Classic Clam Chowder
A rich, creamy New England-style chowder loaded with tender clams, potatoes, and bacon. Ready in under an hour with simple pantry ingredients.
- Total time
- 45 min
- Servings
- 4
- Calories
- 385
- Protein
- 16g
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 lb russet potatoes, diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 2 cans (6.5 oz each) canned clams with juice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
Instructions
- 1
Cook chopped bacon in a large pot over medium-high until crispy, ~5 minutes.
- 2
Remove bacon to a paper towel; leave 2 tbsp fat in the pot.
- 3
Add diced onion and celery; sauté until softened, ~4 minutes.
- 4
Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir constantly for 60 seconds.
- 5
Pour clam juice (reserve clams) and chicken broth into the pot; stir to dissolve flour.
- 6
Add diced potatoes and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
- 7
Simmer uncovered until potatoes are fork-tender, ~12 minutes.
- 8
Stir in reserved clams (chopped if large), cream, and cooked bacon.
- 9
Heat through gently for 2 minutes; do not boil. Season with salt and pepper.
- 10
Swirl in softened butter until melted and glossy.
- 11
Ladle into bowls. Serve hot with oyster crackers or crusty bread.
Tools you’ll need
- large heavy-bottomed pot (5-quart or larger)
- wooden spoon or spatula
- paper towels
- ladle
- measuring cups and spoons
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