Name: Easy Clam Chowder Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 slices bacon, chopped; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium potatoes, diced; 1 (8-ounce) bottle clam juice; 1 cup water or seafood broth; 2 (6.5-ounce) cans chopped clams, with juice; 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Description

This easy clam chowder recipe is rich, creamy, and packed with tender clams, smoky bacon, and hearty potatoes. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect cozy meal for a chilly night.

Ingredients

Scale

4 slices bacon, chopped
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium potatoes, diced
1 (8-ounce) bottle clam juice
1 cup water or seafood broth
2 (6.5-ounce) cans chopped clams, with juice
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Cook the bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pot.
Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add the potatoes and broth: Sprinkle in the flour and stir to coat the onions. Cook for 1 minute, then pour in the clam juice and water (or seafood broth), stirring to combine. Add the diced potatoes, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Add the clams and cream: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the canned clams with their juice, heavy cream, and butter. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Remove the bay leaf, garnish with fresh parsley and crispy bacon, and serve hot with crusty bread or oyster crackers.

Notes

Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer for the heavy cream.
Thicker Chowder: Mash some of the potatoes before adding the clams for a creamier texture.
Seafood Mix: Add shrimp or scallops for a more luxurious seafood chowder.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Soup, Chowder
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: clam chowder, easy chowder recipe, creamy soup, New England clam chowder, seafood soup