Winter Night Creamy Clam Chowder Recipe

Name: Winter Night Creamy Clam Chowder
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 (6 1/2 ounce) cans chopped clams; 1 (10 ounce) can baby clams; clam juice, all the juice reserved from all clams; 8 -16 slices bacon, fried crisp and chopped, 2 Tablespoons fat left in the pan; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 -3 stalks celery, chopped; 2 tablespoons butter; 4 large garlic cloves, crushed; 4 medium peeled yukon gold potatoes, 1/2 inch dice (or russets, any potato will do); 1 teaspoon crushed dried thyme or 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh thyme; 3 1/2 cups clam juice, reserved, make up the 3 1/2 cups with chicken stock (preferably); 1 cup 2% low-fat milk; 2 cups half-and-half; 1/3 cup flour; 1/2 cup dry white wine, Chardonnay wine (drinkable); 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; salt & pepper

Servings: persons

8 (6 1/2 ounce) cans chopped clams
1 (10 ounce) can baby clams
clam juice, all the juice reserved from all clams
8 -16 slices bacon, fried crisp and chopped, 2 Tablespoons fat left in the pan
1 large onion, chopped
2 -3 stalks celery, chopped
2 tablespoons butter
4 large garlic cloves, crushed
4 medium peeled yukon gold potatoes, 1/2 inch dice (or russets, any potato will do)
1 teaspoon crushed dried thyme or 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh thyme
3 1/2 cups clam juice, reserved, make up the 3 1/2 cups with chicken stock (preferably)
1 cup 2% low-fat milk
2 cups half-and-half
1/3 cup flour
1/2 cup dry white wine, Chardonnay wine (drinkable)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
salt & pepper

1
Drain clams in colander, reserving liquid in large bowl. Allow liquid to sit still to let any sand that may be in it to drop to the bottom of the bowl.
2
In a large, heavy pot, in the rendered fat and 2 Tablespoons of butter, sweat the onions and celery until tender.
3
Add garlic, thyme, potatoes, clams, clam juice and cooked bacon.
4
Simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
5
In the meantime, whisk the flour and the cup of milk together and let stand, whisking occasionally, until the flour and milk are completely smooth. Then add the 2 cups of half & half and the white wine.
6
Add this mixture to the pot and slowly bring to a simmer, stirring all the time! Simmer for 5 minutes or more, tasting to make sure the flour has cooked.
7
Now add the fresh lemon juice and let this wonderful chowder sit on your stovetop for about 1 hour, to let the flavors marry and use the time to heat up a crusty bread, make a salad if you want, and serve.
8
It's always way better the next day! So you can cool it off in the refrigerator uncovered and stir now and again, then cover and store till the next day.
9
This freezes well, but is better fresh!

1783

kcal

Calories

100

Fat

Carbs

150

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 17 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 8 (6 1/2 ounce) cans chopped clams, 1 (10 ounce) can baby clams, clam juice, all the juice reserved from all clams, 8 -16 slices bacon, fried crisp and chopped, 2 Tablespoons fat left in the pan, and more.

Yes, Winter Night Creamy Clam Chowder falls under the Seafood category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Winter Night Creamy Clam Chowder

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions