Ultimate Thick and Creamy New England Clam Chowder
Indulge in the rich, velvety texture of my Ultimate Thick and Creamy New England Clam Chowder. Drawing inspiration from the iconic chowders of New England, this recipe takes your taste buds on a journey you won't forget. With crispy bacon providing a smoky depth, tender potatoes absorbing all the delicious flavors, and a blend of creams that creates the perfect balance of richness and savory goodness, this chowder is sure to impress. Whether you're serving it for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, this chowder will quickly become a cherished favorite. Trust me—once you try it, you'll agree: it’s the BEST clam chowder you've ever tasted!
4-6 servings
Servings
200
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bacon
6-7 pieces (cut into small pieces)
Onion
1 medium (chopped)
Baby Clams
2 (5 ounce) cans (with juice reserved)
Potatoes
6-7 (cubed)
Cream of Celery Soup
2 (10 1/2 ounce) cans
Heavy Cream
1 cup
Milk
1 cup
Butter
1 tablespoon
Dried Dill Weed
1 teaspoon
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, add the chopped bacon and cook over medium-low heat until crispy, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
2
Once the bacon is crispy, add the chopped onion to the pan and cook until tender and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3
Pour in the reserved clam juice from both cans and bring to a gentle simmer.
4
Add the cubed potatoes to the saucepan, stirring gently to combine. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5
Once the potatoes are cooked, stir in the canned clams, cream of celery soup, heavy cream, milk, and dried dill weed. Mix everything well until creamy.
6
Add the tablespoon of butter and allow it to melt into the chowder, enhancing the creaminess.
7
Continue to simmer the chowder over low heat for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors meld together.
8
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving hot.
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
15g
Carbs
7
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this New England Clam Chowder special?
This recipe is known for its ultimate thick and creamy texture, achieved by blending heavy cream, milk, and cream of celery soup.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This clam chowder recipe makes approximately 4 to 6 servings.
What is the calorie count for a serving of this chowder?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
How much fat is in each serving?
There are 13 grams of fat per serving in this recipe.
What type of clams should I use?
The recipe calls for two 5-ounce cans of baby clams with the juice reserved.
Should I drain the clams before adding them?
No, you should reserve the clam juice from both cans to use as the simmering liquid for the potatoes.
What kind of bacon is required?
You will need 6 to 7 pieces of bacon cut into small pieces.
How do I prepare the potatoes?
Use 6 to 7 potatoes and cube them before adding them to the saucepan.
How long do the potatoes take to cook?
The potatoes should be simmered in the clam juice for 15 to 20 minutes until they are fork tender.
What is the purpose of the cream of celery soup?
The two cans of cream of celery soup provide a thick base and additional savory depth to the chowder.
How much heavy cream is used?
The recipe requires 1 cup of heavy cream for a rich, velvety texture.
Is milk used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 cup of milk is added alongside the heavy cream.
What seasoning provides the distinct flavor?
One teaspoon of dried dill weed is used to flavor the chowder.
When should I add the butter?
Add one tablespoon of butter after the creams and clams have been mixed in to enhance the creaminess.
How long should the chowder simmer at the end?
The chowder should simmer over low heat for 30 to 45 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Do I need to stir the chowder while it simmers?
Yes, you should stir occasionally to prevent the potatoes or cream from sticking to the pan.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 15 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
How much protein is in this dish?
Each serving provides 7 grams of protein.
Can I substitute the onions?
The recipe calls for one medium chopped onion, which provides essential savory flavor.
How do I cook the bacon?
Cook the chopped bacon over medium-low heat in a large saucepan until it is crispy.
Is this a good recipe for a dinner party?
Yes, its rich texture and smoky bacon depth make it an impressive dish for guests.
What is the first step in making this chowder?
The first step is cooking the chopped bacon in a large saucepan until crispy.
When do I add the clams?
The canned clams are added after the potatoes have become fork tender.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, you should taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary before serving hot.
What texture should I expect?
Expect a rich, velvety, and thick texture with tender potatoes and crispy bacon bits.
Is there any fiber in this recipe?
The nutritional data for fiber is not specified for this particular recipe.
Is there sugar in this chowder?
The nutritional data does not list any sugar content for this recipe.
Is this chowder considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a classic comfort food.
What type of saucepan should I use?
A large saucepan is recommended to accommodate all the ingredients and the long simmering process.
Can I make this ahead of time?
While best served fresh, the flavors often deepen after sitting, making it suitable for reheating later.