Easiest New England Clam Chowder

Homemade clam chowder with chunks of potato, celery, and clams in a creamy base is one of the best comfort foods in the world! This version is extra easy, relying on canned clams so you can enjoy it wherever you live!

I got this New England clam chowder recipe from my mom, who got it from my grandma, who happened to be a great cook. I have made a few minor changes to it, but it is basically the same delicious clam chowder I grew up with.

It’s been a favorite family recipe for decades. My kids like this chowder so much that they often request it for their birthdays.  It is so, so good!

Is New England clam chowder thick or thin?

That’s a matter of personal preference. Authentic clam chowder is typically not thickened, just relying on starch from the potatoes and cream for consistency. But the best clam chowder recipe is going to be the one that you adapt to your taste!

Do I have to use the cream of celery soup?

HOW TO MAKE CLAM CHOWDER (The easy way!)

1. PREP – Chop the onion and celery, peel and chop the potatoes into 1/2″ chunks. 
2. COOK VEGGIES – Place the onions, celery, potatoes, garlic, salt, water, and juice from the clams in a 6 quart soup pot. Bring to a boil over high heat, then turn heat down to medium or medium low and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until potatoes are fork tender.
3. FINISH THE SOUP – Stir in the evaporated milk, half & half, clams, cream of celery soup, parsley, and pepper.
4. HEAT THROUGH – Turn the heat to low or medium low and heat through, but stir it often so it doesn’t scorch on the bottom. If you want a thicker soup, you can use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes.

Storing leftover clam chowder

VARIATIONS:

• Instead of half and half, I usually use a cup of milk and a cup of cream. But you can use all milk or all cream.
• This chowder is delicious garnished with crisp bacon!
• Finely diced carrots are a tasty addition, just add them with the other vegetables. 
• If fresh clams are available in your area, you can use them in place of the canned. But I love the ease of using the canned clams.

What goes good with New England clam chowder?

• Generally I serve it with a loaf of homemade French bread or no knead artisan bread. 
• I think Red Lobster biscuits go with just about any dinner!
• A simple caesar salad or wedge salad is a great way to start the meal.
• Corn on the cob is great, especially when it’s fresh.
• For an extra hearty meal, you can serve some grilled cheese sandwiches for dunking. 
• Or go simple and serve some saltines or oyster crackers. 
• Obviously, to really make an impression, go with a clam chowder bread bowl, just like they serve at your favorite restaurant! It’s amazing garnished with bacon!

MORE TASTY CHOWDER RECIPES

• Ham and Potato Chowder
• Bacon Corn Chowder
• Salmon Chowder
• Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder
• Smoky Corn Chowder

EASY CLAM CHOWDER RECIPE

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Yield: 10 servings

New England Clam Chowder

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The easiest ever homemade clam chowder - cream of celery soup makes it so quick to make, no thickening needed! It is seriously so delicious.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 celery stalks, sliced
• 7 potatoes, peeled and diced ( about 7 cups diced)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp better than bouillon, chicken flavor
• 2 cups water
• 1 12 oz can evaporated milk
• 3 6.5 oz cans minced clams (with the juice)
• 2 10.5 oz cans cream of celery soup
• 1 Tbsp parsley flakes
• 1 tsp pepper
• 2 cups half & half
• 2 tsp red wine vinegar

Instructions

1. Wash and chop the onion and celery. Peel and dice the potatoes.
2. Place veggies, garlic, salt, bouillon, juice from the clams, and water in a 6 quart soup pot. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium or medium low heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add evaporated milk, clams, cream of celery soup, parsley, pepper, half & half, and red wine vinegar.
4. Heat soup through over medium low heat, stirring often so it doesn't scorch.

Notes

-Using minced clams instead of chopped makes this recipe much more kid friendly. Clams can be somewhat tough, so having them minced eliminates those chewy pieces.

-You can use a cup of heavy cream and a cup of milk in place of the half & half.

-This soup is extra yummy garnished with crispy bacon.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

10

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 311Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 1008mgCarbohydrates: 37gFiber: 3gSugar: 8gProtein: 17g

Did you make this recipe?

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Every time I make this easy clam chowder recipe I think of my sweet grandma who passed away a several years ago. It is one of our very favorite soup recipes. I hope your family enjoys it as much as we do!