New England Clam Chowder: A Coastal Classic

Looking for the ultimate clam chowder recipe? This New England classic is creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor. Easy to follow and ready in an hour! Get the recipe now.

Clam Chowder Recipe: New England Comfort in a Bowl

May 27, 2025
By Sandra.

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Alright, let's dive into something proper comforting, shall we?

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a taste of the seaside in a bowl? This clam chowder recipe is like a warm hug on a chilly day. Honestly, it's the creamy, dreamy chowder you've been searching for.

Brief Overview

Originating from the good ol' us of a, new england clam chowder is a celebration of the sea. this recipe's medium difficulty takes about an hour.

It yields 6 generous servings. get ready for a culinary journey!

Main Benefits

Packed with protein and oh-so-satisfying, this chowder's a nutritional powerhouse. it's perfect for a weekend lunch or a cosy dinner party.

What makes this clam chowder soup recipes crock pot special? the sheer simplicity and classic flavour profile – it's pure comfort in a bowl! honestly, what's better than a good chowder soup to warm you up?

Making Magic with Clams

So, you might be asking: "why this clam chowder recipe , eh?" well, i’ve tweaked it over the years, drawing on my own experiences of being absolutely freezing at brighton pier! trust me, a good chowder can cure anything.

And while there are fancier chowders out there, the goal of this easy clam chowder recipe crock pots is total comfort and something anyone can create in their own home.

Now i will tell you the ingredients to make it!

New England Clam Chowder: A Coastal Classic presentation

The Ingredients You'll Need

To make this absolute stunner of a crockpot clam chowder , you’ll need: 2 pounds of fresh clams, a cup of clam juice, bacon, onion, celery, butter, flour, milk, cream, yukon gold potatoes, thyme, salt, pepper, and parsley.

We will be using a crockpot new england clam chowder so that the flavour will build over a longer time.

I once tried making it with russet potatoes and honestly, it just wasn’t the same. yukon golds are the way to go! if you like it extra thick, use a clam chowder recipe crock pot and let the mixture reduce down.

Simple Prep Work, Big Flavours

Now, before you start picturing hours of slaving away, this slow cooker clam chowder recipe is surprisingly straightforward. you steam the clams (the key is to not overcook them!), cook the bacon, sauté the aromatics, and then build the creamy base.

Don't skip on straining the clam broth, nobody likes grit! one mistake that i made a few times (you know? it happens!) is to boil this recipe after adding the dairy as it can curdle.

You can even use chowder recipes seafood .

Creamy, Dreamy Chowder: The Grand Finale

Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the clams and bacon. it's the final touch that takes it from good to "oh my gosh!" season to perfection, and then ladle into bowls.

Top with fresh parsley, serve with crusty bread, and you've got yourself a proper meal. honestly, give this crockpot clam chowder slow cooker a go – you won't regret it.

Right, let's talk chowder! specifically, the ingredients and bits you’ll need for a killer clam chowder recipe . seriously, nothing beats a creamy bowl on a blustery day.

I’ve tinkered with chowder soup recipes for ages, trying to get it just right .

Gear Up: What You'll Need

Don't worry, you probably have most of this already. I like to keep it simple.

A big ol' pot or Dutch oven . This is essential. Trust me.
A good knife for chopping. Obvious, but crucial!
Measuring cups and spoons. Yeah, you gotta measure.
A slotted spoon. For rescuing your clams!

Don't sweat it if you don't have a Dutch oven. A big pot works just fine. Honestly, a pasta pot is okay too.

The Good Stuff: Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s dive into what makes this clam chowder recipe tick.

Clams & Broth Biz

2 pounds (900g) fresh clams . Get fresh clams, yeah? If they smell funky, bin 'em.
1 cup (240ml) clam juice . This is your liquid gold.
½ cup (120ml) water . Just a splash.
1 bay leaf . Adds a subtle something-something.

Flavor Town: Base Ingredients

4 slices bacon, diced . Quality bacon is key . Aim for thick-cut.
1 medium yellow onion, diced (approx. 1 cup or 150g).
2 stalks celery, diced (approx. 1 cup or 100g).
2 tablespoons (30ml) unsalted butter . Butter makes everything better.

Roux & Milky Goodness

¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour . For thickening!
3 cups (720ml) whole milk . Whole milk is the way to go.
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream . Oh my gosh. The cream.

Veggies & Zing

2 pounds (900g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced (approx. 4 cups).
1 teaspoon dried thyme .
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste).
¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste).
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish). You know? Pretty and tasty.

Seasoning Secrets

Here's where you can play around!

Thyme is a must. It adds that classic chowder vibe.
Don't be shy with the salt and pepper. Season as you go.

Pro Tip: Fresh vs. Tinned

Okay, listen up. fresh clams are always better for this clam chowder recipe . but, and it's a big but , if you're in a pinch, canned clams work.

Drain them well though! you can even use a crockpot clam chowder and the canned clams taste almost like fresh.

This is what makes a good easy clam chowder recipe crock pots .

Ultimately, remember this recipe is your oyster! so get creative and make the best chowder recipes seafood ever! and if you wanna try something different, look at the slow cooker clam chowder .

Alright, let's dive into making proper clam chowder . Honestly, there are loads of chowder recipes seafood out there, but this one's a winner.

Prep Like a Pro: Chowder Style

First, the mise en place , darling. it sounds fancy but just means getting organised. dice your 2 pounds (900g) yukon gold potatoes.

Roughly chop 2 pounds (900g) of fresh clams after steaming (more on that in a bit!). dice 1 medium yellow onion and 2 stalks celery .

Honestly, chopping evenly makes all the difference in cooking time. for a faster prep, consider using a food processor, but watch it! you don’t want to end up with a puree!.

Time-saving Tip : Chop your veggies a day ahead. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. Oh my gosh! It saves so much time, especially on busy weeknights.

How to Make the Best Clam Chowder

Here's where the magic happens. Don't skip a step, alright?

Steam the Clams : In a large pot, combine your 2 pounds (900g) clams with 1 cup (240ml) clam juice, 1/2 cup (120ml) water, and a bay leaf. Steam until the clams open. Discard any that don't! Strain and keep the broth. Chop the clams roughly.
Bacon Time : Cook 4 slices bacon , diced, in the same pot until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, but keep that bacon fat in the pot.
Veggie Power : Sauté your diced onion and celery in the bacon fat until soft. About 5- 7 minutes .
Roux It Up : Melt 2 tablespoons (30ml) butter. Whisk in 1/4 cup (30g) flour. Cook for 1- 2 minutes to make a roux.
Thicken and Dream : Slowly whisk in 3 cups (720ml) milk and 1 cup (240ml) cream until smooth. Simmer until thickened.
Potato Party : Add the potatoes, reserved clam broth, 1 teaspoon thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Simmer until potatoes are tender.
Clam and Bacon Reunion : Stir in the chopped clams and bacon. Heat gently. Don’t overcook those clams!
Serve and Shine : Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley.

Pro Tips from Yours Truly

Honestly, these will make your clam chowder next-level.

Don't overcook the clams . They'll get rubbery.
Strain that clam broth, darling. No one wants sandy chowder soup .
For an easy clam chowder recipe crock pots version, consider using canned clams. Simply drain them well before adding to the chowder at the end of cooking.
Thinking about Clam Chowder Soup Recipes Crock Pot ? You could adapt this clam chowder recipe for the crockpot . Brown the bacon and sauté the veggies first. Then, throw everything into the slow cooker and cook on low for 6- 8 hours , add the cream and clams during the last 30 minutes. Look for Crockpot Clam Chowder Slow Cooker recipes online.
Worried about the Crockpot New England Clam Chowder getting too thick? Stir in a bit of extra milk or clam juice. Remember, this isn't a competition. You know? Just make it taste awesome.

This slow cooker clam chowder or crockpot clam chowder version is such a winner. Enjoy your chowder soup !

Alright, let's chat about some extra bits and bobs for that amazing clam chowder recipe , yeah? Honestly, these little things can make a huge difference. I'm talking proper pub grub level.

Recipe Notes: Getting the Best Chowder Ever

Right then, you've nailed the clam chowder soup recipes crock pot version, or maybe you're whipping up an easy clam chowder recipe crock pots version? Let's make it extra special.

Serving Suggestions: Show It Off!

Presentation matters, innit? ladle your creamy chowder soup into a nice bowl. a sprinkle of fresh parsley just elevates it, you know? think about a chunk of crusty bread for dipping - essential! a side salad works nicely too.

As for drinks? a crisp white wine, like a pinot grigio, is chef's kiss .

Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh

Got leftovers? pop your crockpot clam chowder into the fridge. it'll happily sit there for up to 3 days. freezing? yeah, you can freeze crockpot clam chowder slow cooker leftovers, but the texture might change a bit when you reheat it.

Honestly, best eaten fresh. when you do reheat it just do it slowly!

Variations: Mix It Up!

Fancy a bit of a twist? if you are looking for chowder recipes seafood then this is a perfect place.

Why not try adding a pinch of smoked paprika? it gives it a lovely smoky flavour. dairy-free? use coconut milk instead of regular milk.

For a little heat, a tiny pinch of chilli flakes works wonders. these small touches elevate any slow cooker clam chowder , it's the crockpot new england clam chowder .

Nutrition Basics: Feel Good Food

Okay, so this isn't a salad. But it’s proper comfort food, yeah? It has protein from the clams and goodness from the potatoes. Everything in moderation, as my nan always said!

So, there you have it! my little tips for making your clam chowder recipe crock pot a real winner. it is super beneficial and has proven to be a winner.

Now, get in that kitchen and get cooking! you've got this.

Creamy Clam Chowder Recipe: An Easy Chowder Soup Classic

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the secret to a really creamy clam chowder recipe?

The secret weapon is the roux! Cooking the flour and butter together before adding the milk is crucial for thickening the chowder. Also, using Yukon Gold potatoes will give you a naturally creamy texture. Remember, don't boil the chowder after adding the dairy, as it can curdle and ruin that lovely creaminess!

Can I use canned clams for this clam chowder recipe, or do I have to use fresh?

While fresh clams definitely deliver the best flavour for your clam chowder, canned clams are perfectly acceptable, especially if you're in a pinch. Just be sure to drain them well before adding them to the chowder to avoid a watery consistency. Think of it as choosing between a proper Sunday roast and a quick pub lunch – both satisfy, but one's a bit more special.

Help! My clam chowder is too thin. How do I thicken it up?

No worries, it happens! If your chowder is too thin, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the simmering chowder until it thickens. Alternatively, you can mash some of the potatoes in the pot. Next time, make sure you cook the roux for long enough (1-2 minutes) to properly activate its thickening power. It's like making gravy – gotta get that roux right!

How long does clam chowder last, and what's the best way to store it?

Clam chowder is usually good for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container. Be sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating. Freezing is not highly recommended as the dairy can separate and become grainy upon thawing. Think of it like a good cup of tea – best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can still be satisfying!

Can I add other vegetables to this clam chowder recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. Corn is a popular addition, especially in the summer. You could also add a bit of diced carrot or parsnip for a touch of sweetness. Just be mindful of the cooking times of different vegetables and add them accordingly so they're all tender when the chowder is ready. It's your chowder, your rules - like customising your full English!

Is clam chowder healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?

Clam chowder offers protein from the clams and dairy, and carbohydrates from the potatoes. However, it can be high in fat and sodium, depending on the recipe. To make it healthier, you can use low-fat milk and cream, reduce the amount of bacon, and watch the salt. Think of it as a treat – enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet, a bit like having fish and chips on a Friday!