This creamy New England–style clam chowder recipe is packed with tender clams, hearty potatoes, smoky bacon, and fresh herbs. It’s the ultimate comfort food for chilly nights or whenever you crave a bowl of cozy, rich soup.
Cook bacon in a large pot until crispy. Remove and set aside.
Sauté onion, celery, and garlic in bacon drippings until softened.
Add butter and flour, whisking to form a light roux.
Pour in clam juice or stock, stirring to combine. Add potatoes and simmer until tender.
Stir in clams and reduce heat to low.
Add milk and cream, heating gently—do not boil.
Season with salt, pepper, and parsley.
Garnish with bacon and serve hot with oyster crackers or crusty bread.
Notes
For a thicker chowder, mash some potatoes before adding cream.Use canned clams for convenience, but fresh clams give richer flavor.Never boil after adding cream to avoid curdling.
Nutrition
Calories: 380kcal
Keyword bacon clam chowder, clam chowder recipe, creamy clam chowder, homemade clam chowder, New England chowder