15 Clam Chowder Recipes to Make at Home

Clam chowder is one of those meals that sounds a little more complicated than it really is. A lot of people love ordering it at restaurants, but making it at home can feel easier said than done. You may wonder which kind to make, how thick it should be, or what to serve with it. The good news is that clam chowder can be very simple once you start with the right recipe.

This list is here to help you find clam chowder recipes you can actually make in your own kitchen without stress. Some are rich and creamy, some are a little lighter, and some bring in extra flavor from bacon, corn, or herbs.

I like having a few different versions because not every day calls for the same kind of soup. Whether you want something classic and cozy or a chowder with a small twist, these ideas can help you make a warm, filling bowl at home.

1. Classic New England Clam Chowder

This is the kind of clam chowder many people think of first. It is creamy, rich, and full of soft potatoes, chopped clams, and simple flavors that always feel comforting.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 2 cans chopped clams
2. 2 cups diced potatoes
3. 4 slices bacon
4. 1 small onion, chopped
5. 2 tablespoons butter
6. 2 tablespoons flour
7. 2 cups milk
8. 1 cup heavy cream
9. 1 stalk celery, chopped
10. Salt
11. Black pepper

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook the bacon in a pot until crisp, then remove and crumble.
2. Cook the onion and celery in the bacon drippings with the butter until soft.
3. Stir in the flour, then add the clam juice, potatoes, milk, and cream.
4. Simmer until the potatoes are tender, then stir in the clams and bacon. Season and serve warm.

2. Bacon Clam Chowder

Bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor that makes clam chowder even better. This version feels hearty and cozy, and it works well for a cold evening at home.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 2 cans chopped clams
2. 5 slices bacon
3. 2 cups diced potatoes
4. 1 small onion, chopped
5. 1 cup chopped celery
6. 2 tablespoons flour
7. 2 cups half-and-half
8. 1 cup milk
9. 1 tablespoon butter
10. Salt
11. Black pepper

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook the bacon until crisp, then set it aside.
2. Cook the onion and celery in the pot with the butter until soft, then stir in the flour.
3. Add clam juice, potatoes, milk, and half-and-half.
4. Simmer until the potatoes are soft, then stir in the clams and bacon. Cook for a few more minutes and serve.

3. Corn Clam Chowder

Corn gives this chowder a little sweetness that goes really well with the briny clam flavor. It is creamy, filling, and a nice change from the usual version.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make:35 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 2 cans chopped clams
2. 1 1/2 cups corn kernels
3. 2 cups diced potatoes
4. 1 small onion, chopped
5. 2 tablespoons butter
6. 2 tablespoons flour
7. 2 cups milk
8. 1 cup heavy cream
9. 1 stalk celery, chopped
10. Salt
11. Black pepper

Recipe Steps:

1. Melt the butter in a pot and cook the onion and celery until soft. Stir in the flour, then add the clam juice, potatoes, and corn.
2. Pour in the milk and cream, then simmer until the potatoes are tender. Stir in the clams, season well, and cook just until heated through.

4. Manhattan Clam Chowder

If you do not want a creamy soup, this tomato-based clam chowder is a great option. It is lighter, full of flavor, and has a fresh, savory taste that feels different from the classic kind.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 2 cans chopped clams
2. 2 cups diced potatoes
3. 1 can diced tomatoes
4. 1 small onion, chopped
5. 1 carrot, chopped
6. 1 stalk celery, chopped
7. 2 tablespoons olive oil
8. 2 cups clam juice
9. 1 teaspoon dried thyme
10. Salt
11. Black pepper

Recipe Steps:

1. Heat the olive oil in a pot and cook the onion, carrot, and celery until soft.
2. Add the potatoes, tomatoes, clam juice, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Simmer until the potatoes are tender, then stir in the clams.
4. Cook for a few more minutes and serve hot.

5. Creamy Garlic Clam Chowder

This version keeps the classic feel but adds extra garlic for more depth. It is a good pick when you want a chowder that tastes rich, cozy, and a little more special.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 2 cans chopped clams
2. 2 cups diced potatoes
3. 3 cloves garlic, minced
4. 1 small onion, chopped
5. 1 stalk celery, chopped
6. 2 tablespoons butter
7. 2 tablespoons flour
8. 2 cups milk
9. 1 cup heavy cream
10. Salt
11. Black pepper

Recipe Steps:

1. Melt the butter in a pot and cook the onion, celery, and garlic until soft and fragrant.
2. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute.
3. Add the clam juice, potatoes, milk, and cream.
4. Simmer until the potatoes are tender, then stir in the clams. Season and cook just until warm before serving.

6. Potato and Herb Clam Chowder

This version leans into the potatoes and herbs, so it tastes extra cozy and filling. It is simple, balanced, and a nice choice when you want a homemade soup that still feels classic.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 2 cans chopped clams
2. 2 1/2 cups diced potatoes
3. 1 small onion, chopped
4. 1 stalk celery, chopped
5. 2 tablespoons butter
6. 2 tablespoons flour
7. 2 cups milk
8. 1 cup heavy cream
9. 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
10. 1 teaspoon chopped thyme
11. Salt
12. Black pepper

Recipe Steps:

1. Melt the butter in a pot and cook the onion and celery until soft. Stir in the flour, then slowly add the clam juice, milk, and cream.
2. Add the potatoes and simmer until tender. Stir in the clams, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper, then cook just until warmed through.

7. Cheesy Clam Chowder

A little cheese makes this chowder thicker and richer without taking away from the clam flavor. It is creamy, hearty, and great when you want something extra comforting.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 2 cans chopped clams
2. 2 cups diced potatoes
3. 1 small onion, chopped
4. 1 stalk celery, chopped
5. 2 tablespoons butter
6. 2 tablespoons flour
7. 2 cups milk
8. 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
9. 1 cup half-and-half
10. Salt
11. Black pepper

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook the onion and celery in butter until soft, then stir in the flour. Slowly add the clam juice, milk, and half-and-half, stirring until smooth.
2. Add the potatoes and simmer until tender. Stir in the clams and shredded cheese, then season and cook until the cheese melts fully.

8. Slow Cooker Clam Chowder

This is a good recipe for days when you want dinner to be mostly hands-off. The slow cooker gives the flavors time to come together and makes the kitchen work feel easier.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 6

Ingredients:

1. 2 cans chopped clams
2. 3 cups diced potatoes
3. 1 small onion, chopped
4. 1 cup chopped celery
5. 2 cups milk
6. 1 cup heavy cream
7. 2 tablespoons butter
8. 2 tablespoons flour
9. 2 cups clam juice
10. Salt
11. Black pepper

Recipe Steps:

1. Add the potatoes, onion, celery, and clam juice to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low until the potatoes are soft.
2. In a small pan, melt the butter and stir in the flour, then whisk in the milk and cream. Add this mixture and the clams to the slow cooker, season well, and cook until hot.

9. Clam and Corn Bacon Chowder

This recipe brings together three flavors that work really well in one bowl. The clams give it depth, the corn adds sweetness, and the bacon brings a smoky finish.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 2 cans chopped clams
2. 4 slices bacon
3. 1 1/2 cups corn kernels
4. 2 cups diced potatoes
5. 1 small onion, chopped
6. 1 stalk celery, chopped
7. 2 cups milk
8. 1 cup heavy cream
9. 2 tablespoons flour
10. Salt
11. Black pepper

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook the bacon until crisp, then remove it and cook the onion and celery in the drippings.
2. Stir in the flour, then add clam juice, milk, cream, potatoes, and corn.
3. Simmer until the potatoes are tender.
4. Stir in the clams and bacon, season well, and cook just until heated through.

10. Light Clam Chowder

This version is lighter but still full of flavor. It is a good pick when you want the comfort of chowder without making it too rich.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 2 cans chopped clams
2. 2 cups diced potatoes
3. 1 small onion, chopped
4. 1 stalk celery, chopped
5. 1 tablespoon butter
6. 1 tablespoon flour
7. 2 cups low-fat milk
8. 1 cup chicken broth
9. 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
10. Salt
11. Black pepper

Recipe Steps:

1. Melt the butter in a pot and cook the onion and celery until soft. Stir in the flour, then add the broth, clam juice, milk, and potatoes.
2. Simmer until the potatoes are tender. Stir in the clams, parsley, salt, and pepper, then cook just until warm.

11. Oyster Cracker Clam Chowder

This chowder is made to be served with plenty of oyster crackers on top. The creamy soup and soft potatoes go well with that little bit of crunch.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make:40 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 2 cans chopped clams
2. 2 cups diced potatoes
3. 1 small onion, chopped
4. 1 stalk celery, chopped
5. 2 tablespoons butter
6. 2 tablespoons flour
7. 2 cups milk
8. 1 cup half-and-half
9. Oyster crackers for serving
10. Salt
11. Black pepper

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook the onion and celery in butter until soft, then stir in the flour. Slowly add the clam juice, milk, and half-and-half.
2. Add the potatoes and simmer until tender. Stir in the clams, season well, and serve hot with oyster crackers on top.

12. Clam Chowder with Leeks

Leeks give this chowder a softer onion flavor that tastes smooth and a little more special. It is a great option when you want something classic with a gentle twist.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 2 cans chopped clams
2. 2 cups diced potatoes
3. 1 large leek, sliced and cleaned
4. 1 stalk celery, chopped
5. 2 tablespoons butter
6. 2 tablespoons flour
7. 2 cups milk
8. 1 cup heavy cream
9. Salt
10. Black pepper

Recipe Steps:

1. Melt the butter in a pot and cook the leeks and celery until soft. Stir in the flour, then slowly pour in the clam juice, milk, and cream.
2. Add the potatoes and simmer until tender. Stir in the clams, season with salt and pepper, and cook until hot.

13. Old-Fashioned Clam Chowder

This recipe keeps things simple with basic pantry ingredients and a classic flavor. It tastes like the kind of chowder people have been making at home for years.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make:40 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 2 cans chopped clams
2. 2 cups diced potatoes
3. 1 small onion, chopped
4. 1 stalk celery, chopped
5. 4 tablespoons butter
6. 3 tablespoons flour
7. 2 cups milk
8. 1 cup cream
9. Salt
10. Black pepper

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook the onion and celery in butter until soft, then stir in the flour. Add the clam juice a little at a time, then pour in the milk and cream.
2. Add the potatoes and simmer until tender. Stir in the clams, season well, and cook for a few more minutes before serving.

14. Clam Chowder with Fresh Thyme

Fresh thyme gives this chowder a little extra aroma without changing the classic feel too much. It is rich, simple, and great for a cozy meal at home.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 2 cans chopped clams
2. 2 cups diced potatoes
3. 1 small onion, chopped
4. 1 stalk celery, chopped
5. 2 tablespoons butter
6. 2 tablespoons flour
7. 2 cups milk
8. 1 cup half-and-half
9. 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
10. Salt
11. Black pepper

Recipe Steps:

1. Melt the butter in a pot and cook the onion and celery until soft.
2. Stir in the flour, then add the clam juice, milk, and half-and-half.
3. Add the potatoes and thyme, then simmer until the potatoes are tender.
4. Stir in the clams, season, and cook just until warm.

15. Rustic Clam Potato Chowder

This one has a thicker, chunkier feel with bigger potato pieces and a more homey texture. It is filling, simple, and works well when you want a soup that feels like a full meal.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 50 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 2 cans chopped clams
2. 3 cups diced potatoes
3. 1 small onion, chopped
4. 1 stalk celery, chopped
5. 3 tablespoons butter
6. 2 tablespoons flour
7. 2 cups milk
8. 1 cup cream
9. 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
10. Salt
11. Black pepper

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook the onion and celery in butter until soft, then stir in the flour. Add the clam juice, milk, and cream, stirring until smooth.
2. Add the potatoes and simmer until very tender. Stir in the clams and parsley, season well, and cook until hot and thick.