New England Clam Chowder

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(742)

This creamy New England clam chowder with potatoes and bacon is a hearty and oh-so-comforting soup that's actually quite easy to make. It's so delicious, savory, and comforting on a cold winter day!

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close up on a bowl of clam chowder, topped with oyster crackers
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Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
35 mins
Total Time:
50 mins
Servings:
8

This New England clam chowder recipe is rich, creamy, and full of coastal flavor. 

New England Clam Chowder Ingredients

These are the ingredients you’ll need to make this New England clam chowder recipe: 

  • Bacon: This comforting recipe starts with diced bacon. 
  • Vegetables: This recipe calls for a chopped onion and cubed potatoes. 
  • Water: You’ll need 1 ½ cups of water for this chowder. 
  • Seasonings: Season the clam chowder with salt and pepper.
  • Half-and-half and butter: Half-and-half and butter are essential for this rich and creamy chowder. 
  • Clams: Of course, you’ll need canned minced clams for this easy recipe. 

How to Make New England Clam Chowder

You’ll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make New England clam chowder: 

  1. Cook the bacon and onion. 
  2. Stir in the potatoes and water, then season. 
  3. Boil, uncovered, then simmer until potatoes are tender. 
  4. Stir in half-and-half, butter, drained clams, and half of the clam liquid. 
  5. Cook until heated through.

What to Serve With New England Clam Chowder

Pair this New England clam chowder with oyster crackers, a crusty homemade French bread, and a fresh side salad for a restaurant-worthy meal. 

How to Store New England Clam Chowder

Store the clam chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat thoroughly, stirring often, on the stove. 

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

“New Englander born and bred,” says Maria Bennett. “Great soup! Just like the chowder I remember my mother making.”

“This chowder is so delicious,” raves Michele. “Because I prefer a thinner consistency, I added an extra cup of water and it is perfect!!”

“This recipe is so simple,” according to dalionness. My husband could not believe that I made this soup in such a short amount of time. We went through TWO sourdough loaves.”

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings

  • 4 slices bacon, diced

  • 1 ½ cups chopped onion

  • 4 cups peeled and cubed potatoes

  • 1 ½ cups water

  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt

  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper to taste

  • 3 cups half-and-half

  • 3 tablespoons butter

  • 2 (10 ounce) cans minced clams

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients.

    ingredients gathered to make New England clam chowder

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. Place diced bacon in a large stockpot over medium-high heat; cook and stir until almost crisp. Add onion; cook and stir until tender, about 5 minutes.

    diced bacon and onions cooking in a stockpot

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  3. Stir in potatoes and add water; season with salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.

    potatoes and water added, cooked until potatoes are tender

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  4. Pour in half-and-half and add butter.

    half-and-half, and butter added to pot

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  5. Drain clams, reserving clam liquid; stir clams and 1/2 of the clam liquid into the soup. Cook until heated through, without boiling, about 5 minutes.

    clams being drained

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  6. Serve and enjoy!

    close up on a bowl of clam chowder, topped with oyster crackers

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

1,117 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

396 Calories
23g Fat
24g Carbs
24g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 396
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 23g 29%
Saturated Fat 12g 58%
Cholesterol 101mg 34%
Sodium 706mg 31%
Total Carbohydrate 24g 9%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 24g 48%
Vitamin C 34mg 38%
Calcium 180mg 14%
Iron 20mg 113%
Potassium 960mg 20%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.