Bacon Clam Chowder

Name: Bacon Clam Chowder
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 3 cups.
Ingredients: 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth; 1 medium potato, peeled and cubed; 1/2 cup chopped celery; 1/4 cup chopped onion; 1/2 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules; 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 can (6-1/2 ounces) minced clams; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1/2 cup half-and-half cream; 1-1/2 teaspoons butter; Dash cayenne pepper; 2 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

Chopping the clams into tiny pieces adds big flavor to this full-bodied chowder from Betty Lineaweaver. “Everyone says it's the best they've ever tasted,” she writes from her Paradise, California home. “I like to serve it with garlic bread or a side salad.”

Ingredients

1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 medium potato, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 can (6-1/2 ounces) minced clams
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup half-and-half cream
1-1/2 teaspoons butter
Dash cayenne pepper
2 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

Directions

In a small saucepan, combine the first six ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 10-12 minutes or until potato is tender.
Meanwhile, drain clams, reserving juice. Place clams in a small food processor; process until finely chopped.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and cream until smooth; stir into pan. Add reserved clam juice. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 2 minutes or until soup is thickened. Stir in butter, cayenne and clams; heat through. Top servings with bacon.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 220 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 416mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.

Originally published as Best Ever Clam Chowder in Cooking for 2 Fall 2005

Reviews

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Cheri Beck

Nov 20, 2016

This has been a family favorite for years. I substitute fat free half and half, and my family enjoys it just as much as the richer cream called for. It is quick and easy to prepare, and just the thing for a cold evening!
ebramkamp

Jan 2, 2016

This was an easy and delicious chowder. I omitted the thyme and used a little Old Bay seasoning instead. It's definitely on my list to make again.
Librachild

Oct 15, 2009

I had to substitute a few ingredients but it turned out very good and very easy. A great way to use canned clams. I will definitely use this recipe again and again. Thank you for a great recipe.