Mark's Clam Chowder

Dive into a bowl of comforting, creamy goodness with Mark's Clam Chowder, a rich and hearty New England classic that's perfect for cozy evenings or holiday entertaining. Crafted with crispy bacon, tender russet potatoes, and succulent chopped clams, this chowder strikes the ideal balance of smoky, savory, and ocean-fresh flavors. A velvety broth, thickened with a buttery roux and infused with aromatic garlic, thyme, and bay leaf, makes each spoonful irresistibly indulgent. Finished with a touch of heavy cream and garnished with crumbled bacon and fresh parsley, this chowder is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Whether served with crusty bread or classic oyster crackers, Mark's Clam Chowder will quickly become a family favorite. Ready in just under an hour, it’s the ultimate comfort food for satisfying cravings and warming hearts. Perfect for seafood lovers, cozy dinners, and chowder enthusiasts alike!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 6 slices Bacon
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 1 medium Onion, diced
• 2 stalks Celery, diced
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 3 cups Chicken broth
• 3 medium Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 3 6.5oz cans Canned clams, chopped (with juice)
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 1 Bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon Fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the pot.

Step 2

Add the butter to the pot and melt it over medium heat. Stir in the diced onion and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3

Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and stir well, cooking for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth to create a smooth base. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 5

Add the diced potatoes, bay leaf, and fresh thyme to the pot. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 6

Stir in the chopped clams along with their juices and the heavy cream. Continue to simmer for 5-7 minutes to blend the flavors. Do not allow the chowder to boil.

Step 7

Season the chowder with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Step 8

Crumble the reserved crispy bacon and sprinkle it over the chowder. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or oyster crackers.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2092.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2033.0

Total Fat 122.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 68.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.9g
Cholesterol 369.5mg	0%
Sodium 5508.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 168.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.4g	0%
Total Sugars 12.4g
Protein 54.1g	0%

Vitamin D 7.7IU	0%
Calcium 276.4mg	0%
Iron 12.4mg	0%
Potassium 4498.9mg	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: 55.4%

Protein: 10.8%

Carbs: 33.8%