11 Creamy Clam Chowder Recipes for Seafood Lovers

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of creamy clam chowder—rich, velvety, and brimming with the briny essence of the sea. My love affair with this classic soup began during childhood summers on the New England coast, where my grandparents would take me clamming at low tide. We’d return home with buckets of fresh quahogs, and Grandma’s steaming pot of chowder was the highlight of every day, evoking salty ocean breezes and family laughter.

Lately, I’ve been experimenting in my own kitchen, tweaking traditional recipes to incorporate global twists and healthier options without sacrificing that signature creaminess. In a world obsessed with quick meals, these chowders remind us of slow-simmered joy and the simple pleasure of seafood done right—perfect for cozy nights or impressing guests.

Classic New England Clam Chowder

This timeless recipe captures the essence of coastal comfort with tender clams, potatoes, and a luscious cream base. Ingredients (serves 6): 2 lbs fresh clams (or canned equivalents), 4 slices bacon, 2 cups diced potatoes, 1 onion (chopped), 2 celery stalks (chopped), 3 cups heavy cream, 2 tbsp butter, salt, pepper, fresh parsley.
Start by steaming clams until they open, reserving the juice. Cook bacon until crisp, then sauté onion and celery in the fat. Add potatoes, clam juice, and simmer until tender. Stir in cream and chopped clams; heat gently without boiling.
It’s hearty yet light on spices, delivering pure seafood flavor and warmth—ideal for beginners or purists seeking heart-healthy omega-3s from clams.

Bacon-Infused Creamy Clam Chowder

Elevate the classic with smoky bacon that adds depth and crunch. Ingredients (serves 6): 2 lbs clams, 6 slices thick-cut bacon, 3 cups potatoes (cubed), 1 leek (sliced), 1 carrot (diced), 2.5 cups half-and-half, 3 tbsp flour, thyme, bay leaf.
Render bacon, remove crisps, and use fat to cook veggies. Sprinkle flour to make roux, add clam juice and potatoes; simmer 20 minutes. Blend in half-and-half, clams, and bacon; cook low 10 minutes.
The bacon boosts umami and satisfaction, making it a crowd-pleaser with extra protein for lasting fullness.

Potato-Loaded Creamy Clam Chowder

A carb lover’s dream, packed with chunky potatoes for ultimate thickness. Ingredients (serves 6): 2 lbs clams, 4 large russet potatoes (diced), 1 onion, 2 garlic cloves, 3 cups whole milk, 1 cup cream, 4 tbsp butter, chives.
Sauté onion and garlic in butter, add potatoes and clam juice; boil until soft. Mash half the potatoes for creaminess, stir in milk, cream, and clams. Simmer 15 minutes.
Potatoes provide natural starch for gluten-free thickness, offering sustained energy and cozy texture.

Spicy Cajun Clam Chowder

Infuse Southern heat into creamy seafood bliss. Ingredients (serves 6): 2 lbs clams, 1 lb andouille sausage, 2 bell peppers (diced), 2 cups potatoes, 2.5 cups cream, 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, green onions.
Brown sausage, add peppers and seasoning; stir in potatoes and clam juice. Simmer 25 minutes, then add cream and clams.
Spice enhances metabolism and flavor variety, turning chowder into a bold, warming meal.

Coconut Creamy Clam Chowder

A tropical fusion with coconut milk for dairy-free indulgence. Ingredients (serves 6): 2 lbs clams, 2 cans coconut milk, 2 sweet potatoes (cubed), 1 red onion, ginger (1 tbsp grated), lime, cilantro.
Sauté onion and ginger, add sweet potatoes and clam juice; cook until tender. Pour in coconut milk and clams; simmer 10 minutes, finish with lime.
Coconut offers anti-inflammatory fats and a lighter, exotic creaminess for vegan adaptations.

Cheesy Clam Chowder

Melted cheddar takes creaminess to gooey heights. Ingredients (serves 6): 2 lbs clams, 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar, 2.5 cups milk, 1.5 cups potatoes, bacon bits, Worcestershire sauce.
Cook bacon and veggies, add potatoes and clam juice. Whisk in milk and cheese until melted, stir clams last.
Cheese adds calcium and decadence, perfect for chilly days when you crave indulgence.

Lightened-Up Healthy Clam Chowder

Slimmed-down with Greek yogurt for guilt-free enjoyment. Ingredients (serves 6): 2 lbs clams, 2 cups Yukon gold potatoes, 2 cups low-fat milk, 1 cup Greek yogurt, celery, carrots, dill.
Sauté veggies, add potatoes and juice; simmer. Blend in milk and yogurt off-heat, add clams.
Lower calories with high protein from yogurt supports weight management without skimping on taste.

Smoked Clam Chowder Twist

Liquid smoke infuses campfire essence. Ingredients (serves 6): 2 lbs clams (or smoked), 3 cups cream, 2 cups potatoes, smoked paprika (1 tsp), onion, liquid smoke (1 tsp).
Sauté onion, add potatoes, juice, and seasonings; simmer. Stir cream, clams, and smoke.
Smoky notes boost antioxidants from paprika, evoking outdoor adventures indoors.

Herb-Infused Creamy Clam Chowder

Fresh herbs brighten the cream base vibrantly. Ingredients (serves 6): 2 lbs clams, 3 cups cream, 2 cups potatoes, bundle of thyme/tarragon, garlic, lemon zest.
Infuse butter with herbs and garlic, add potatoes and juice. Simmer, then cream, clams, and zest.
Herbs provide vitamins and elevate freshness, making it a refined weeknight staple.

Manhattan-Style Creamy Hybrid Chowder

Bridges tomato and cream worlds seamlessly. Ingredients (serves 6): 2 lbs clams, 1 cup tomato puree, 2 cups cream, 2 cups potatoes/celery, bay leaves, Old Bay.
Sauté veggies, add tomato, juice, and potatoes. Blend in cream and clams; season boldly.
Hybrid offers lycopene benefits from tomatoes with cream’s comfort for variety seekers.

Slow Cooker Clam Chowder

Hands-off perfection for busy days. Ingredients (serves 6): 2 lbs clams, 3 cups potatoes, 2 cups cream, onion/celery/carrot mix, cornstarch slurry.
Layer veggies and juice in cooker; high 4 hours. Add cream, clams, and slurry; cook 30 more minutes.
Effortless method preserves nutrients, yielding tender results with minimal cleanup.

Whether you’re a seafood purist or love experimenting, these 11 creamy clam chowder recipes offer endless ways to savor the sea. Grab some clams, fire up your stove (or slow cooker), and dive into bowl after cozy bowl—your taste buds will thank you!