Cozy Clam Chowder Recipe: A Family Favorite to Warm Your Heart

Are you craving a delicious, comforting bowl of clam chowder that’s easy to make and perfect for any season? This clam chowder recipe offers hearty flavors, creamy goodness, and a burst of ocean freshness in every spoonful, making it a family-friendly choice for dinner or lunch.

Cozy Clam Chowder

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Author: oussama
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting bowl of clam chowder that’s easy to make, offering hearty flavors and creamy goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

6 strips thick-cut bacon (can substitute salt pork)
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium yellow onion (diced)
2 ribs celery (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon hot sauce (or ½ teaspoon Tabasco sauce)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
⅓ cup flour
1 cup chicken broth
3 cups half-and-half
8 oz. clam juice
1 chicken bouillon cube
1 bay leaf
1¼ lbs. potatoes (peeled and diced)
3 (6.5 oz.) cans chopped clams (juices reserved)
Fresh parsley & freshly cracked pepper (for serving)
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried parsley
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon smoked paprika
⅛ teaspoon pepper

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Instructions

Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove and let it drain on paper towels.
In the bacon drippings, melt the butter, then add the onions, celery, and garlic. Sauté until soft.
Stir in the hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce, then add the flour and cook for about 2 minutes until golden.
Gradually add the chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Pour in the half-and-half, clam juice, add the chicken bouillon cube, and bay leaf. Let simmer gently.
Add the diced potatoes and simmer until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Mix in the chopped clams and season with dried herbs, salt, smoked paprika, and pepper. Heat through and check seasoning.

Notes

For added depth, cook a few clams up with the chowder before serving for a fresh, chunky delight. Adjust the hot sauce to taste for a spicier version.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 370
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 45mg

Why You’ll Love This Clam Chowder

This clam chowder is not only quick to prepare, but it’s also tested and trusted by families everywhere. Packed with rich flavors from fresh clams and a blend of savory ingredients, it serves up to six people, making it ideal for gatherings or cozy weeknight meals. Plus, it’s a delightful way to bring a taste of the sea to your kitchen.

Let’s Dive into Making Clam Chowder

Ingredients:

6 strips thick-cut bacon (can substitute salt pork)
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium yellow onion (diced)
2 ribs celery (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon hot sauce (or ½ teaspoon Tabasco sauce)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
⅓ cup flour
1 cup chicken broth
3 cups half-and-half
8 oz. clam juice
1 chicken bouillon cube
1 bay leaf
1¼ lbs. potatoes (peeled and diced)
3 (6.5 oz.) cans chopped clams (juices reserved)
Fresh parsley & freshly cracked pepper (for serving)
½ teaspoon each: dried oregano, dried parsley
¼ teaspoon each: dried thyme, salt
⅛ teaspoon each: smoked paprika, pepper

Directions:

Prep Work:
Start by cooking the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and let it drain on paper towels. In the bacon drippings, melt the butter, then add the onions, celery, and garlic. Sauté these until they’re nice and soft, filling your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma.

Make the Soup:

Stir in the hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce, followed by the flour. Cook for about 2 minutes until it’s slightly golden.
Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Pour in the half-and-half, clam juice, and add the chicken bouillon cube along with the bay leaf. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer.
Add the diced potatoes, letting the chowder simmer away until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Finally, mix in the chopped clams and season with your dried herbs, salt, smoked paprika, and pepper. Heat through, and check the seasoning one last time!

Serving Up This Delicious Chowder

Ladle this cozy clam chowder into bowls and garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and some crispy bacon bits on top. A dash of freshly cracked pepper brings everything together beautifully. Serve it with warm crusty bread for a meal that wraps you in warmth.

Storing Your Chowder

Leftover clam chowder can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, add a splash of broth or half-and-half to loosen it up.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Clam Chowder

For added depth, cook a few clams up with the chowder before serving for a fresh, chunky delight.
Try using different herbs and spices according to your taste preferences.
If you enjoy a bit of zing, adjust the amount of hot sauce to your liking.

Fun Variations to Explore

Change things up a bit by adding sweet corn or a splash of white wine for extra flavor. You can also use other types of seafood like shrimp or diced fish if you’re feeling adventurous!

FAQs About Clam Chowder

1. Can I make clam chowder ahead of time?
Definitely! In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just make sure to store it properly in the fridge.

2. Is there a good substitute for clams?
While clams are the star of this dish, you could opt for diced shrimp or crab as a delicious alternative, keeping in mind that the flavor will be different.

3. How can I make this recipe lighter?
You can use non-fat half-and-half and reduce or omit the bacon for a healthier version, while still maintaining a scrumptious taste.

Embrace the comfort of this clam chowder recipe and share it with your loved ones. It’s bound to become a favorite in your family, just like it is in mine!