If you’re craving a warm, creamy, and comforting bowl of soup, then you’re going to love learning how to make clam chowder soup at home. This classic American dish, especially popular in New England, is rich in flavor and easy to prepare even if you’re new to cooking. Made with tender clams, creamy broth, potatoes, and a few basic ingredients, this homemade clam chowder recipe is sure to impress your family or guests.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions for making the best creamy clam chowder at home, no fancy tools or cooking skills needed!
What is Clam Chowder Soup?
Clam chowder soup is a creamy and savory soup made with clams, potatoes, onions, celery, and cream or milk. The most popular version is New England clam chowder, which is known for its white, creamy base. There’s also Manhattan-style clam chowder that uses a tomato-based broth, but we’ll focus on the creamy version in this blog.
Ingredients Required for Making Clam Chowder Soup
To make a simple and tasty clam chowder soup at home, you’ll need:
- 2 cans of chopped clams (or fresh if you prefer)
- 1 cup clam juice (you can use the liquid from the canned clams)
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped (optional but adds great flavor)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons flour (for thickening)
- 2 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Clam Chowder Soup?
Let’s go through how to make this delicious clam soup recipe in a few easy steps:
1. Cook the Bacon (Optional)
If you’re using bacon, cook the chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove it from the pot and set it aside. Leave a bit of the bacon fat in the pot for flavor.
2. Sauté the Veggies
Add butter to the pot. Once melted, add diced onions and celery. Sauté for about 4–5 minutes until they become soft and transparent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add the Flour
Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and stir well. Cook for about 1–2 minutes. This will help thicken your soup later.
4. Add the Potatoes and Liquids
Pour in the clam juice (or chicken broth if you don’t have it), and add the diced potatoes. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 10–15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
5. Add the Milk and Cream
Stir in the milk and heavy cream. Let the soup simmer gently — don’t boil it or the milk may curdle.
6. Add the Clams
Now add the chopped clams and any juices. Cook for another 3–5 minutes, just enough to heat them through. Clams cook quickly and can get rubbery if overcooked.
7. Season and Serve
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Sprinkle the crispy bacon and chopped parsley on top before serving.
What to Serve with Clam Chowder?
Clam chowder tastes great with:
- Crusty bread or sourdough rolls
- Oyster crackers
- A light salad
- Grilled cheese sandwich
Tips for Perfect Clam Chowder
- Use canned clams for convenience, but fresh clams give more flavor if available.
- Don’t overcook the clams—they only need a few minutes at the end.
- If you want it thicker, add a bit more flour or mash some of the potatoes.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or paprika for a little kick!
Variations You Can Try
- Dairy-free: Use plant-based milk and skip the cream.
- Gluten-free: Use cornstarch instead of flour.
- Seafood twist: Add shrimp or crab along with clams.
- Manhattan-style: Use tomato sauce instead of cream for a red base.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make clam chowder soup, you can enjoy this cozy classic anytime you want. It’s a simple dish full of flavor, warmth, and comfort. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or warming up on a cold day, this homemade clam chowder will always hit the spot!
FAQ’s
1. Can I use canned clams for chowder?
Yes, canned clams are perfect for this recipe. Just make sure to include the juice for more flavor.
2. Can I freeze clam chowder?
Yes, you can freeze it, but the texture may change slightly because of the cream. Reheat slowly and stir well.
3. How long does clam chowder last in the fridge?
It will stay fresh for about 3–4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
4. Is clam chowder healthy?
It depends on the ingredients. Using milk instead of heavy cream and adding lots of veggies can make it a healthier version.
5. What’s the difference between New England and Manhattan clam chowder?
New England clam chowder is creamy and white. Manhattan-style uses tomatoes and has a red broth.