Classic, warm, creamy and hearty. This boston clam chowder is delicious and perfect for the cool weather. It is even better served in a homemade bread bowl!

Clam chowder is my husband’s favorite soup of choice. I’ve tried many, many recipes over the years, some thick as glue and others fairly decent.

I have a wonderful recipe for a Quick and Delicious Clam Chowder (can I get a hooray for this soup, Queen B.?) which is light and creamy and a bit soupier than the traditional clam chowder that is thick and hearty enough to stand up to a good bread bowl.

Clam chowder in a bread bowl.

Other than the quick recipe noted above, this recipe I’m going to share with you is hands down our favorite classic clam chowder.

It originates from my sister-in-law, Erin (contributor to The Sisters Cafe blog) and her mom has been making it for years and years. Can we say tried-and-true? I turn to it every fall when the weather cools down and it never fails to please.

Classic, warm, creamy and hearty.

This soup is delicious and perfect for the cool weather.

Bread bowl filled with clam chowder.

What To Serve With This:

Store bought or homemade bread bowls (for homemade I suggest these Bread Bowls)
A green salad like this Spinach Strawberry Salad
Sliced cheddar cheese

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My Favorite Boston Clam Chowder

Yield: 6 Servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
4.54 stars (26 ratings)
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Ingredients

  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 2 cups diced peeled potatoes (I use Yukon Gold or Red potatoes)
  • ¾ cup butter
  • ¾ cup flour
  • 1 quart half-and-half
  • 2 cans (6.5-ounces each) minced clams
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 ½ tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions 

  • Drain the clams and reserve the liquid. In a large pot, place the vegetables and pour the claim juice over the top. Add enough water to barely cover the vegetables.
  • Simmer over medium heat until the vegetables are almost tender (don’t overcook them in this step!), about 5 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a saucepan, melt the butter and add the flour, making a roux with a wire whisk. Constantly stirring, add the half-and-half slowly. Cook and stir until smooth and thickened, without boiling.
  • When slightly thickened, add the roux to the vegetables and add the clams, salt, vinegar and pepper (to taste). Can keep warm (without boiling!) for a up to an hour or serve immediately.
Serving: 1 Serving, Calories: 541kcal, Carbohydrates: 34g, Protein: 10g, Fat: 42g, Saturated Fat: 26g, Cholesterol: 122mg, Sodium: 923mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 2g

Recommended Products

Cookware
Wire Whisk
Liquid Measuring Cup
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Recipe Source: slightly adapted from my sister-in-law, Erin

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Pressure Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder {Slow Cooker Directions Included}

New England Clam Chowder {Our Favorite Version}

Smoky Corn Chowder

Smoked Salmon Chowder