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Easy Clam Chowder From Scratch in 30 Minutes

October 2, 2015 by Mirlandra 21 Comments

Jump to Recipe

Who wants a one pot clam chowder that is ready in 30 minutes and tastes better than what you get at a restaurant on the Oregon Coast???  I think the answer is all of us…

A bright red soup plate of clam chowder sits on a wooden table. The chowder is garnished with parsley and paprika.

 

I used to live an hour from Newport, Oregon and was absolutely spoiled with frequent jaunts out to the coast! Even at a two hour drive round trip, Jonathan would frequently pack us into his green T-top and we would enjoy the drive over for dinner and a walk on the beach.

The Oregon Coast is often cool and refreshing which makes a bowl of clam chowder the perfect meal. Order some great garlic bread and you have the perfect evening of eating yourself into a delightful food coma!

I used to avoid making chowder at home because it felt complicated. This version keeps things simple and easy. You don’t need to be a skilled chef to get this on the table quickly for your family.  It is also better than almost any chowder you can buy in a restaurant!

Everything is cooked in one pot and the dairy gets added at the end so that the chowder won’t “break” and have a icky texture. If you have kiddos who are less used to seafood try my tricks in the note at the end of the printable recipe.

If you ever do find yourself visiting Newport, Oregon and want a great bowl of chowder we no longer recommend the famous Moe’s Chowder. In the last 10 years their quality has slipped a lot. Instead we suggest The Chowder Bowl down on Nye Beach. They claim to have the best chowder on the coast and I’m inclined to agree! It is absolutely top notch every time and there is lots of parking. Enjoy!

Tools In This Post:  I use an enamel cast iron pot to make my chowder.  Le Creuset pots can get pretty expensive. This is a more practical option for most budgets.

I recommend serving the chowder with some really great bread!  These rolls hit the spot and are as easy as the chowder.

These Copycat Texas Roadhouse Dinner Rolls are amazingly soft and the Cinnamon Honey Butter puts them over the top! Only 10 minutes of active work!

A bright red soup plate of clam chowder sits on a wooden table. The chowder is garnished with parsley and paprika.
Print Pin
4.87 from 15 votes

Easy Clam Chowder From Scratch in 30 Minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 458kcal
Author Mirlandra Neuneker

Ingredients

  • 3 - 4 slices bacon chopped into bits
  • 1 bunch green onions
  • 1 Tbsp. butter
  • 2 Tbsp. flour
  • 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes peeled and cut into small dice (can use russet potatoes)
  • 2 cups hot water
  • 1/2 tsp. fresh ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1 can chopped clams 10oz, drained weight is 5oz* (or use baby clams)
  • 1 cup 2% milk
  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 Tbsp. minced fresh parsley

Instructions

  • In a large heavy pot cook bacon over medium heat. Stir until it’s just getting brown, but don’t let it crisp.
  • Cut the green tops off of the onions and set aside for later. Chop the white and light green parts and add to bacon, along with butter. Cook, stirring, for 30 seconds.
  • Add flour and cook for another 30 seconds. Stir in potatoes, water, pepper and salt. Bring to boil and cook with the lid cracked, for 15 – 20 minutes until potatoes are tender. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
  • Chop ½ cup of the reserved green onion tops and add to chowder with drained clams, milk, cream and parsley.
  • Cook, stirring until heated through but not boiling. If you boil the milk will separate and the texture will become grainy. Taste and add additional pepper and salt if necessary.
  • Serve hot with warm French bread, garlic bread or green salad.

Notes

Note: Baby clams are the best flavor for this. You can chop them into smaller bits if you like. Children or those that are used to restaurant chowder might not like the full 10oz. You can stir in half the can, see what you think and add more as desired. Sometimes I stir in half the can and serve the rest on the side for those that like more clams in their chowder.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Easy Clam Chowder From Scratch in 30 Minutes
Amount Per Serving
Calories 458 Calories from Fat 279
% Daily Value*
Fat 31g48%
Saturated Fat 15g75%
Cholesterol 79mg26%
Sodium 447mg19%
Potassium 659mg19%
Carbohydrates 30g10%
Fiber 3g12%
Sugar 4g4%
Protein 11g22%
Vitamin A 604IU12%
Vitamin C 22mg27%
Calcium 104mg10%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

PIN FOR LATER

easy clam chowder promo image

 

 

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sarah Walker Caron (Sarah's Cucina Bella)

    October 06, 2015 at 4:34 am

    I love how you’d simplified this into an easy meal. I, too, have been spoiled in the past by living near a coast … it would be so nice to have clam chowder whenever I start to miss that.

    Reply
    • Mirlandra

      October 06, 2015 at 3:25 pm

      There is just nothing like living near the coast! I hope this brings the ocean home for you a little bit. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Chrisy @ Homemade Hooplah

    October 06, 2015 at 2:01 pm

    Yum! My husband is always asking me for chowders like this, but I’ve been too nervous to take the plunge yet. I love that this recipe is all in one pot; makes me believe I just might be able to pull it off 😀 Can’t wait to try it!

    Reply
    • Mirlandra

      October 06, 2015 at 3:28 pm

      I think chowder can be intimidating. I went for years not making it. I was always worried about it breaking. You could totally rock this one! I hope you and your husband enjoy it!

      Reply
  3. Debra @ Bowl Me Over

    October 06, 2015 at 2:40 pm

    You caught my attention with the chowder, but as I was reading seen the Oregon Coast, then I was hooked! I’m from St. Helens, OR originally and made many a trip to the coast. Your chowder sounds delicious and your adventures quite fun!

    Reply
    • Mirlandra

      October 06, 2015 at 3:29 pm

      Oh I love St.Helens! I was born and raised in Corvallis 🙂 Nice to run into another Oregonian!

      Reply
  4. Faith (An Edible Mosaic)

    October 06, 2015 at 3:52 pm

    Love clam chowder – it’s perfect comfort food! This looks like the perfect weeknight version, I love how quick it comes together!

    Reply
    • Mirlandra

      October 07, 2015 at 11:00 am

      We all need more weeknight food!

      Reply
  5. Erin

    October 06, 2015 at 7:32 pm

    I am missing my coast, too!! The other coast. 😉 This clam chowder looks like a great weeknight meal that would make my little people very happy!

    Reply
    • Mirlandra

      October 07, 2015 at 11:00 am

      I love the other coast too! Something about the ocean just gets into your blood I guess. I hope your little people enjoy the chowder!

      Reply
  6. Rachel

    October 08, 2015 at 1:17 pm

    This recipe is very easy to follow and was De-licious! Will definitely make again!

    Reply
    • Mirlandra

      October 11, 2015 at 8:54 pm

      I’m so glad to hear it! I can’t believe I went so many years not making chowder because I thought it was too much work!

      Reply
  7. Andrea Davis

    March 01, 2016 at 3:54 pm

    Ive made this several times and its amazing! my only advice is double it! my husband is a big eater and gobbles it up! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Mirlandra

      March 09, 2016 at 6:04 pm

      Haha – yes, we never have leftovers! I’m so glad you enjoy it so much 🙂

      Reply
  8. Chey

    August 04, 2016 at 6:07 am

    I’m from the desert SW. Far, far away from the coast, but I DO LOVE a good clam chowder. I am definitely making this for dinner this weekend! Who cares if it’s triple digit weather? 🙂 Looking at your pictures and the ingredients, and the simplicity of the recipe, your clam chowder expertise – this will be delicious, I know! I’m glad to have found your site. I really like the variety you offer here. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • Mirlandra

      September 27, 2016 at 4:09 pm

      Awe, thanks! You made my day! I can never get enough clam chowder. I don’t care what the weather is – I make it anyways! You all have some great food down in the SW. I keep thinking we need to take a road trip that direction sometime soon!

      Reply
  9. Jeannette Harper

    July 28, 2018 at 2:35 pm

    Very much like my Mom made and I now make. One little touch Thatcher adds a lot that Mom taught me. Add a teaspoon or little more worcestershire sauce. Yummy.

    Reply
    • Mirlandra

      July 29, 2018 at 6:06 pm

      Oh that sounds wonderful! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe. Thanks for taking the time to let me know 🙂

      Reply
  10. Jacqueline

    May 04, 2019 at 1:41 pm

    4 stars
    I loved this recipe. It turned out perfectly. I doubled it and very glad I did.

    Reply
    • Mirlandra

      May 06, 2019 at 11:50 am

      Hi Jacqueline! Thanks for letting me know. We love this chowder – so glad you enjoyed it too! Cook on!

      Reply

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I provide real dinner solutions so busy women can kick kitchen overwhelm to the curb and learn to make simple, healthy dinners to fit any schedule and family.

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