Easy Clam Chowder

Easy Clam Chowder

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Yield 6 servings

Clam chowder is easier to make than you think - and the homemade version is unbelievably creamy, flavorful and chockfull of clams!

Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup vegetable stock
• 2 (6.5-ounce) cans chopped clams, juices reserved
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup half and half*
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Instructions

• Heat a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add bacon and cook until brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving 1 tablespoon excess fat; set aside.
• Melt butter in the stockpot. Add garlic and onion, and cook, stirring frequently, until onions have become translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in thyme until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, vegetable stock, clam juice and bay leaf, and cook, whisking constantly, until slightly thickened, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in potatoes.
• Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 12-15 minutes.*
• Stir in half and half and clams until heated through, about 1-2 minutes; season with salt and pepper, to taste. If the soup is too thick, add more half and half as needed until desired consistency is reached.
• Serve immediately, garnished with bacon and parsley, if desired.

Notes

*Half and half is equal parts of whole milk and cream. For 1 cup half and half, you can substitute 3/4 cup whole milk + 1/4 cup heavy cream or 2/3 cup skim or low-fat milk + 1/3 cup heavy cream. 
*Cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the thickness of the potatoes.

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Why It’s A Smart Choice

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size

Servings Per Container 6

Amount Per Serving

Calories 264.0 Calories from Fat 117.9

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 13.1g 20%

Saturated Fat 6.8g 34%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 63.9mg 21%

Sodium 367.3mg 15%

Total Carbohydrate 15.4g 5%

Dietary Fiber 0.7g 3%

Sugars 1.5g

Protein 20.8g 42%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

High in many vital minerals and vitamins, clams are little nutritional powerhouses! One serving of this soup gives you a good dose of iron, zinc, magnesium, and over 4 days worth of Vitamin B12. Clams for the win!