The Perfect New England Clam Chowder (Even a Yankee Would Approve!)

Whip up a creamy, comforting new england clam chowder recipe! This easy, classic recipe tastes like a New England hug. Get my secret for the *best* texture! ... Community Favorites
- Recipe Introduction
- The Perfect New England Clam Chowder (Even a Yankee Would Approve!) Recipe Card
- What You'll Need: Ingredients for the Perfect Chowda'
- Tools of the Trade: What You'll Need to Make Magic
- Ingredients & Equipment: Your Chowder Starter Kit
- Cooking Up the Perfect New England Clam Chowder
- Recipe Notes
- Frequently Asked Questions
Recipe Introduction
Ever crave a taste of the coast? how about a creamy, dreamy bowl of clam chowder? this new england clam chowder recipe is your ticket to a taste of new england, no plane ticket required.
Trust me; this recipe will have you saying "oh my gosh!"
Quick Hook: Chowda' Time!
This new england clam chowder recipe is the real deal. It's got that classic creamy texture, salty clam flavor, and comforting warmth. Plus, who can resist bacon?
Brief Overview: From Boat to Bowl
Traditional clam chowder has been a new england staple for centuries. it's a hearty, warming dish perfect for those chilly coastal evenings.
This recipe is medium difficulty. it takes about an hour from start to finish. it makes enough to feed 6-8 hungry chowda' lovers.
Main Benefits: More Than Just a Soup
This chowder is packed with protein and comforting goodness. serve it up on a blustery day, or any time you need a little taste of home.
What makes this best clam chowder recipe special? it's that perfect balance of creamy texture and salty clam flavor. it tastes like a hug in a bowl.
Ready to dive in and learn how to make a Clam Chowder Recipe New England Easy ? I hope so!.
The Perfect New England Clam Chowder (Even a Yankee Would Approve!) Recipe Card

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
What You'll Need: Ingredients for the Perfect Chowda'
Okay, let's gather our supplies, shall we? Here's what you need to make this Creamy Clam Chowder Recipe New England .
The Foundation:
- 4 slices bacon, diced (approx. 115g). Because bacon makes everything better.
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (approx. 150g). Get ready to cry a little.
- 2 ribs celery, chopped (approx. 100g). Don't skip the celery!
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (approx. 30g). Butter adds richness.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (approx. 30g). For thickening the chowder.
- 4 cups chicken broth (approx. 950ml). Use good quality broth.
- 2 cups milk (approx. 475ml). Adds creaminess.
- 1 cup heavy cream (approx. 235ml). For that extra luscious texture.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme. A classic chowder herb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste). Season to your liking!
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste). Freshly ground is best.
- 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced (approx. 450g). These hold their shape nicely.
The Star of the Show: Clams!
- 3 (6.5 ounce) cans minced clams, undrained (approx. 550g total). Don't drain them! That's where the flavor is.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish. Makes it look fancy.

Tools of the Trade: What You'll Need to Make Magic
You don't need fancy equipment to make this homemade clam chowder .
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot. This is your workhorse.
- Wooden spoon. For stirring.
- Measuring cups and spoons. For accuracy.
- Cutting board. For chopping.
- Chef's knife. For dicing and slicing.
- Ladle. For serving up the goodness.
Now, let's get cooking!
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Chowder Starter Kit
Alright, so you wanna make the best new england clam chowder recipe this side of boston? you've come to the right place, buddy.
Forget complicated, we're keeping it real and delicious. i can feel it, you are going to be a true new england seafood chowder recipe believer.
Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Chowder
This classic new england chowder starts with quality ingredients. Here's what you'll need. I used to skimp on the clams. Honestly, it's not worth it. Get the good stuff.
- Bacon: 4 slices, diced (approx. 115g ). Quality bacon makes all the difference. Look for thick-cut stuff!
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped (approx. 150g ). Yellow onions are my go-to.
- Celery: 2 ribs, chopped (approx. 100g ).
- Butter: 2 tablespoons unsalted (approx. 30g ).
- Flour: 1/4 cup all-purpose (approx. 30g ). This is how we can get that creamy clam chowder recipe new england is so proud of.
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups (approx. 950ml ).
- Milk: 2 cups (approx. 475ml ).
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup (approx. 235ml ).
- Thyme: 1 teaspoon dried.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste). I always start with less and add more at the end.
- Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (or to taste).
- Potatoes: 1 pound Yukon Gold, peeled and diced (approx. 450g ). These hold their shape nicely.
- Clams: 3 (6.5 ounce) cans minced, undrained (approx. 550g total ). Trust me on this. Don't drain them! You need that clam juice.
- Parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh, for garnish. Because we fancy.
Seasoning Notes: Adding the Magic
Don't underestimate the power of seasoning. i used to think this easy clam chowder recipe was all about the clams.
Nope! it's the herbs and spices that make it sing. thyme and clam are best friends. traditional clam chowder uses thyme.
.
- Thyme, salt, and pepper are your base.
- A pinch of smoked paprika can add a nice depth.
- Don't be afraid to adjust the salt. Clams can be salty!
Equipment Needed: Keepin' It Simple
You don't need a fancy kitchen to make this homemade clam chowder . honestly, all you need is a good pot, a spoon, and a little love.
A good boston clam chowder recipe doesn't depend on the equipment.
- Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot.
- Wooden spoon. No metal, please!
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Cutting board and chef's knife.
- Ladle. For serving up bowls of easy clam chowder recipe .
This clam chowder recipe new england easy is so good, it's almost sinful. Now go forth and chowder!
Cooking Up the Perfect New England Clam Chowder
Oh my gosh, who doesn't love a good chowder? especially when the weather is a bit nippy. honestly, there's nothing like a warm bowl of creamy clam chowder recipe new england to make everything right.
And this new england clam chowder recipe ? it's a keeper.
Prep Like a Pro
Essential mise en place is key, folks! dice your 4 slices bacon (approx. 115g) , chop 1 medium yellow onion (approx.
150g) , and 2 ribs celery (approx. 100g) . peel and dice 1 pound yukon gold potatoes (approx. 450g) . open those 3 (6.
5 ounce) cans minced clams, undrained (approx. 550g total) . this keeps you organised. trust me, it’s a lifesaver. safety first: watch those fingers when dicing!
Let's Get Cooking: Step-by-Step
Here's how to make the best boston clam chowder recipe :
- Fry that bacon in your Dutch oven over medium heat 'til crispy. Remove and set aside but keep that glorious bacon fat!
- Sauté onion and celery in the bacon fat and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (approx. 30g) until soft, around 5- 7 minutes .
- Sprinkle in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (approx. 30g) , cook for 1- 2 minutes , stirring non-stop, to make a roux.
- Slowly whisk in 4 cups chicken broth (approx. 950ml) , then 2 cups milk (approx. 475ml) and 1 cup heavy cream (approx. 235ml) . Add potatoes, 1 teaspoon dried thyme , 1/2 teaspoon salt , and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper .
- Simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15- 20 minutes . Stir every now and then.
- Stir in the clams. Heat through for about 5 minutes . Important! Do not boil!
- Mix in the reserved bacon and garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley . Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Chowder Perfection
Want that traditional clam chowder taste? don't overcook the clams – rubbery clams are a big no-no! for a thicker chowder, mash some potatoes against the pot.
If you want to prepare ahead of time, the chowder can be made a day in advance but add the clams just before serving.
This easy clam chowder recipe is a guaranteed hit!
There you have it – a classic new england chowder recipe that's surprisingly easy and utterly delicious. perfect for a chilly evening or any time you're craving a taste of the coast.
Enjoy!
Alright, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of this new england clam chowder recipe ! it's not just about following steps; it's about making it your easy clam chowder recipe .
Here's the lowdown.
Recipe Notes
Honestly, every clam chowder recipe new england easy has its quirks. This is where we personalize it! We're not robots, right?
Serving Suggestions: Chowda' Power!
Okay, picture this: a steaming bowl of your creamy clam chowder recipe new england . Presentation matters, folks!
- Plating & Presentation: Ladle that classic New England chowder into warmed bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of that crispy bacon you wisely saved. A few oyster crackers on the side? Absolutely! Maybe a drizzle of olive oil for that extra touch of fancy.
- Sides & Drinks: Got to have the right sides! Crusty bread is essential for soaking up all that glorious broth. A simple green salad balances the richness. And to drink? A crisp white wine or a cold Sam Adams. Perfection.
Storage: Keepin' it Fresh!
Nobody wants their homemade clam chowder going bad. Follow these tips!
- Refrigeration: Leftovers should be cooled completely, then stored in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll be good for 2-3 days . You know, if they even last that long.
- Freezing: I wouldn't recommend freezing this one. Dairy-based soups can get a weird texture when thawed. If you must , use a freezer-safe container, but be prepared for some changes.
- Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat. Stir often to prevent scorching. Don't let it boil! You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between.
Variations: Your Chowder, Your Way!
Feeling adventurous? Let's tweak this best clam chowder recipe a bit!
- Dietary Adaptations: Want a lighter version? Swap heavy cream for half-and-half. Dairy-free? Use unsweetened almond milk and olive oil instead of butter.
- Seasonal Swaps: In the fall, add a touch of roasted butternut squash puree for a hint of sweetness. For a spicy Boston clam chowder recipe , add a pinch of cayenne pepper, just like Nana use to make!
Nutrition Basics: Fuel Up!
Let's keep it simple:
- This new england seafood chowder recipe is packed with protein from the clams and bacon. It also has some good carbs from the potatoes.
- It's a hearty, comforting meal. Enjoy it in moderation, especially if you're watching your sodium intake!
So, there you have it! All the tips and tricks to make your traditional clam chowder the best on the block. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun. You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions
What's the secret to a truly creamy New England Clam Chowder recipe?
The key to a creamy New England Clam Chowder is creating a good roux with butter and flour at the beginning. Also, don't boil the chowder after adding the clams and dairy, as this can cause it to separate. Gently simmering and stirring in the cream at the very end will result in that velvety texture we all crave.
Can I make this New England Clam Chowder recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, many people find that New England Clam Chowder tastes even better the next day. The flavors have more time to meld together. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and gently reheat it on the stovetop, being careful not to boil it.
I don't have bacon. Can I still make this New England Clam Chowder?
Sure thing! While bacon adds a lovely smoky flavor, you can definitely make this chowder without it. You could use pancetta for a similar, but slightly different, flavor profile. Alternatively, you could add a splash of smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness, or simply omit it altogether – the chowder will still be delicious!
What kind of clams should I use for this clam chowder?
For this recipe, canned minced clams work perfectly well and are readily available. Using canned clams makes this New England Clam Chowder recipe super simple. Some folks like to add a can of chopped clams for a bit more texture, or even fresh clams if you're feeling fancy and have access to them. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly if you're using fresh clams.
How can I thicken my clam chowder if it's too thin?
If your chowder isn't as thick as you'd like, there are a few tricks you can try. You can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot to release their starch, or mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the simmering chowder. Another option is to simmer the chowder uncovered for a bit longer, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate. But always remember: a watched pot never boils...unless you aren't paying attention!
Is New England Clam Chowder healthy?
New England Clam Chowder can be part of a balanced diet, but it's worth noting the nutritional considerations. It contains protein from the clams and dairy, and some vegetables. However, it can be high in fat and sodium due to the bacon and cream. You can lighten it up by using less bacon, substituting milk for some of the cream, or using a lower-sodium broth, though! Always a good idea to check the label.