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Creamy New England Clam Chowder Recipe Easy Homemade 5-Ingredient Soup

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A quick and easy creamy New England clam chowder made with smoky bacon, tender clams, and Yukon Gold potatoes. This comforting soup comes together in under 30 minutes and is perfect for cozy dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 (6.5-ounce) cans chopped clams with juice
  • 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the bacon fat and butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
  3. Pour in the diced potatoes and all the clam juice from the canned clams. Add enough water to just cover the potatoes (about 2 cups or 480 ml). Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered until potatoes are tender but not mushy, about 15 minutes.
  4. Stir in the chopped clams and heavy cream. Heat gently without boiling and simmer for another 5 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Stir in the cooked bacon pieces, then season with salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste. Give a final stir and remove from heat.
  6. Ladle into bowls and serve hot. Optional: garnish with fresh chopped parsley or oyster crackers.

Notes

Do not drain the bacon fat as it adds essential smoky flavor. Cook potatoes gently to avoid mushiness. Heat cream gently to prevent curdling. For thicker chowder, simmer longer or mash some potatoes. Optional herbs like thyme or bay leaf can be added during simmering for extra flavor. Use dairy-free cream alternatives for a dairy-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: clam chowder, New England clam chowder, creamy clam chowder, easy soup recipe, bacon clam chowder, homemade chowder, 5-ingredient soup

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