Brattens Famous Clam Chowder

Dive into comfort with Bratten's Famous Clam Chowder, a creamy, indulgent soup packed with tender minced clams, crispy bacon, and hearty vegetables. This classic New England-style recipe features a thick, velvety base made from a homemade roux, blending milk, heavy cream, and clam juice for a rich depth of flavor. Potatoes, celery, and onions add a satisfying texture, while a sprinkle of thyme and parsley elevates the savory profile. Finished with a topping of crispy bacon and served alongside crunchy oyster crackers, every spoonful delivers a taste of coastal bliss. Ready in just an hour, this clam chowder is the perfect dish to warm your soul and impress guests at the dinner table.

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 16 ounces clams, minced (fresh or canned, with juice)
• 6 slices bacon, diced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup celery, finely chopped
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 cups clam juice
• 1 teaspoon thyme, dried
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 cup oyster crackers (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and celery to the pot and sauté in the bacon fat until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the diced potatoes and pour in the clam juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Step 4

In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to make a roux and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, cooking until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5

Slowly add the creamy roux to the pot with the potatoes and vegetables, stirring to combine.

Step 6

Add the minced clams (with their juice), thyme, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Avoid boiling, as this may toughen the clams.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning, if needed. Ladle the chowder into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and sprinkle the reserved crispy bacon on top.

Step 8

Serve hot with oyster crackers, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2572.2 grams (2572.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3659

Total Fat 251.50g	322%
Saturated Fat 135.40g	677%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.40g
Cholesterol 912mg	304%
Sodium 9357mg	407%
Total Carbohydrate 180.80g	66%
Dietary Fiber 15.30g	55%
Total Sugars 12.50g
Protein 126.60g	253%

Vitamin D 9IU	45%
Calcium 499mg	38%
Iron 85mg	474%
Potassium 5663mg	120%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 64.8%

Protein: 14.5%

Carbs: 20.7%