Classic New England Clam Chowder 🥣
A warm, comforting bowl of New England Clam Chowder is the ultimate coastal classic, brimming with rich, creamy goodness and packed with tender clams, buttery potatoes, and smoky bacon. This homemade version is as satisfying as it gets, with a velvety texture, delicate hints of the sea, and an irresistible depth of flavor.
This hearty, soul-warming chowder is the perfect dish for a chilly evening, a cozy family meal, or whenever you’re craving something decadently creamy and packed with seafood flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️
✔ Classic & Authentic – A traditional New England-style recipe with the perfect balance of seafood richness, creamy texture, and smoky notes.
✔ Easy to Make – Simple steps with pantry-friendly ingredients to achieve restaurant-quality clam chowder at home.
✔ Incredibly Flavorful – Each spoonful delivers a silky-smooth, well-seasoned bite filled with tender clams, soft potatoes, and crispy bacon.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve it for a hearty dinner, a cozy lunch, or a holiday seafood feast.
Details
Nutritions
- Nutritional Information for Classic New England Clam Chowder
- A single serving of this rich and creamy New England Clam Chowder provides approximately 363 calories, making it a hearty and satisfying dish. It contains 13 grams of protein, primarily from the clams, bacon, and dairy, which help build and repair tissues while keeping you feeling full. The chowder is relatively high in fat, with about 22 grams per serving, mainly from bacon, butter, heavy cream, and whole milk, contributing to its luxurious, velvety texture. While fat provides essential energy and flavor, those looking for a lighter version can consider reducing the heavy cream or substituting part of it with half-and-half.
- The dish also contains 28 grams of carbohydrates per serving, mainly from the potatoes and flour, which help thicken the soup while giving it a satisfying, starchy base. Potatoes provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as potassium and vitamin C, which support immune function and overall health. While oyster crackers add a bit of crunch, they also contribute to the carbohydrate count, so they can be adjusted based on preference.
- Overall, New England Clam Chowder is a rich and comforting meal that balances creamy textures with the briny sweetness of clams and the smoky depth of bacon. It’s a warm and indulgent dish, perfect for a cozy night, but those watching their fat intake may consider modifications such as using low-fat milk or reducing butter and bacon. However, the blend of flavors and textures makes this classic chowder a beloved comfort food, enjoyed best in moderation.
Ingredients
- 🛒 Ingredients & What They Do
- For the Chowder Base:
- Bacon (4 slices, diced): Adds a rich, smoky depth and crispy bits for texture.
- Unsalted butter (3 tbsp): Enhances the creamy, buttery flavor.
- Onion (1 medium, finely chopped): Provides a savory, aromatic base.
- Celery (2 stalks, diced): Adds a slight crunch and subtle herbal notes.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the chowder with bold, aromatic flavor.
- All-purpose flour (3 tbsp): Thickens the chowder to a rich, creamy consistency.
- Clam juice (4 cups, including reserved juice from canned clams): The key ingredient that gives the chowder its signature ocean-fresh flavor.
- Heavy cream (1 ½ cups) & whole milk (2 cups): The perfect creamy duo for a luxuriously smooth chowder.
- Russet potatoes (1 lb, peeled & diced): Provide a hearty, soft bite and help thicken the chowder naturally.
- Canned chopped clams (2 cans, 6.5 oz each, drained): The heart of the dish, packed with briny, sweet flavor.
- Dried thyme (½ tsp): Adds warmth and subtle herbal depth.
- Bay leaf (1): Infuses the broth with mild earthy undertones.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance the flavors.
- For Garnish:
- Fresh chopped parsley: A touch of color and fresh herbaceous brightness.
- Crushed oyster crackers: A crunchy, traditional chowder topping.
- Crispy bacon bits (optional): Extra smoky, savory crunch for next-level flavor.
