Classic New England Clam Chowder
There's nothing quite like a bowl of hearty, creamy clam chowder to warm you up on a chilly day. This classic New England-style clam chowder is loaded with tender clams, smoky bacon, and tender potatoes, all simmered in a rich, savory broth. It's comforting, satisfying, and perfect for a cozy meal at home. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this clam chowder recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
- 4 slices of bacon, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cups clam juice
- 1 cup water
- 2 (6.5 oz) cans of chopped clams, with juice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Cook the Bacon. In a large pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
Sauté the Vegetables. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the bacon fat. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Add Potatoes and Liquids. Stir in the diced potatoes, clam juice, water, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
Thicken the Chowder. In a separate small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to make a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and milk, then add this mixture to the pot with the potatoes.
Add the Clams. Stir in the chopped clams with their juice and cooked bacon. Simmer the chowder for another 5 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve. Ladle the clam chowder into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot with crusty bread.
Recipe tips
If you have access to fresh clams, steam them and use the cooking liquid in place of the canned clam juice for a fresher flavor. For a thicker chowder, increase the amount of roux or reduce the liquid slightly. If you prefer a lighter soup, add more milk. Try adding fresh thyme or a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning for an extra depth of flavor.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Hamburger soup is a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for chilly days. Packed with ground beef, vegetables, and savory broth, this soup is easy to make and full of rich flavors. It’s a satisfying dish that can be made in one pot, ideal for busy weeknights or a simple family dinner. You’ll love how wholesome and filling this soup is, while still being nutritious and versatile enough to customize with your favorite veggies.
Minestrone soup is the ultimate comfort food—warm, hearty, and packed with vibrant vegetables and beans. This Italian classic is perfect for a cozy meal and is a great way to use up seasonal vegetables. Each spoonful is a celebration of flavors, making it an excellent choice for a healthy, filling dish. Whether you're looking for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner, this minestrone soup will hit the spot. The best part? It’s even better the next day, after the flavors have had time to meld together.
Cabbage Soup is a hearty and nutritious dish that's easy to make, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. It’s a classic comfort food that’s great for chilly days or when you need something light yet filling. This recipe brings out the natural sweetness of the cabbage while balancing it with savory vegetables and spices. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner and can be adapted to suit any dietary needs.
Lentil soup is a comforting, hearty dish that's perfect for a cozy meal at home. This recipe brings together the earthy flavor of lentils with aromatic vegetables and spices, creating a nutritious and filling soup. It’s an easy one-pot meal that’s both satisfying and healthy, making it ideal for anyone looking to cook their own food with minimal fuss. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding the family, this lentil soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
This creamy, comforting cauliflower soup is packed with flavor and warmth. It's perfect for chilly days or when you're craving something light but satisfying. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. The rich, velvety texture combined with subtle spices makes it a favorite for both family dinners and meal prep.
This hearty and comforting Chicken and Rice Soup is perfect for those cold days when you crave something warm and nourishing. With tender chicken, fragrant vegetables, and fluffy rice all simmered together in a flavorful broth, it’s a dish that’s both simple to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you're fighting off a cold or just want a wholesome meal, this soup is sure to warm your soul.
This hearty Turkey Soup is the perfect way to use leftover turkey and create a warming, delicious meal. Packed with tender vegetables, savory herbs, and chunks of turkey, it’s an easy, soul-soothing bowl of comfort food. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a cold day or enjoy a light meal, this soup will quickly become a family favorite.
Italian Wedding Soup is a heartwarming and flavorful dish that combines tender meatballs, fresh vegetables, and delicate pasta in a savory broth. Despite its name, this soup isn't traditionally served at Italian weddings. Instead, the name comes from the "marriage" of ingredients that complement each other beautifully. The meatballs provide richness, while the vegetables add a lightness that balances the dish. With each spoonful, you’ll experience a blend of savory, fresh, and comforting flavors—perfect for family meals or special gatherings.
This classic homemade chili is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a robust blend of spices, this recipe delivers warmth and comfort in every bite. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or preparing for a game day gathering, this chili is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. The best part? It's simple to prepare and can easily be customized to your taste.
Miso Soup is a light, flavorful, and comforting Japanese dish that's perfect for any meal. The umami-rich miso paste combined with dashi broth, tofu, seaweed, and green onions creates a nourishing bowl that’s both easy to make and full of authentic flavor. It’s great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and you can customize it with your favorite ingredients.
This Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for chilly days. It’s packed with tender chicken, earthy wild rice, fresh vegetables, and a velvety cream base that will warm you from the inside out. Easy to prepare and full of rich flavors, this soup is sure to become a family favorite!
Warm, comforting, and delightfully creamy, this Butternut Squash Soup is the perfect dish to soothe your soul and tantalize your taste buds. Made with roasted butternut squash, savory onions, garlic, and a hint of nutmeg, this soup is rich in flavor yet light enough to enjoy any time of the day. It's a simple recipe that brings out the natural sweetness of the squash, making it a family favorite. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner, this soup is a go-to choice.
These chicken quesadillas are a perfect blend of crispy tortillas, seasoned chicken, and melted cheese. Easy to make, they’re ideal for a quick weeknight meal or even a snack. The chicken is cooked to perfection with a combination of spices, paired with a rich layer of cheese, and sandwiched between two golden-brown tortillas. With a little prep time and basic ingredients, you'll have a delicious homemade meal.
These homemade sliders are a mini version of your favorite burger—perfect for parties, snacks, or a quick meal. Juicy beef patties, melted cheese, and fresh toppings are served in soft, bite-sized buns that pack all the flavor of a full-sized burger. These sliders are easy to customize with different sauces, cheeses, and seasonings to suit your taste. Whether you’re cooking for a gathering or whipping up a weeknight dinner, these sliders will leave everyone satisfied.
Beef tacos are a simple, delicious meal that’s packed with flavor. The combination of seasoned beef, fresh vegetables, and your favorite toppings creates a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Whether you're cooking for family or friends, these beef tacos are a surefire way to please everyone at the table. Plus, they’re quick and easy to make, ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Let's dive into the process and whip up some mouthwatering tacos!
Popcorn is a quick and easy snack that’s perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re watching a movie, need a light snack, or want something crunchy to satisfy your cravings, this homemade popcorn recipe is just what you need. With just a few ingredients and a few minutes, you’ll have freshly popped kernels that are deliciously crisp and ready to be enjoyed. This recipe is simple enough for anyone to make, yet it delivers the classic taste of popcorn that everyone loves.
This refreshing fennel salad combines the crisp, licorice-like flavor of fresh fennel with juicy citrus segments and peppery arugula. The salad is topped with a simple lemon and olive oil dressing, which brightens up the dish and enhances the natural sweetness of the fennel. Perfect as a light appetizer or a side dish, this salad will add a pop of color and a burst of flavor to any meal.
Quesadillas are a classic Mexican dish that’s both simple and delicious. They're perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or even a hearty snack. This recipe takes you through making crispy, golden tortillas filled with melted cheese and other delicious fillings. It's versatile, allowing you to customize with your favorite ingredients, like grilled chicken, sautéed veggies, or just keeping it simple with cheese. The result is a savory, satisfying meal that’s easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table.
Zucchini fries are a delicious, healthy alternative to traditional French fries. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. Whether you're looking for a fun side dish, a snack, or something to satisfy your craving for crunch, these zucchini fries are a perfect choice. Baked instead of fried, they’re lighter and perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a guilt-free treat!
Nothing says comfort like a warm, homemade Chicken Pot Pie. This classic dish features tender chunks of chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce all nestled beneath a flaky, golden pie crust. It’s a family favorite that's hearty and satisfying, perfect for a cozy dinner. If you're looking to make a comforting meal from scratch, this recipe will guide you through every step. Plus, you can easily adapt it to use whatever veggies you have on hand!
Stuffed grape leaves, or Dolma, is a traditional dish that brings together the bold flavors of lemon, herbs, and rice, wrapped in tender grape leaves. This delicious Mediterranean and Middle Eastern favorite is packed with fragrant herbs like dill and mint, and a hint of olive oil for a smooth, rich finish. A perfect appetizer or side dish, these little rolls are light, tangy, and satisfying. They can be served hot or cold, making them a versatile option for any meal or gathering.
Arugula salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that’s perfect for a light meal or as a side to complement your main course. This salad combines the peppery flavor of arugula with the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, the crunch of toasted pine nuts, and the creamy tang of Parmesan cheese. Tossed in a simple lemon vinaigrette, it’s a burst of fresh flavors in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or just looking for a quick and healthy meal, this salad is sure to please.
Kouign-Amann is a decadent, buttery, and caramelized pastry from the Brittany region of France. It has layers of flaky, laminated dough, similar to croissant dough, but with a generous amount of sugar that creates a crispy, golden crust. The combination of rich butter and caramelized sugar makes this pastry both crunchy and soft, with a sweet, irresistible flavor. While it requires time and patience, the reward is well worth it for those who want to bake their own gourmet pastry at home.
Craving some mouthwatering, spicy Buffalo Wings? This recipe will guide you through creating crispy, tender chicken wings coated in a tangy, spicy Buffalo sauce. Perfect for game days, parties, or a delicious dinner, these wings are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Chicken Satay is a delicious Southeast Asian dish featuring marinated and grilled chicken skewers served with a rich peanut dipping sauce. It’s packed with flavorful spices and makes a perfect meal for a backyard BBQ or a simple dinner at home. The combination of tender grilled chicken with the creamy, nutty sauce creates a mouth-watering dish that’s hard to resist. Ideal for sharing, this recipe will become a favorite for anyone looking to explore new flavors.
Onion gravy is a delicious and savory addition to any meal, especially with roasted meats, mashed potatoes, or Yorkshire pudding. This rich and flavorful gravy is made by slowly caramelizing onions until golden brown, then simmering them in a broth base to bring out their sweetness. It's a comforting classic that’s easy to make and adds a depth of flavor to your dishes. Whether for a Sunday roast or a holiday dinner, this onion gravy will elevate your meal with minimal effort.
This Roasted Vegetable Salad is a delightful medley of vibrant, oven-roasted veggies tossed with a light vinaigrette. It's hearty, healthy, and packed with flavor. The natural sweetness of the roasted vegetables, combined with the crunch of fresh greens and a zesty dressing, makes it the perfect side dish or light meal. Whether you serve it warm or at room temperature, this salad is sure to impress with its simplicity and rich, roasted flavors.
There's nothing quite like the warm, gooey goodness of a classic chocolate chip cookie. These cookies are crispy on the edges, soft in the center, and loaded with rich, melted chocolate chips. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or just craving a homemade treat, this recipe is sure to become your go-to. Simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps make these cookies perfect for bakers of all levels.
Chili Con Carne is a hearty and comforting dish packed with rich flavors of beef, tomatoes, beans, and a blend of spices. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner on a chilly evening or as a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering. It’s easy to make, filling, and can be customized to your taste—spicy, mild, or somewhere in between. Serve it with rice, tortilla chips, or enjoy it on its own.
A Mai Tai is a classic tropical cocktail that brings together rum, citrus, and a hint of almond flavor for a refreshing drink that transports you straight to an island paradise. With its perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, this cocktail is a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or lounging by the pool, the Mai Tai is the perfect companion for a fun and relaxing time.
This Zucchini Salad is light, refreshing, and packed with flavor. It combines thinly sliced zucchini with a simple, tangy lemon vinaigrette, fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick lunch or side dish, this salad celebrates the natural flavors of summer and offers a nutritious, low-carb option. The crisp, raw zucchini provides a great texture, while the lemon adds a bright kick. It’s easy to make and ideal for anyone looking for a healthy and delicious dish.
A classic Rum Punch is a delightful blend of fruity and tropical flavors with the right touch of rum to bring out the island spirit in every sip. Perfect for parties, beach days, or simply enjoying a little getaway from the comfort of home, this punch is easy to make and is sure to impress. Combining pineapple and orange juices with dark and light rums, this vibrant cocktail is finished with grenadine for a sweet and colorful layer.