Classic New England Clam Chowder

Dive into the comforting, creamy goodness of this Classic New England Clam Chowder—a timeless recipe that brings the rich, briny flavors of the coast straight to your bowl. Crafted with tender canned clams, hearty russet potatoes, and a luxurious blend of heavy cream and milk, this chowder is both satisfying and soul-warming. Smoky bacon adds a savory depth, while fresh thyme and parsley brighten every spoonful. Perfect for cozy dinners or special gatherings, this chowder is easy to make with just 20 minutes of prep time and showcases simple ingredients that deliver bold, authentic flavor. Pair it with crusty bread or oyster crackers for the ultimate New England-inspired meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cans (6.5 oz each) canned chopped clams
• 1 cup clam juice
• 4 slices bacon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large onion
• 2 celery stalks
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 large russet potatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Open the canned clams, draining the juice into a small bowl and reserving the clams separately.

Step 2

Chop the bacon into small pieces. Dice the onion and celery. Peel and dice the potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes.

Step 3

In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon drippings in the pot.

Step 4

Add the butter to the pot. Once melted, add the diced onion and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the flour, and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the reserved clam juice and the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps.

Step 6

Add the diced potatoes, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and thyme to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.

Step 7

Once the potatoes are tender, gradually stir in the heavy cream and milk. Return to a simmer.

Step 8

Add the reserved clams and cooked bacon to the pot. Simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through and meld flavors. Do not boil.

Step 9

Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Step 10

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Serve hot with crusty bread or oyster crackers.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2500.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2371.7

Total Fat 130.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 72.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.2g
Cholesterol 502.8mg	0%
Sodium 7506.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 191.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.7g	0%
Total Sugars 28.1g
Protein 96.2g	0%

Vitamin D 112.5IU	0%
Calcium 742.9mg	0%
Iron 69.0mg	0%
Potassium 5484.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.6%

Protein: 16.5%

Carbs: 32.9%