10 Delicious Clam Chowder Recipes to Try

1. Classic New England Clam Chowder

This traditional recipe is known for its creamy texture and rich flavor. Perfect as a comforting meal on a chilly evening, this chowder is a favorite for a reason!

  • Ingredients:
    • 4 slices of bacon, diced
    • 1 medium onion, chopped
    • 2 medium potatoes, diced
    • 2 cans (6.5 ounces each) of chopped clams, with juice
    • 2 cups of heavy cream
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Chopped parsley for garnish
  • Instructions:
    • In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
    • Add the onion to the pot and sauté until translucent.
    • Stir in the potatoes and clam juice. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
    • Pour in the heavy cream and the chopped clams. Cook on low heat for another 5 minutes.
    • Season with salt and pepper, garnishing with crispy bacon and parsley before serving.

2. Manhattan Clam Chowder

For those who prefer a tomato-based chowder, Manhattan Clam Chowder is a delightful twist. It’s flavorful, hearty, and perfect for seafood lovers.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 medium onion, chopped
    • 2 stalks of celery, diced
    • 1 bell pepper, diced
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
    • 2 cups clam juice
    • 2 cans (6.5 ounces each) chopped clams, drained
    • 2 medium potatoes, diced
    • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Instructions:
    • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and bell pepper, sautéing until softened.
    • Add garlic, tomatoes, clam juice, potatoes, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
    • Stir in the chopped clams and season with salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
    • Serve hot, preferably with crusty bread on the side.

3. Corn and Clam Chowder

This unique recipe combines sweet corn with tender clams, creating a delightful chowder that’s perfect for summer or fall gatherings.

  • Ingredients:
    • 4 slices of bacon, diced
    • 1 onion, chopped
    • 2 cups fresh corn kernels (or frozen)
    • 2 cans (6.5 ounces each) chopped clams, drained
    • 2 cups chicken broth
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Fresh thyme for garnish
  • Instructions:
    • In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove and set aside.
    • Add the onion to the bacon grease and sauté until translucent.
    • Add the corn and clam juice, and cook for about 5 minutes.
    • Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing to a gentle simmer. Stir in the clams and bacon.
    • Season with salt and pepper, garnishing with fresh thyme before serving.

4. Spicy Clam Chowder

If you like a little kick in your chowder, this spicy clam chowder recipe will satisfy your cravings. The addition of jalapeños and cayenne pepper brings a delightful heat!

  • Ingredients:
    • 4 slices of bacon, chopped
    • 1 onion, diced
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and diced
    • 2 medium potatoes, diced
    • 2 cans (6.5 ounces each) chopped clams, with juice
    • 2 cups chicken broth
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Instructions:
    • Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
    • Add onion, garlic, and jalapeños to the pot, sautéing until softened.
    • Add potatoes, clam juice, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender.
    • Stir in heavy cream, chopped clams, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
    • Serve hot, topped with crispy bacon.

5. Clam Chowder Pasta

This innovative recipe combines the flavors of clam chowder with pasta, resulting in a hearty and delicious dish that’s sure to impress.

  • Ingredients:
    • 8 ounces of pasta (such as fusilli or shells)
    • 2 slices of bacon, diced
    • 1 onion, chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 can (6.5 ounces) chopped clams, drained
    • 2 cups chicken broth
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • 1 cup frozen peas
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Fresh parsley for garnish
  • Instructions:
    • Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
    • In a large pot, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
    • Add onion and garlic to the pot, sautéing until translucent.
    • Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing to a simmer.
    • Add clams and peas, cooking for another 5 minutes. Stir in the cooked pasta and season with salt and pepper.
    • Serve topped with crispy bacon and fresh parsley.

6. Vegan Clam Chowder

For a plant-based twist, this vegan clam chowder uses mushrooms and coconut milk to create a creamy texture while maintaining the classic flavors.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 onion, diced
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 8 ounces mushrooms, diced
    • 2 medium potatoes, diced
    • 2 cups vegetable broth
    • 1 can (13.5 ounces) coconut milk
    • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Chopped chives for garnish
  • Instructions:
    • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until softened.
    • Add mushrooms and cook for a few minutes until they release moisture.
    • Stir in potatoes, vegetable broth, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender.
    • Stir in coconut milk, season with salt and pepper, and heat through.
    • Serve garnished with chopped chives.

7. Clam Chowder with Fennel

This recipe incorporates fennel for a unique flavor profile, adding a touch of anise to the traditional chowder.

  • Ingredients:
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 onion, chopped
    • 1 bulb of fennel, diced
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 2 cans (6.5 ounces each) chopped clams, with juice
    • 2 cups vegetable broth
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • 2 medium potatoes, diced
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Fresh dill for garnish
  • Instructions:
    • In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, fennel, and garlic, sautéing until soft.
    • Add potatoes and clam juice, bringing to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender.
    • Stir in vegetable broth and heavy cream, cooking for another 5 minutes.
    • Season with salt and pepper, garnishing with fresh dill before serving.

8. Clam Chowder with Spinach

This recipe adds a healthy twist by incorporating spinach, making it a nutritious option without sacrificing flavor.

  • Ingredients:
    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • 1 onion, diced
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 can (6.5 ounces) chopped clams, drained
    • 2 cups vegetable broth
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • 2 medium potatoes, diced
    • 2 cups fresh spinach
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Chopped green onions for garnish
  • Instructions:
    • In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until soft.
    • Add potatoes and clam juice, bringing to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender.
    • Stir in vegetable broth and heavy cream, cooking for another 5 minutes.
    • Fold in fresh spinach until wilted. Season with salt and pepper, garnishing with chopped green onions.

9. Clam Chowder with Beer

This chowder recipe uses beer to enhance the flavor, resulting in a rich and robust soup that’s perfect for a cozy night in.

  • Ingredients:
    • 4 slices of bacon, diced
    • 1 onion, chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 can (6.5 ounces) chopped clams, with juice
    • 1 cup beer (lager or pale ale)
    • 2 cups chicken broth
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • 2 medium potatoes, diced
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Fresh thyme for garnish
  • Instructions:
    • In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
    • Add onion and garlic to the pot, sautéing until softened.
    • Pour in the beer and bring to a simmer, cooking for about 5 minutes.
    • Add clam juice, chicken broth, and potatoes, simmering until potatoes are tender.
    • Stir in the heavy cream and chopped clams. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with fresh thyme.

10. Clam Chowder Stuffed Peppers

For a fun and unique take, try clam chowder stuffed in bell peppers. This dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing!

  • Ingredients:
    • 4 bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
    • 2 slices of bacon, diced
    • 1 onion, chopped
    • 2 medium potatoes, diced
    • 2 cans (6.5 ounces each) chopped clams, with juice
    • 2 cups chicken broth
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Grated cheese for topping
  • Instructions:
    • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • In a large pot, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
    • Add onion to the pot and sauté until soft. Stir in potatoes, clam juice, and chicken broth. Simmer until potatoes are tender.
    • Stir in heavy cream, chopped clams, and bacon. Season with salt and pepper.
    • Stuff each bell pepper half with the chowder mixture, placing them in a baking dish. Top with grated cheese.
    • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly.

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11. Vegan Clam Chowder

This vegan adaptation of clam chowder uses mushrooms and seaweed to replicate the briny, umami flavor of clams, making it a hearty and satisfying dish for everyone.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 onion, chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 2 cups mushrooms, diced
    • 1 teaspoon dried seaweed (like dulse or nori)
    • 2 medium potatoes, diced
    • 1 cup coconut milk
    • 2 cups vegetable broth
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Fresh parsley for garnish
  • Instructions:
    • In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
    • Add mushrooms and seaweed, cooking for another 5 minutes until the mushrooms soften.
    • Stir in potatoes, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender.
    • Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

12. Spicy Clam Chowder

If you like a little heat, this spicy clam chowder will hit the spot. With added jalapeños and spices, it brings a new twist to the classic recipe.

  • Ingredients:
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 onion, chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1-2 jalapeños, diced (seeds removed for less heat)
    • 2 cans (6.5 ounces each) chopped clams, with juice
    • 2 cups chicken broth
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • 2 medium potatoes, diced
    • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Chopped cilantro for garnish
  • Instructions:
    • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and jalapeños, sautéing until softened.
    • Add clam juice, chicken broth, and potatoes, simmering until the potatoes are tender.
    • Stir in heavy cream and chopped clams, along with cayenne pepper. Season to taste and garnish with chopped cilantro.

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10 Delicious Clam Chowder Recipes to Try
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