Go Back
bowl of new england clam chowder with spoon topped with crackers
Print Recipe
5 from 15

Easy Clam Chowder

This easy New England Clam Chowder is thick and hearty, creamy, and so flavorful, with lots of goodies like salty pork and tender potatoes on every spoonful. Whip up a batch in 30 minutes and enjoy a big bowl on a chilly evening!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Clam Chowder, Easy Clam Chowder, New England Clam Chowder
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup diced salt pork
  • 1 medium sweet onion , finely diced
  • 1 clove garlic , minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 large potatoes , peeled and cut into small cubes
  • 2 cups half-and-half (or whole milk)
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 14 ounce (2, 7 ounce cans) whole clams , drained, juice reserved
  • oyster crackers , for serving
  • fresh chopped parsley , for garnish

Instructions

  • In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
  • Add the salt pork and cook until brown and crispy, only stirring a few times so it develops a nice crust, about 6 minutes.
  • Add in the onion and saute until softened, about 3 minutes. Add in the garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Stir in the flour until cooked off and lightly browned, about 1 minute.
  • Add in the potatoes, half-n-half, chicken stock, clam juice, Old Bay, white pepper, thyme, and bay leaves.
  • Bring to a simmer, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes.
  • Discard the bay leaves.
  • Add the clams and cook for 1 minute longer to warm them through. Taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  • Ladle the soup into bowls and top with some crackers and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley.
    SEE NOTES BELOW.

Video

Notes

  • Half-n-Half is equal parts heavy cream and whole milk.
  • You can sub in 6 slices of diced bacon for the salt pork, if desired.
  • Cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the size of your potato cubes.
  • Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 days.
  • For more information and tips, refer to the full article.

Nutrition

Calories: 464kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 882mg | Potassium: 731mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 432IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 138mg | Iron: 5mg