Slow Cooker New England Clam Chowder

This slow cooker New England clam chowder was much. much better than I ever expected. We both loved it, in fact. So much that I am already ready to make it again. Not only is it packed with clam flavor in a wonderfully creamy broth, it’s easy to make to boot! The perfect bowl of warm happiness on a dreary fall day! Until I can get up northeast for the real deal, this will have to do!

Slow Cooker New England Clam Chowder

Better Than I Ever Imagined

You’ll need 2 cups of clam juice from the canned clams. If you don’t quite get that much juice add a bit of water or better, grab a bottle of clam juice while you’re at the store picking up the clams. You’ll want that clam flavor to be as pronounced as possible.

I used a smoky bacon in this slow cooker New England clam chowder. It adds a nice complexity, complimenting the cream and clams perfectly. It makes me wonder what a clam chowder made with smoked clams would be like! I do suggest that you make sure and not over-cook the bacon. You don’t want it hard and crispy. You want to be able to bite thru it easily.

Also try my slow cooker French onion soup and my ham and bean soup.

Slow Cooker New England Clam Chowder
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5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker New England Clam Chowder

This slow cooker New England clam chowder was much. much better than I ever expected. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword clam chowder, crockpot, slow cooker
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 15 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 331kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from Epicurious

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Drain the clams into a sieve over a bowl. Keep the juice. Transfer the clams to a bowl, cover, and place in the fridge.
  • Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the bacon. Cook until just turning golden brown, but not crispy. Transfer bacon using a slotted spoon to a a slow cooker.
  • Transfer 2 cups of the clam juice (discard the rest) and the remaining ingredients except for the half-and-half and reserved clams to a slow cooker.
  • Cook on high for 4 hours.
  • Pour the half-and-half into a large bowl. Slowly ladle some of the hot liquid from the slow cooker into the bowl, stirring. Don’t add it too quickly or it will curdle the cream. Once the cream is warmed pour it into the slow cooker.
  • Add the clams, stir, and cook for 1 more hour.

Notes

I added 2 more cans of clams (minus the juice), 2 more potatoes and a few extra strips of bacon.

Nutrition

Calories: 331kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 53mg | Sodium: 245mg | Potassium: 678mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 391IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 128mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.