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Easy Clam Chowder - Clam chowder is easier to make than you think - and the homemade version is unbelievably creamy, flavorful and chockfull of clams!

Clam chowder is easier to make than you think – and the homemade version is unbelievably creamy, flavorful and chockfull of clams!

Easy Clam Chowder - Clam chowder is easier to make than you think - and the homemade version is unbelievably creamy, flavorful and chockfull of clams!

Featured Comment

I make this recipe over and over again. I normally use 6 can of clams. I like lots of clams. I also only use the clam juice only and no vegetables stock since I have a ton more clam juice. I also put the bacon back in the soup once I get done putting everything in. It is amazing with toasted sourdough bread!!!
Brenita
577 more comments

Soup season has come and gone, but a bowl of clam chowder can really be eaten in any kind of weather, especially when it comes to the homemade version.

Now what I love about this recipe is that you have absolute complete control over the creaminess of the soup. You can make it as thick as you’d like, or a little bit runny if that’s how you prefer your soup. Just be sure to have those oyster crackers ready to go because this soup is guaranteed to disappear from your dinner table!

why use canned clams in clam chowder

  • Convenience
  • Budget-friendly
  • Extra flavor, especially when using the juices
  • Abundance of clams
Easy Clam Chowder - Clam chowder is easier to make than you think - and the homemade version is unbelievably creamy, flavorful and chockfull of clams!

Tools For This Recipe

Dutch oven

Easy Clam Chowder Image 2

Easy Clam Chowder

Yield: 6 servings
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Clam chowder is easier to make than you think – and the homemade version is unbelievably creamy, flavorful and chockfull of clams!
4.9 stars (363 ratings)
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Ingredients

  • 4 slices bacon, diced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup vegetable stock
  • 2 (6.5-ounce) cans chopped clams, juices reserved
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup half and half*
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Instructions

  • Heat a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add bacon and cook until brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving 1 tablespoon excess fat in the stockpot.
  • Melt butter in the stockpot. Add garlic and onion, and cook, stirring frequently, until onions have become translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in thyme until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, vegetable stock, clam juice and bay leaf, and cook, whisking constantly, until slightly thickened, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in potatoes.
  • Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 12-15 minutes.*
  • Stir in half and half and clams until heated through, about 1-2 minutes; season with salt and pepper, to taste. If the soup is too thick, add more half and half as needed until desired consistency is reached.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with bacon and parsley, if desired.

Video

Notes

*Half and half is equal parts of whole milk and cream. For 1 cup half and half, you can substitute 3/4 cup whole milk + 1/4 cup heavy cream or 2/3 cup skim or low-fat milk + 1/3 cup heavy cream.
*Cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the thickness of the potatoes.

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