2 cups of fresh clams. This will enhance the flavor of your chowder significantly.
How can I make this chowder gluten-free?
To make the chowder gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Ensure that all other ingredients, especially the bacon and clam products, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
What can I do if the chowder is too thick?
If the chowder turns out too thick, simply add a bit more milk or clam juice until you reach your desired consistency. Stir it well over low heat to fully incorporate the liquid without losing the chowder's rich flavor.
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).