12 Creamy Clam Chowder Recipes

There’s something undeniably magical about a steaming bowl of creamy clam chowder that transports me straight back to my childhood summers on the New England coast. I remember my grandfather, a lifelong fisherman, stirring up pots of the stuff in our tiny beach house kitchen, the air thick with the briny scent of fresh clams mingling with butter and cream. Those rainy afternoons huddled around the table, dipping crusty bread into thick, velvety bowls, are some of my fondest memories—pure comfort in every spoonful.

Lately, I’ve been experimenting in my own kitchen, tweaking the classic recipe with global twists and modern hacks to make it healthier or quicker for busy weeknights. With cozy fall weather upon us, creamy clam chowder feels more relevant than ever—it’s hearty, soul-warming, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re craving tradition or innovation, these 12 recipes will have you ladling out seconds.

Classic New England Clam Chowder

This timeless version captures the essence of coastal comfort with tender clams, silky cream, and chunks of potato in a rich, bacon-infused broth. Ingredients (serves 4): 2 lbs fresh clams, 4 slices bacon, 2 tbsp butter, 1 onion (diced), 2 celery stalks (chopped), 3 potatoes (diced), 3 cups clam juice, 2 cups heavy cream, salt, pepper, fresh parsley.
Sauté bacon until crisp, remove and set aside; melt butter in the pot, cook onion and celery until soft (5 mins). Add potatoes, clam juice, and simmer 15 mins until tender. Stir in steamed clams (reserve juice), cream, crumbled bacon; heat gently without boiling for 5 mins. Season to taste.
It’s nutrient-packed with protein from clams and vitamin C from potatoes, offering heart-healthy omega-3s while being naturally low-carb friendly.

Bacon-Loaded Smoky Clam Chowder

Amp up the indulgence with extra bacon for a smoky depth that pairs perfectly with the ocean-fresh clams. Ingredients (serves 4): 3 lbs clams, 8 slices thick-cut bacon, 3 tbsp butter, 1 leek (sliced), 4 potatoes (cubed), 4 cups clam broth, 2.5 cups half-and-half, thyme, black pepper.
Cook bacon until extra crispy, chop and reserve; in bacon fat plus butter, soften leek (4 mins), add potatoes and broth, simmer 20 mins. Add chopped clams, half-and-half, bacon, and thyme; warm through 5-7 mins.
The added bacon boosts flavor and satiety with healthy fats, making it ideal for cold nights when you need sustained energy.

Spicy Southwest Clam Chowder

Infuse your chowder with zesty chipotle and corn for a Southwestern kick that transforms the creamy base into a fiesta. Ingredients (serves 4): 2 lbs clams, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 onion, 2 jalapeños (diced), 1 red bell pepper, 2 cups corn kernels, 3 potatoes, 3 cups broth, 2 cups cream, chipotle powder, cilantro.
Sauté onion, peppers, and jalapeños in oil (5 mins); add corn, potatoes, broth, simmer 15 mins. Stir in clams and cream, season with chipotle; cook 5 mins more. Garnish with cilantro.
Spice aids digestion, and veggies add fiber for gut health, turning this into a metabolism-boosting meal.

Coconut Curry Clam Chowder

A tropical fusion blending creamy coconut milk with Thai-inspired curry for an exotic, mildly spiced twist on chowder. Ingredients (serves 4): 2.5 lbs clams, 2 tbsp coconut oil, 1 onion, 2 garlic cloves, 2 tbsp red curry paste, 2 potatoes (diced), 2 cups coconut milk, 2 cups clam juice, lime, basil.
Heat oil, sauté onion and garlic (3 mins), add curry paste, potatoes, juices; simmer 18 mins. Add clams and coconut milk, heat 5 mins; finish with lime juice and basil.
Coconut milk provides MCTs for quick energy, and anti-inflammatory curry spices support immunity.

Cheesy Garlic Clam Chowder

Melted cheddar and roasted garlic elevate this to gooey perfection, perfect for cheese lovers seeking decadence. Ingredients (serves 4): 2 lbs clams, 3 tbsp butter, 1 head roasted garlic, 1 onion, 3 Yukon potatoes, 3 cups broth, 2 cups cream, 1.5 cups shredded cheddar, chives.
Mash roasted garlic; sauté with butter and onion (5 mins), add potatoes and broth, cook 15 mins. Blend in clams, cream, and cheese until melted (4 mins); top with chives.
Garlic boosts immunity, and calcium-rich cheese strengthens bones in this comforting upgrade.

Light Lemon-Herb Clam Chowder

A brighter, herb-packed version using Greek yogurt for creaminess without the heaviness. Ingredients (serves 4): 2 lbs clams, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 shallot, 2 celery stalks, 2 potatoes, 3 cups broth, 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1 lemon (zested/juiced), dill, parsley.
Sauté shallot and celery in oil (4 mins); add potatoes and broth, simmer 15 mins. Stir in clams, yogurt, lemon, and herbs; warm gently 3 mins.
Lower in calories yet high in probiotics from yogurt, it’s great for weight management and fresh flavor.

Instant Pot Clam Chowder

Pressure-cooker magic for a one-pot wonder that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Ingredients (serves 4): 2 lbs clams, 4 slices bacon, 1 onion, 3 potatoes, 2 celery stalks, 3 cups broth, 2 cups cream, thyme.
Sauté bacon, onion, celery in Instant Pot (5 mins); add potatoes, broth, clams; pressure cook 5 mins, quick release. Stir in cream and thyme.
Time-saving for busy days, retains nutrients through quick cooking for maximum health benefits.

Smoked Seafood Medley Clam Chowder

Layer in smoked salmon and shrimp for a luxurious seafood extravaganza. Ingredients (serves 4): 1.5 lbs clams, 4 oz smoked salmon, ½ lb shrimp, 2 tbsp butter, 1 fennel bulb, 3 potatoes, 3 cups broth, 2 cups cream.
Sauté fennel in butter (5 mins); add potatoes, broth, clams, shrimp; simmer 15 mins. Flake in salmon and cream, heat 3 mins.
Omega-3s from mixed seafood promote heart health and reduce inflammation.

Potato-Free Cauliflower Clam Chowder

Low-carb swap using cauliflower for a lighter, veggie-forward creaminess. Ingredients (serves 4): 2 lbs clams, 2 tbsp butter, 1 onion, 1 head cauliflower (riced), 2 celery stalks, 3 cups broth, 2 cups cream, nutmeg.
Sauté onion and celery in butter (4 mins); add riced cauliflower and broth, simmer 12 mins. Blend half smooth, add clams and cream; season with nutmeg.
Cauliflower cuts carbs while adding vitamin K for bone health.

Gluten-Free Cornbread-Topped Clam Chowder

Serve with a cornbread crumble for texture, all naturally gluten-free. Ingredients (serves 4): 2 lbs clams, 3 tbsp butter, 1 onion, 4 potatoes, 3 cups broth, 2 cups coconut cream, gluten-free cornbread mix (crumbled). For chowder base as classic.
Follow classic steps, top with baked cornbread crumbles post-cook.
Gluten-free for sensitive tummies, cornbread adds fiber-rich whole grains.

Herb-Infused Garden Clam Chowder

Fresh garden herbs like tarragon and chives make this vibrantly aromatic. Ingredients (serves 4): 2 lbs clams, 2 tbsp herb butter, 1 leek, 3 potatoes, 3 cups broth, 2 cups cream, tarragon, chives, spinach handful.
Sauté leek in herb butter (4 mins); add potatoes, broth, simmer 15 mins. Stir clams, cream, wilted spinach, and chopped herbs.
Herbs provide antioxidants, spinach adds iron for an energizing bowl.

Vegan Mushroom “Clam” Chowder

Clamless but spot-on with king oyster mushrooms mimicking clams in a creamy cashew base. Ingredients (serves 4): 1 lb king oyster mushrooms (chopped), 3 tbsp vegan butter, 1 onion, 3 potatoes, 3 cups veg broth, 1.5 cups cashew cream, Old Bay, nori flakes.
Sauté mushrooms like clams in butter (5 mins firm); add onion, potatoes, broth; simmer 15 mins. Blend in cashew cream, season with Old Bay and nori.
Plant-based protein and B12 from nori for a sustainable, cholesterol-free comfort food.

These 12 creamy clam chowder recipes offer something for every palate and dietary need—dive in, experiment, and let the briny bliss warm your soul. Grab some clams (or substitutes) and start simmering; your taste buds will thank you!