This Traditional Clam Chowder comes together in about 30 minutes, all in one pot, for a quick and easy meal that your family will love! Trust me, this chowder is so comforting it’s bound to become your go-to recipe for chilly nights!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up this delicious chowder, gather these simple ingredients:
- 4 slices of bacon
- 1 medium onion
- 2 celery stalks
- 2 medium potatoes
- 2 cups of clam juice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cans (6.5 oz each) of chopped clams, with juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Let’s Get Cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by cooking the bacon. In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Oh, that sizzle is music to my ears! Remove the crispy bacon and set it aside, leaving those yummy drippings in the pot. Trust me; you’re going to want that flavor.
Next, let’s sauté the aromatics. Add the diced onion and celery to the pot and sauté until soft, around 5 minutes. You’ll notice that beautiful fragrance filling your kitchen!
Time for the potatoes! Stir in the diced potatoes and clam juice. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 10-12 minutes. The smell is gonna have everyone eagerly awaiting dinner!
Add the creamy goodness. Once the potatoes are fork-tender, it’s time to add the heavy cream and the chopped clams along with their juice. Stir gently to combine and heat through, making sure to avoid a boil.
Season it up. Finally, season with a couple of pinches of salt and pepper. Stir well and serve in bowls, garnishing each with a sprinkle of crispy bacon and fresh parsley. That’s it!
I mean, how easy was that? Your family will be so impressed!
If you loved this clam chowder, be sure to check out my Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps, my Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles, or my Beef and Macaroni Soup!
Why This Recipe Works
Comfort Food at its Best
There’s just something about a creamy bowl of clam chowder that screams comfort food. Every spoonful is a warm hug, literally! It’s loaded with tons of flavor and the ingredients come together to create a heartwarming, satisfying dish.
Quick & Easy
This recipe truly comes together in about 30 minutes. Great for busy weeknights when you want to whip up something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. You’ll be surprised by how quickly you can get a wholesome meal on the table!
One Pot Meal
Minimal cleanup required! Yeah, you heard me. Making this chowder requires just one pot, so you can enjoy your meal without the dreaded post-cooking mess. High five for easy cleanup!
Customizable Recipe
One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility. Don’t have clams? No worries! Swap them for some cooked chicken or even shrimp. Or try adding in some corn or diced bell peppers. Seriously, you can use whatever ingredients you have on hand, making it perfect for that pantry clean-out.
Budget-Friendly
This chowder uses affordable, everyday ingredients, and you probably have many of them already in your pantry. Bacon, potatoes, and canned clams? A budget-friendly treasure!
How to Serve This Clam Chowder
Now that you’ve made the best clam chowder, here’s how to take it to the next level!
Serving Suggestions: This clam chowder is perfect on its own, but feel free to pair it with a fresh crusty bread or buttery crackers for dipping. You could even serve it alongside a light salad for a complete meal.
Storage: This chowder will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days! Just be sure to store it in an airtight container.
Reheating Instructions: The best method to reheat is on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warm. This will help maintain its creamy texture without curdling. If it gets too thick, just add a splash of clam juice or broth to loosen it up.
Freezer Friendly: This chowder is technically freezable, but be aware that the cream can separate upon thawing. If you do freeze it, I recommend leaving out the cream and adding it when you reheat!
Final Thoughts
There you have it a delicious, creamy, and oh-so-comforting clam chowder that you can whip up in about 30 minutes flat. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you’re craving something hearty and wholesome! Every spoonful is bound to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, and you really can’t beat that.
Remember, this Traditional Clam Chowder is not just a recipe; it’s a way to bring your family together over a comforting meal. Now go forth, grab your ingredients, and make this cozy dish that everyone’s gonna love!
And hey, before you dive straight into cooking, think about your own twist on this recipe! What will you add to make it your own? I can’t wait to hear about your adventures in cooking! Enjoy! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.
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Traditional Clam Chowder
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
This creamy chowder comes together in about 30 minutes, providing a comforting meal that is perfect for chilly nights.
Ingredients
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cups of clam juice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cans (6.5 oz each) of chopped clams, with juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Start by cooking the bacon. In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy—about 5-7 minutes. Remove the crispy bacon and set it aside, leaving those yummy drippings in the pot.
- Next, let’s sauté the aromatics. Add the diced onion and celery to the pot and sauté until soft—around 5 minutes.
- Time for the potatoes! Stir in the diced potatoes and clam juice. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream and the chopped clams along with their juice. Stir gently to combine and heat through, making sure to avoid a boil.
- Season with salt and pepper. Stir well and serve in bowls, garnishing each with crispy bacon and fresh parsley.
Notes
This chowder is versatile—feel free to swap in different vegetables or proteins based on what you have.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
