Imagine a creamy, hearty soup that transports you to the rugged coastlines of New England with just one spoonful! This Crock Pot Clam Chowder isn't just a recipe—it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious, soul-warming dish. Whether you're battling a chilly evening or craving a taste of seaside comfort, this recipe promises to be your new go-to meal that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- Clams
- Potatoes
- Onion
- Celery
- Garlic
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Bacon
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Dice the bacon and cook in a skillet over medium heat until crispy and golden brown. Remove bacon bits and set aside, reserving the bacon grease.
- Peel and dice potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. Finely chop onions, celery, and mince garlic.
- In the crock pot, combine diced potatoes, chopped onions, celery, and minced garlic.
- Drain and rinse fresh clams. If using canned clams, reserve the liquid. Add clams to the crock pot.
- Pour chicken broth into the crock pot, ensuring vegetables are mostly covered. Add reserved bacon grease for extra flavor.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 4 hours, or until potatoes are tender and soft.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in heavy cream to create a rich, creamy texture.
- Sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top just before serving for added crunch and flavor.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, garnishing with additional fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Fresh vs. Canned Clams: While fresh clams provide the best flavor, high-quality canned clams can work wonderfully. If using canned, reserve the clam juice to enhance the broth's depth.
- Bacon Magic: Cook bacon until extra crispy to get maximum flavor. The rendered bacon grease adds an incredible richness to the chowder.
- Potato Perfection: Cut potatoes into uniform 1/2-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. Avoid smaller pieces that might disintegrate during the long slow cooking.
- Cream Timing: Add heavy cream only in the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
- Low and Slow: Resist the temptation to rush the cooking. The 4-hour slow cook allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Optional Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives just before serving can add a fresh, bright note to the rich chowder.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This chowder tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
