Creamy New England Clam Chowder Recipe

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February 13, 2026

Creamy New England Clam Chowder Recipe in white bowl

Creamy New England Clam Chowder Recipe delivers rich, velvety texture with tender clams and hearty potatoes in every spoonful. This classic soup tastes comforting, satisfying, and deeply flavorful. Serve it hot with crusty bread for a cozy meal that feels like the coast of New England.


Why Youโ€™ll Love This Clam Chowder Recipe Recipe

  • Thick, creamy texture
  • Tender clams in every bite
  • Simple pantry ingredients
  • Ready in 40 minutes
  • Perfect for cold evenings

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients Clam Chowder Recipe

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups clam juice
  • 1 cup bottled clam juice (or reserved juice)
  • 2 cups diced Yukon gold potatoes
  • 2 (6.5 oz) cans chopped clams, drained
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ยฝ tsp salt
  • ยผ tsp black pepper
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and celery. Cook 4โ€“5 minutes until soft.
  2. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a thick base.
  3. Slowly pour in clam juice while stirring to prevent lumps.
  4. Add potatoes and bay leaf. Simmer 12โ€“15 minutes until potatoes turn tender.
  5. Stir in clams, cream, milk, salt, and pepper.
  6. Simmer 5 more minutes. Remove bay leaf.
  7. Serve hot and garnish with parsley to finish your Creamy New England Clam Chowder Recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with oyster crackers, warm sourdough bread, or a simple green salad. Add cracked black pepper on top for extra flavor.


Quick Tips or Variations

  • Use fresh clams if available.
  • Mash a few potatoes to thicken naturally.
  • Add thyme for extra depth.

FAQs

What makes New England clam chowder creamy?

Cream and milk create the rich, white broth that defines this classic soup.

Can I freeze clam chowder?

You can freeze it, but cream-based soups may separate slightly when reheated.

What type of potatoes work best?

Yukon gold or russet potatoes hold texture and thicken the soup well.

Is New England clam chowder gluten-free?

This version contains flour. Replace flour with cornstarch to make it gluten-free.


Conclusion

Creamy New England Clam Chowder Recipe brings comforting flavor, tender clams, and creamy texture together in one classic bowl. Make it once, and it will become a favorite cold-weather meal.

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Creamy New England Clam Chowder Recipe in white bowl

Creamy New England Clam Chowder Recipe


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  • Author: Laura Jennings
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Creamy New England Clam Chowder Recipe with tender clams, potatoes, and rich creamy broth.


Ingredients

Scale

2 tbsp butter

1 small onion

2 celery stalks

2 tbsp flour

3 cups clam juice

2 cups diced potatoes

2 cans chopped clams

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup milk

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 bay leaf


Instructions

1. Melt butter and cook onion and celery.

2. Stir in flour.

3. Add clam juice and potatoes.

4. Simmer until tender.

5. Add clams, cream, and milk.

6. Simmer and serve.

Notes

Mash potatoes for thicker texture.

Serve hot.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 890mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

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