Upton'S Best Clam Chowder
Upton's Best Clam Chowder offers a hearty, savory blend of clams, potatoes, bacon, and vegetables, perfect for comforting meals and seafood lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped bacon
- 1/4 cup chopped green peppers (optional) ⓘ
- 4 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 cup clam juice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon white ground pepper ⓘ
- 2 cups diced potatoes ⓘ
- 1 cup canned or frozen corn kernels ⓘ
- 1 to 2 cups rinsed, diced clams ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons flour ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown chopped onions, celery, bacon, and green peppers (if using) in a large pot.
- Add chicken broth, drained clam juice, salt, and white ground pepper to the pot.
- Stir in diced potatoes, corn kernels, and diced clams.
- Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes or until potatoes are soft.
- In a separate pan, melt butter and blend in flour to make a roux.
- Gradually whisk in half and half, whipping smooth, then add to the soup.
- Cook for another 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier clam chowder, consider adding diced carrots or using fresh clams if available. Swap out the bacon for pancetta for a different flavor profile. If you want a thicker chowder, increase the roux or add more potatoes. Make sure to adjust the seasoning based on your taste preference. This recipe can also be adapted for a lighter version by using low-sodium chicken broth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Upton's Best Clam Chowder in warm bowls, garnished with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a special touch, consider serving it alongside Spiced Roast Chicken for a comforting dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover clam chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the chowder thickens too much during storage, add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Upton'S Best Clam Chowder contains roughly 610 calories, with 12g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2317mg 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, you can make this clam chowder a day in advance. Allow it to cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even tastier when reheated.
Can I freeze clam chowder?
Freezing clam chowder is not recommended, as the cream base can separate and change texture upon thawing. However, you can freeze the base without the cream and add the cream when you reheat it for a fresh taste.
What type of clams are best for chowder?
For the best flavor, use fresh or canned chopped clams such as chopped sea clams or little neck clams. Canned clams are convenient and work well in this recipe, providing a rich seafood taste.
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).