Cozy & Creamy Clam Chowder Recipe for Chilly Days

Crafting a delightful creamy clam chowder brings comfort to chilly evenings and warm memories of coastal kitchens.

Salt-kissed winds whisper tales of New England’s culinary heritage through each spoonful.

Coastal regions inspire this soul-warming dish that connects you directly to oceanic traditions.

Hearty ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of flavors that speak of maritime adventures.

Crisp potatoes and tender clams merge in a luxurious broth that hugs your taste buds.

Seafood enthusiasts will adore this classic recipe that promises pure, unapologetic deliciousness.

Savor every bite and let the rich, velvety texture transport you to seaside memories.

Creamy Clam Chowder That Brings Coastal Comfort

• Quick and Easy Comfort: Whip up this delightful clam chowder in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture and rich taste, making it a crowd-pleasing dish that brings everyone together around the dinner table.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Customize this chowder with optional toppings like crispy bacon or fresh herbs, allowing you to adapt the recipe to different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup and simple ingredients make this recipe a stress-free cooking experience, ideal for home cooks who want delicious results without complicated techniques.

Clam Chowder (Creamy Recipe) Ingredients

• Onion, Celery: Aromatic base that provides depth and savory flavor to the chowder. Fresh vegetables add crunch and complexity.
• Garlic: Enhances overall flavor profile with a robust, pungent taste. Adds warmth to the dish.

• Potatoes: Hearty ingredient that provides creamy texture and substance. Waxy varieties like Yukon Gold work best for smooth consistency.
• Flour: Helps thicken the chowder and create a silky base. All-purpose flour recommended for even distribution.

• Clams: Primary protein source that brings authentic maritime flavor. Fresh or canned clams both work well.

• Clam Juice: Intensifies seafood flavor and adds authentic oceanic essence. Bottled versions provide consistent taste.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Creates foundational liquid base with subtle depth. Low-sodium options allow better seasoning control.

• Heavy Cream, Milk: Provide rich, smooth texture and luxurious mouthfeel. Whole milk recommended for best results.

• Thyme: Adds earthy, herbal undertones that complement seafood. Fresh or dried both acceptable.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall flavor profile.

• Fresh Parsley: Brings bright, fresh finish and visual appeal. Optional bacon adds smoky crunch.

Clam Chowder Creamy Prep

Step 1: Awakening the Aromatics

Warm a generously sized pot over medium heat.

• Onions
• Celery
• Garlic

Sauté these flavor builders for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become soft and fragrant.

Step 2: Potato Preparation

Toss diced potatoes into the vegetable medley.

Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stirring carefully to create a light coating that will help thicken the chowder.

Cook for 2 minutes, ensuring every potato piece gets some flour love.

Step 3: Liquid Magic

• Clam juice
• Chicken or vegetable broth

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Let it bubble softly for 10-12 minutes until potatoes become tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 4: Creamy Transformation

• Chopped clams
• Heavy cream
• Milk

Stir with care, allowing the ingredients to blend harmoniously.

Simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes, being careful not to let the mixture boil.

Step 5: Seasoning Symphony

• Fresh thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Taste and adjust seasonings to create a perfect flavor balance.

Step 6: Serving with Style

Ladle the steaming chowder into warm bowls.

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

For an extra indulgence, crumble crispy bacon over each serving.

Clam Chowder Soup Prep Made Simple

• Select live, tightly closed clams from a reputable seafood market for the best flavor and quality.
• Warm cream and milk slowly to prevent curdling, keeping the chowder smooth and velvety.
• Add herbs and spices gradually, tasting as you go to build depth without overwhelming the delicate clam flavor.
• Use flour sparingly to achieve a creamy consistency without making the chowder too heavy or pasty.
• Cut potatoes into uniform small cubes to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the chowder.

Creamy Clam Chowder Leftovers

• Store leftover clam chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation.
• Transfer cooled chowder to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 1 month, avoiding dairy-based soups for best texture.
• Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore creamy consistency if needed.
• Reheat carefully to prevent separation of cream and potential rubbery texture. Stir thoroughly and heat in short intervals if using microwave.

Seafood Pairings for Clam Chowder

• Pair with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Slice a warm, tangy sourdough and dip it into the creamy chowder, creating a perfect texture contrast that enhances the soup's rich flavors.
• Select a Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Choose a chilled, light-bodied white wine with bright acidity to cut through the chowder's creaminess and complement the briny clam essence.
• Match with New England-Style Salad: Create a light side salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette to balance the chowder's heaviness and provide a fresh counterpoint.
• Recommend Craft Pilsner Beer: Enjoy a cold, crisp pilsner that cleanses the palate and offers a refreshing counterbalance to the soup's rich, creamy texture.

Clam Chowder Creamy Variants

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a creamy, plant-based version. Use vegetable broth to keep the soup vegan-friendly.
• Low-Carb Seafood Option: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrates. This substitution maintains the soup's texture while creating a lighter alternative.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Use cornstarch instead of flour as a thickening agent. Ensure all broth and ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate sensitive diets.
• Seafood Upgrade: Enhance the chowder by adding mixed seafood like shrimp, scallops, or crab meat for a more complex marine flavor profile.

FAQs

• Are fresh or canned clams better for this chowder?

Fresh clams provide the best flavor and texture, but high-quality canned clams are a convenient alternative that still deliver great taste and save preparation time.

• Can I make this chowder dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream and milk with dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk or almond cream, which will maintain a creamy consistency while accommodating dietary restrictions.

• What type of potatoes work best for clam chowder?

Yukon gold or red potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well during cooking and provide a creamy, smooth texture to the chowder without becoming mushy.

• How can I prevent the chowder from becoming too thick?

If the chowder becomes too thick, simply add a little more broth or clam juice to thin it out, stirring gently until you reach your desired consistency.

Creamy Clam Chowder Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty New England Clam Chowder beckons with rich, velvety comfort straight from coastal kitchens. Smooth seafood flavors and tender potatoes create a soul-warming bowl that connects coastal traditions with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Seafood Ingredients:

• 2 cans (6.5 ounces/184 grams each) clams, drained and chopped
• 1 cup clam juice (from canned clams)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy, Thickening, and Seasoning:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: Crumbled bacon for topping

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Instructions

1. Prepare the aromatic base by gently melting butter in a spacious cooking vessel over moderate heat, then introduce finely chopped onions, delicate celery, and minced garlic, allowing them to soften and release their fragrant essence for approximately 5 minutes.
2. Incorporate diced potatoes into the vegetable mixture, then dust with flour, stirring carefully to create a light, even coating that will help thicken the chowder’s texture.
3. Pour in clam juice and selected broth, stirring to integrate the liquid with the vegetables, then reduce heat and simmer patiently until potatoes become tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 10-12 minutes.
4. Introduce chopped clams, velvety heavy cream, and smooth milk to the simmering pot, blending ingredients gently while maintaining a low temperature to prevent curdling and allow flavors to harmonize.
5. Elevate the soup’s profile with aromatic thyme, and season judiciously with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting the seasoning to achieve a balanced flavor profile.
6. Transfer the luxurious chowder into serving bowls, garnishing with vibrant fresh parsley and optional crispy bacon crumbles for an additional layer of complexity and textural contrast.

Notes

• Swap bacon for crispy pancetta or smoked salmon to add a gourmet twist to the traditional chowder.
• Use plant-based butter and dairy-free milk alternatives to create a delicious vegan version of this classic soup.
• Choose smaller, tender clams like littleneck or cherrystone for a more delicate texture and sweeter flavor profile.
• Prevent cream from curdling by adding dairy ingredients at low heat and stirring continuously during the final cooking stage.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 90mg