A creamy, rich, and hearty New England Clam Chowder is an American classic. This warm, comforting soup is made with tender clams, potatoes, and a luscious cream base—perfect for a cozy meal!

Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

For the Chowder

• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 2 cups clam juice (from canned clams or bottled)
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 cans (6.5 oz each) chopped clams, drained (reserve juice)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt & black pepper (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

For Serving

• Oyster crackers or crusty bread
• Additional bacon bits (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy.
• Remove the bacon and set aside on a paper towel. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

• Add butter, onions, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
• Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Make the Base

• Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
• Slowly add the clam juice while stirring to prevent lumps.

4. Simmer with Potatoes

• Add diced potatoes, thyme, and bay leaf.
• Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

5. Add Clams and Cream

• Stir in the clams, heavy cream, and milk. Simmer for 5 more minutes, but do not boil.
• Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

6. Serve and Garnish

• Remove the bay leaf, then ladle the chowder into bowls.
• Garnish with chopped parsley, crispy bacon, and oyster crackers.
• Serve hot with crusty bread!

Tips for the Best Clam Chowder

✔️ Use fresh clams if available—steam them and use the fresh juice!
✔️ Don’t overcook clams; they get rubbery if cooked too long.
✔️ For a thicker chowder, mash some of the potatoes before serving.
✔️ For extra flavor, add a splash of dry white wine while cooking the onions.

Enjoy your homemade New England Clam Chowder—the ultimate comfort food! Let me know if you need more variations!