A rich, creamy, clam-filled Homemade Clam Chowder is easy to make and can be on the table in under an hour! We eat this every Christmas eve at my mother-in-law’s house, and this is my version of her recipe
Easy Clam Chowder
This easy clam chowder is easily one of my favorite soups, not only because I LOVE clam chowder, but because it is SO quick and easy to throw together, even for a crowd. You can get this on the table in under an hour, and it is hearty, delicious, and can easily be made into a meal with some saltine crackers and a fresh salad served with it.
Clam Chowder shopping list
Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Butter
- Shallots
- Potatoes
- Canned clams with juice
- Heavy cream
- Fresh thyme
- Salt & pepper
Try our Pacific Northwest Clam Chowder too!
How to make Homemade Clam Chowder
This is just the overview so you can see what you’re actually getting into here. When you are cooking, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.
1
Butter
Melt the butter and add the shallots. Cook for a few minutes and then add in the diced potatoes.
2
Add the clams
Add your clams to the pot along with all the juice. Let the mixture simmer until the potatoes are tender.
3
Add the dairy
Next, dump the cream! Turn the heat down to low and let it cook for a few minutes.
4
Herbs and Spices
Add the fresh thyme to the pot and taste and add salt and pepper.
5
Finish it
Add in your thyme, taste, and add the salt and pepper, and enjoy with some saltines or oyster crackers!
Serve with some Homemade Milk Rolls!
More family favorite recipes to enjoy!
- Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup
- Better Than KFC Coleslaw
- Garlic Fry Bread
- Beefy Mexican Casserole
- Chicken Marsala
More great soup recipes here!
- Ham and Potato Soup
- Smoked Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
- Traeger Tomato Soup (from scratch)
- Traeger Pulled Pork Tortilla Soup
- Traeger Creamy Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage
- Smoked Broccoli Cheese Soup
- Cream of Chanterelle
- Beef Stroganoff Soup
- Chicken Pot Pie Soup
- Homemade Turkey Noodle Soup
Easy Homemade Clam Chowder Recipe
This creamy and delicious homemade clam chowder recipe is done in under an hour and tastes amazing!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 1 shallot, finely diced
- 12 small to medium red potatoes, peeled and diced
- 51 ounce can Costco clams, with juice
- 1 pint heavy cream
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- salt, to taste
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large stock pot over medium-low heat. Add the shallots and let them cook for a few minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the diced potatoes to the pot and let them cook in the butter for 4-5 minutes. It is okay if they brown a little bit on the bottom.
- Pour the clams & juice into the pot. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Add the heavy cream and thyme to the pot. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook over low heat for another 5 minutes or so.
- Serve hot with saltines or oyster crackers.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 518Total Fat: 25gSaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 146mgSodium: 1596mgCarbohydrates: 38gFiber: 3gSugar: 6gProtein: 35g
Nutrition data provided here is only an estimate. If you are tracking these things for medical purposes please consult an outside, trusted source. Thanks!
Nicole Johnson
Nicole Johnson, a self-taught expert in grilling and outdoor cooking, launched Or Whatever You Do in 2010. Her blog, renowned for its comprehensive and creative outdoor cooking recipes, has garnered a vast audience of millions. Nicole's hands-on experience and passion for grilling shine through her work. Her husband, Jeremiah Johnson, also plays a pivotal role in recipe development, adding his culinary flair to the mix. Together, they form a dynamic duo, offering a rich and varied outdoor cooking experience to their followers.
DAVID
Tuesday 25th of July 2023
You say the secret is a really good roux, but don't show it in your recipe.
Nicole Johnson
Tuesday 25th of July 2023
I actually modified this recipe a bit and omitted the roux, but missed that little sentence. Whoops! I corrected that now. This version of my clam chowder isn't thickened. You can add a roux if you prefer a thicker chowder though. It is just butter + flour, equal amounts plus an extra tablespoon of butter. Stir and cook over low heat until it is golden brown before whisking into a simmering soup.
Dan
Thursday 26th of January 2023
Dooger’s Clam Chowder copycat <-- The one thing we do know about the Dooger kit is it uses have the whipping cream called out in this recipe. Not quite 'copycat', before we even get to the 'secret' ingredient part.
Nicole Johnson
Thursday 26th of January 2023
It isn't "copycat" as in - I have their actual recipe. It is just as close as we could get at home, and I think it is pretty close. Your mileage may vary! Happy to take feedback or pointers. ;)
Lourdes
Thursday 11th of February 2016
I love Organic Valley products. Use them all the time. Though I don't use dairy in my cream-style calm chowder, yours does look good.Enjoy.
Thomas Murphy
Saturday 31st of October 2015
I would make beef stew.
Jillian Too
Saturday 31st of October 2015
I'd love to make a delicious butternut squash and apple soup.