New England Clam Chowder

New England Clam Chowder is a rich, creamy soup that showcases the comforting flavors of the Northeast coast. Packed with tender clams, smoky bacon, hearty potatoes, and a silky cream base, this iconic dish is a cold-weather staple and a timeless favorite for seafood lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic New England comfort food
• Creamy and full of flavor from fresh or canned clams
• Easy to make in under an hour
• Perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner
• Great to pair with crusty bread or oyster crackers

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups clam juice (from canned clams or bottled)
• 1 cup water
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
• 3 cups peeled and diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
• 2 cups chopped clams (fresh or canned, drained)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving the bacon fat in the pot.
2. Add the onion and celery to the bacon drippings and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
3. Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw taste, forming a roux.
4. Slowly whisk in the clam juice and water, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
5. Add the bay leaf, thyme, and diced potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15–20 minutes.
6. Stir in the chopped clams and heavy cream. Simmer gently for another 5 minutes—do not boil.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove bay leaf.
8. Serve hot, garnished with the reserved bacon and parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Lighter Version: Use half-and-half or whole milk in place of heavy cream.
• Seafood Mix: Add shrimp, scallops, or white fish for a heartier seafood chowder.
• Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch or gluten-free flour to thicken the soup.
• Herb Flavor Boost: Add dill or tarragon instead of thyme for a different aromatic profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended due to the cream base, which may separate when frozen.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to prevent the cream from curdling.

FAQs

Can I use canned clams?

Yes, canned clams are convenient and widely used for this recipe. Just drain and reserve the juice to use in the soup.

What’s the best potato for clam chowder?

Yukon Gold for a creamy texture or Russets for a more classic, fluffy feel.

How can I thicken the chowder more?

Simmer a little longer uncovered or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.

Can I make it dairy-free?

You can use a dairy-free milk and cream alternative, though it will affect the texture and flavor.

How do I keep the cream from curdling?

Never boil the soup after adding cream. Keep it on a gentle simmer and stir frequently.

What goes well with clam chowder?

Oyster crackers, crusty sourdough bread, or a green salad pair nicely.

Can I make it in advance?

Yes, but add the cream just before serving to keep the texture smooth.

Can I use fresh clams?

Absolutely. Steam them first and use both the meat and the broth for maximum flavor.

Is this the same as Manhattan clam chowder?

No. Manhattan clam chowder is tomato-based, while New England clam chowder is cream-based.

Can I make this vegetarian?

You can replace the clams with mushrooms or corn and skip the bacon, though it will no longer be traditional clam chowder.

Conclusion

New England Clam Chowder is a timeless, soul-warming dish that brings the essence of the Atlantic coast into your kitchen. With its creamy base, tender clams, and savory bacon, this chowder is a comfort food favorite that’s easy to make and always satisfying. Serve it with crusty bread or crackers for a meal that feels like a cozy escape to the seaside.

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