Nothing beats a warm, hearty bowl of clam chowder on a chilly day. This creamy, flavorful soup is packed with tender clams, buttery potatoes, and a rich, velvety broth that will keep you coming back for more. With the perfect balance of briny seafood flavor and comforting creaminess, this dish is a must-have for any seafood lover.
Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests with a restaurant-quality meal, this homemade clam chowder is guaranteed to be a hit. Grab your ChopChop USA Titanium Cutting Board and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Clam Chowder
- Rich & Creamy Texture – A luscious, velvety broth makes every spoonful satisfying.
- Loaded with Flavor – Briny clams, buttery potatoes, and aromatic vegetables come together beautifully.
- Simple & Wholesome Ingredients – Made with pantry staples and fresh clams for the best taste.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve as a comforting meal on a cold night or as an elegant appetizer.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – This chowder stores well, making it a great option for meal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chowder:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 (6.5-ounce) cans minced clams, drained (reserve the juice)
- 3 cups clam juice (reserved from canned clams, plus additional as needed)
- 1 quart half-and-half cream
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
For Garnishing:
- Cooked bacon crumbles
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Oyster crackers or crusty bread
How to Make Clam Chowder
Making homemade clam chowder is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps to create a rich, creamy, and flavorful soup that’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, with ChopChop USA’s premium kitchen tools, prepping your ingredients becomes effortless and efficient.
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by chopping your potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions into uniform pieces. Using the ChopChop USA Titanium Cutting Board, you’ll get a durable, knife-friendly surface that prevents dulling your blades. Our premium Chop Chop Knife ensures precise, effortless cutting.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables & Clam Juice
In a large pot, add the diced potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions. Pour in the reserved clam juice and enough water to cover the vegetables. Bring to a gentle boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 10-15 minutes. This creates a flavorful vegetable base for your chowder.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Base
While the vegetables cook, melt butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for a minute to form a roux—this thickens the chowder. Gradually whisk in the half-and-half cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. The result is a smooth, creamy consistency.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Pour the creamy mixture into the pot with the cooked vegetables. Add the drained clams, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and let the chowder simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors. Avoid boiling, as this can make the clams tough.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Ladle the hot, creamy chowder into bowls and garnish with crispy bacon, fresh parsley, or oyster crackers. Pair it with crusty bread for a heartwarming meal.
With the ChopChop USA Double-Sided Stainless Steel Cutting Board, prepping is mess-free and hygienic. The anti-slip silicone mat keeps everything steady while you chop, and our versatile pure titanium utensils make stirring, scooping, and serving a breeze.
Tips for the Best Clam Chowder
- Don’t Overcook the Clams – Add them at the end to keep them tender.
- Use Fresh Clams If Available – They provide even better flavor than canned.
- Adjust the Thickness – If too thick, add more clam juice or broth.
- For Extra Flavor – Try adding a splash of dry white wine.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing Tips
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the chowder a day in advance for even deeper flavors.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze without the dairy and add cream when reheating.
Variations to Try
- New England Clam Chowder: Keep it classic with a thick, creamy base.
- Manhattan Clam Chowder: Swap the cream for a tomato-based broth.
- Bacon Lovers’ Chowder: Double the bacon for a smoky, savory boost.
Pair This Soup With:
- Sourdough Bread: Perfect for dipping.
- Grilled Cheese: A cheesy, buttery pairing.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp contrast to the rich chowder.
- White Wine: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavors beautifully.
ChopChop USA – 100% Pure Titanium Cutting Board & Premium Kitchen Tools
For effortless meal prep, ChopChop USA’s Titanium Cutting Board is the perfect tool. Its scratch-resistant, non-porous surface ensures durability and hygiene while being gentle on your knives. Pair it with ChopChop USA’s high-quality chef’s knives and utensils for seamless chopping, slicing, and dicing. Upgrade your kitchen with ChopChop USA and make cooking easier than ever!
Conclusion
This Creamy Clam Chowder is the ultimate comfort food—rich, satisfying, and packed with seafood flavor. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family meal or serving guests, this chowder is sure to impress. Don’t forget to grab your ChopChop USA kitchen tools for effortless prep, and enjoy every delicious spoonful!
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FAQs
1. Can I use fresh clams instead of canned?
Yes! Steam fresh clams and use the strained broth in place of canned clam juice.
2. How can I make this chowder thicker?
For a thicker consistency, add an extra tablespoon of flour or mash some of the potatoes.
3. Can I make clam chowder dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the half-and-half with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
4. What’s the best way to reheat clam chowder?
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to prevent separation.
5. Can I freeze leftover chowder?
Yes, but freeze without the dairy and add cream when reheating for the best texture.