This clam chowder is built on crispy bacon, sautéed onion and celery, diced potatoes and minced clams, finished with heavy cream and thyme. Serve it hot with bacon bits and fresh parsley on top.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Clam Chowder

To prepare this delicious soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

4 slices of bacon (chopped)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium onion (finely chopped)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
2 medium potatoes (diced)
2 celery stalks (sliced)
1 cup clam juice (from canned clams or bottled)
1 cup water
2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
2 cans (6.5 oz each) minced clams (drained and juice reserved)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Recipe for Clam Chowder

Cook the Bacon:
- In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
Sauté Aromatics:
- Add butter to the pot with the bacon fat. Stir in the chopped onion, garlic, and celery. Cook until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
Add Potatoes and Liquids:
- Add the diced potatoes, clam juice, and water to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
Stir in Clams and Cream:
- Add the minced clams, heavy cream, and thyme. Simmer gently for another 5-10 minutes, ensuring the soup doesn’t boil to prevent curdling.
Season and Serve:
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with crispy bacon bits and fresh parsley.

Nutritional Information of Clam Chowder

Clam chowder is rich and indulgent, providing a good mix of nutrients. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (1 cup):

Calories: 250-300
Carbohydrates: 15-20g
Protein: 10-12g
Fat: 18-22g
Fiber: 2-3g
Iron: 10-15% of the Daily Value (DV)
Calcium: 8-12% of the DV
Potassium: 350-400mg

Tips for Enhancing Your Clam Chowder

Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky depth.
Use fresh clams for an authentic flavour if available.
Serve with crusty bread or oyster crackers for added texture.

Try it today and enjoy the rich flavours of this seafood favourite!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I stop the cream from curdling?

Once the clams and cream go in, keep the soup at a gentle simmer for 5-10 minutes. Do not let it boil, or it can curdle.

Can I use fresh clams instead of canned?

Yes. Fresh clams, if you can get them, give a more authentic flavour than canned.

What goes well with clam chowder?

Crusty bread or oyster crackers add texture. A pinch of smoked paprika gives it a smoky depth.

Browse more in our Soup Recipes collection.

Clam Chowder and Its Nutritional Information