Clam Chowder Recipe - I Heart Naptime (2024)

Comforting Creamy Soup

When you want something hearty, clam chowder is the way to go. It’s just as filling as corn chowder, but made with real clams and heavy cream giving it a bit more to bite down on.

You just can’t beat clam chowder with a slice of artisan bread (or really any type of seafood stew).So, grab your soup pot, bowl, and spoons, it’s time to make a comforting batch of clam chowder!

Recipe Ingredients

All of the ingredients for the recipe for clam chowder are easy to find at your grocery store.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

• Bacon. The bacon adds savory notes to the soup, so use thick-cut bacon from your favorite brand.
• Broth. Use chicken or vegetable broth. Both options will combine easily with the rest of the ingredients.
• Clams. Save yourself time and energy and use canned clams. But if you want to use fresh, follow the tips further in this post.
• Cream. I used half and half and discovered that combining it with some flour and butter created the perfect consistency. You can also use heavy whipping cream, but that will make the broth thicker.
• Potatoes. Russet potatoes have the perfect texture for a creamy soup like clam chowder.

Variations

I created an easy clam chowder recipe, so there is a lot of room for culinary creativity. Here are a few ways that you can change it up.

• Bowl: Serve the soup in a bread bowl instead of a ceramic bowl.
• Greens: Add chopped celery and green onions to the soup.
• Toppings: Sprinkle some oyster crackers on top.
• Cheese: Add shredded cheddar cheese on top while it is still hot.
• Spice: A dash or two of hot sauce elevates the flavors.

How to Make Clam Chowder

If you have ever made other soups – like gumbo – you can make this! It’s so much easier to make than people think.

Using Fresh Clams

In my recipe, I used canned clams. It’s a lot quicker and saves you money if you don’t live near a location that sells them fresh. If you want to use fresh clams, combine 1-2 heaping cups of chopped fresh clams that were cleaned and steamed with 1 ½ cups of clam juice in place of the canned.

Here is a quick overview of how to prepare fresh clams.

• Clean and prepare the clams. You’ll have to scrub the fresh clams under running water to remove any sand or dirt from the shells. Then, discard any clams that do not close when tapped or have cracked shells, as they may be spoiled.
• Steam the clams. Fill a large pot with just an inch of water. Place the clams in the pot. Cover and let them steam over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes. You’ll know they are ready when they open.
• Remove the meat. Remove the clam meat from the shells with a fork or sharp knife. Then, dice the meat.
• Prepare the soup and add the clam. That’s it! Follow the recipe as directed.

Expert Tips

Here are some tips that will help you make the best bowl of clam chowder the first time.

• Use the right size pot. Give yourself enough room to stir and work. I suggest a large Dutch oven or soup pot.
• Pre-cut the bacon. This is optional, but the bacon will cook a lot quicker if you chop it into small pieces before you fry it.
• Whisk constantly. As you add the chicken broth and clam juice to the browned flour, whisk it constantly. Don’t stop. Keep whisking until you notice it thickening.
• Taste it and adjust. Add just a little salt and pepper and then taste it. Add more, a little at a time, until you like how it tastes.

Recipe FAQs

Serving Suggestions

It tastes best when you dip a piece of homemade easy and no-knead Dutch oven bread into the creamy broth. Or serve it for lunch with grilled cheese and a wedge salad.

Really any of these breads would be delicious alongside.

• Dinner rolls
• French bread rolls
• Skillet cornbread

More hearty soup recipes you will love include Instant Pot potato soup, ham and potato soup and roasted cauliflower soup.