Creamy Slow-Cooked Clam Chowder
Indulge in this rich and creamy slow-cooked clam chowder, a delightful dish perfect for cozy nights or gatherings. This easy-to-make recipe combines tender clams, hearty potatoes, and savory bacon, all simmered to perfection in a slow cooker. With its velvety broth and robust flavors, this chowder is sure to impress your family and friends. Serve it with crusty bread for a comforting meal that brings the taste of New England right to your table.
N/A
Servings
180
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
cans of clams
2 (drained)
salt pork or bacon
1/4 lb (diced)
medium onion
1 (chopped)
potatoes
3-4 (pared and cubed)
water
1 1/2 cups (measured)
salt
1 3/4 teaspoons (to taste)
pepper
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
half-and-half or milk
2 cups (measured)
cornstarch
1 1/2-2 tablespoons (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
1
In a skillet, sauté the salt pork or bacon along with the chopped onion over medium heat until golden brown. Drain any excess fat.
2
Transfer the sautéed bacon and onion mixture to the slow cooker, along with the clams.
3
Add the cubed potatoes, water, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
4
Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
5
During the last hour of cooking, stir in 1 cup of half-and-half or milk along with the cornstarch (if using) to thicken the chowder.
6
Before serving, mix in any remaining half-and-half or milk to achieve your desired creaminess.
7
For stove-top preparation, combine all ingredients except milk and cornstarch in a large pot, and simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes.
8
Mix the cornstarch into the milk before adding it to the kettle, ensuring thorough blending. Continue to heat until warmed but do not boil. Serve when hot.
Nutrition Information
11.25g
Fat
15g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Slow-Cooked Clam Chowder?
It is a rich and velvety New England style soup featuring tender clams, hearty potatoes, and savory bacon simmered in a slow cooker.
What are the main ingredients for this clam chowder?
The recipe requires canned clams, salt pork or bacon, onion, potatoes, water, salt, pepper, half-and-half or milk, and cornstarch.
How many cans of clams do I need?
You will need 2 cans of clams, and they should be drained before use.
Can I use bacon instead of salt pork?
Yes, you can use either 1/4 lb of diced salt pork or 1/4 lb of diced bacon.
How should I prepare the onion?
Use one medium onion and chop it before sautéing it with the meat.
Do I need to cook the meat and onion before putting them in the slow cooker?
Yes, sauté the salt pork or bacon with the onion in a skillet until golden brown and drain the excess fat first.
How many potatoes are required for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 to 4 potatoes that have been pared and cubed.
How much water is added to the slow cooker?
Add 1 1/2 cups of measured water to the slow cooker with the vegetables and clams.
What is the slow cooker setting and cooking time?
The chowder should be cooked on the high setting for 3 to 4 hours.
When do I add the milk or half-and-half?
Stir in 1 cup of the dairy during the last hour of cooking, then add the remaining amount just before serving.
How do I thicken the chowder?
Mix 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of cornstarch into the milk before adding it to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking.
Is the cornstarch mandatory?
No, the cornstarch is optional and should be used based on your preference for thickness.
Can I make this clam chowder on the stove-top?
Yes, combine everything except the milk and cornstarch in a large pot and simmer on low for 45 minutes, then add the milk/cornstarch mixture and heat through.
Should I boil the chowder after adding the milk?
No, once the milk is added, heat the chowder until it is warm but do not allow it to reach a boil.
How many calories are in a serving of this chowder?
Each serving contains approximately 180 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 11.25 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this recipe provide?
Each serving provides 7.5 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in the clam chowder?
There are 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much salt and pepper should I use?
The recipe suggests 1 3/4 teaspoons of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper, though you can adjust to taste.
What type of milk is best for this recipe?
You can use either half-and-half for a richer flavor or regular milk for a lighter version.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 9 ingredients in this recipe.
What should I serve with the clam chowder?
It is best served with crusty bread for a comforting and complete meal.
Is this a New England style recipe?
Yes, it is specifically described as bringing the taste of New England to your table.
How do I ensure the cornstarch blends properly?
Mix the cornstarch into the milk thoroughly before adding the mixture to the slow cooker or kettle.
Should the potatoes be peeled?
Yes, the potatoes should be pared (peeled) and cubed before being added to the slow cooker.
What kind of gatherings is this dish suitable for?
This chowder is perfect for cozy nights, family dinners, or any gathering where comfort food is appreciated.
What texture can I expect from this chowder?
You can expect a creamy, velvety broth with tender chunks of clam and hearty potatoes.
Can I use fresh clams instead of canned?
While the recipe specifies 2 cans of drained clams for convenience, fresh clams could be used if prepared and measured appropriately.
How much half-and-half or milk is used in total?
The recipe uses a total of 2 cups of half-and-half or milk.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is described as an easy-to-make recipe that primarily involves combining ingredients in a slow cooker.