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September 19, 2022 2 Comments

Classic Clam Chowder

A large pot of Classic Clam Chowder with a soup ladle with chowder held above the chowder.Traditional, creamy and perfect, this simple Classic Clam Chowder recipe will be your new go-to recipe when you are craving clam chowder. The steps and ingredients in this recipe are so simple you could even put the kids in charge of making it. It pairs perfectly with Lunch Lady Cafeteria Rolls or this easy homemade Artisan Bread.

Every time I make this chowder, I get asked for the recipe. I have another Easy Clam Chowder recipe on the site that is also really delicious, but it has a few shortcuts that make it a little less traditional. For example, it has mixed frozen veggies in it. Classic Clam Chowder typically only has potatoes, onions, and celery in it. My mom has been making this Classic Clam Chowder for years, and I am so excited for you to try it. It is superb!

A dark blue soup bowl with polkadots filled with clam chowder. On the left of the bowl is a checkered patterned kitchen towel with a spoon sitting on top.More of my Favorite Classic Recipes

  • Classic Meatloaf Recipe
  • Classic Taco Soup
  • Classic Chewy Chex Mix
  • Classic Banana Bread
  • Classic Broccoli Salad
  • Classic Chocolate Fudge
  • Classic Deviled Egg Recipe

A black ladle of classic clam chowder held above a soup pot of chowder.step-by-step pictures for how to make Classic Clam Chowder

12-photo picture college of step-by-step photos on how to make Classic Clam Chowder.

Classic clam chowder in polka dotted soup bowl with a spoon inserted at the top. A checkered patterned tea towel is wrapped around the left of the bowl.

Frequently Asked Questions about how to make Classic Clam Chowder

can I add bacon to this clam chowder?

Yes. If you want to add bacon to the chowder, first, cut the bacon into bite-size pieces and cook the bacon until it is almost crisp. In the alternative, you could use real bacon crumbles and add them to the chowder or to individual servings.

will canned potatoes work in this recipe?

If you don’t have fresh potatoes on hand, you can use canned potatoes. If they’re not already diced, cut them into small cubes. Since the potatoes are already cooked, the simmering time will be cut down to reach the desired thickness. 

do I have to use clam juice?

I recommend using clam juice for the most classic and authentic flavor. Vegetable or chicken broth will work in place of the clam juice. You can even use water and chicken bouillon, and the chowder will still taste good.

A large pot of clam chowder with a black ladle of chowder held above from the left side.do you recommend using a variety of clams and/or seafood?

If you desire, you can use whole clams, chopped clams, and baby clams. You could also turn it into seafood chowder by using a combination of clams, salmon, shrimp, or crab.

can I use low-fat milk in this recipe?

Using low-fat milk will work in this recipe since the potatoes help to thicken the chowder. 

Two-photo Pinterest picture with the text of the title of the recipe in the middle.CHEF’S TOOLS:

  • Can Opener
  • Chef’s Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Large Pot
  • Soup Ladle
  • Soup Bowls

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Classic Clam Chowder
 
Print
Prep time
20 mins
Cook time
30 mins
Total time
50 mins
 
Exactly what Clam Chowder should taste like, this traditional, creamy clam chowder is made with simple ingredients and is as good as it gets!
Author: Maria's Mom
Recipe type: Soup
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
  • ½ cup butter
  • 6-8 cups diced potatoes
  • 2 cups diced celery
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ cup flour
  • 2-3 (6.5 ounce) cans chopped clams (drained and juice reserved)
  • 2 (8 ounce) bottles of clam juice
  • 3 cups milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp dried parsley (optional)
Instructions
  1. Open the cans of clams and drain them, reserving the juice. Set aside.
  2. In a large pot add ½ cup butter, diced onion, diced potato, sliced celery salt, and pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes or until onions are slightly translucent.
  3. Next, add flour and stir until all of the veggies are evenly coated with flour.
  4. Pour in the reserved clam juice, stirring continually and quickly while pouring. Continue adding the liquids: the bottled clam juice and then the milk (start with 2 cups of milk). Keep stirring as you add the liquids.
  5. Allow the chowder to come back to a simmer and add up to an additional cup of milk if your soup seems too thick.
  6. Next, add the clams.
  7. Continue simmering until potatoes are tender, approx. 15-20 minutes.
  8. When potatoes are tender and soup is the desired thickness, add the ½ cup heavy cream and dried parsley flakes. You can serve anytime after this point, or if you desire, you can let the soup continue to simmer a little longer.
  9. Enjoy!
3.5.3251

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Pinterest picture of Classic Clam Chowder with the text of the title at the top.

Dinners, Fish/Seafood, Quick and Easy, Recipes, Soup/Stew/Chili
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2 Comments

  1. Janet Phipps

    October 19, 2022 at 9:08 pm

    The pictures shown in this recipe indicate that some type of broth is being added to the Chowder. However, broth is not mentioned in the ingredients list or in the instructions to make this chowder. Has the broth been left out? Thank you!

    to Janet Phipps" aria-label='reply to this comment to Janet Phipps'>reply to this comment
    • Maria

      October 25, 2022 at 4:03 pm

      Hi Janet, the broth like thing you see in the picture is the 2 (8oz) bottles of clam juice.

      to Maria" aria-label='reply to this comment to Maria'>reply to this comment

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Hi, I'm Maria. A mom of five and a total foodie. My superpower is taking ordinary recipes and making them DELICIOUS. Your family will LOVE these meals! Come cook with me, I promise it will be amazing! Get started here or search my archives below.


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