Slow Cooker New England Clam Chowder: 4 Steps to Comforting Bliss

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: Slow Cooker New England Clam Chowder! There’s just something magical about coming home to the rich aroma of this creamy, hearty chowder wafting through the house after a long day. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a little extra love. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it’s become a staple in our family.

The beauty of this chowder is how effortlessly it comes together in a slow cooker. You toss in all the ingredients, set it, and forget it! The result? A velvety, flavorful chowder that feels like it’s been simmering on the stove all day, even though it’s practically made itself. I love how the combination of potatoes, clams, and seasonings creates a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and satisfying. Trust me, once you’ve had a bowl of this chowder, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved classic. And it’s so easy to make; you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner!

Ingredients List

• 2 lb potatoes, roughly 5 cups, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 C onion, chopped
• 1 C celery, chopped
• 7 oz canned corn, drained
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp white pepper or ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, optional
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 1/2 tsp thyme
• 24 oz canned clams with juice (4 cans of 6 oz each)
• 8 oz clam juice
• 6 slices bacon, ¼ cup reserved if desired for topping
• 1-2 Tbsp bacon grease, optional
• 2 Tbsp cornstarch
• 2 C heavy cream

How to Prepare *Slow Cooker New England Clam Chowder*

Step 1 (Add the vegetables and seasonings)

First things first, let’s get those veggies ready! Start by peeling and chopping the potatoes into bite-sized pieces – I love using a mix of waxy and starchy potatoes for the best texture. Next, toss in the minced garlic, chopped onion, and celery. It’s like a flavor party in there already! Then, add the drained corn for a touch of sweetness, along with the salt, white pepper (or black if that’s what you have), and those optional red pepper flakes if you want a little kick. Don’t forget the bay leaves and thyme; they’ll infuse the chowder with such a lovely aroma.

Now, for the clams! Open those cans and pour in the clams along with their juice. This is where the magic starts brewing. Finally, add the clam juice for a rich base that will turn into delicious chowder. Give everything a gentle stir, just to combine it all nicely. Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8. It’s the perfect time to kick back and relax or tackle some chores!

Step 2 (Prepare the beef)

While the chowder is bubbling away, let’s get the beef ready. Cook the bacon in a skillet until it’s nice and crispy, then chop it into small pieces. You can reserve about ¼ cup of those crispy bits for topping later if you want to elevate your chowder! Now, if you’re feeling fancy, you can add a little bit of that bacon grease to the slow cooker for extra flavor. Just stir the chopped bacon into the slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients, and pop the cover back on. The bacon adds such a savory depth that you’ll be dreaming about it!

Step 3 (Thicken the chowder)

As your cooking time comes to a close, it’s time to make this chowder creamy and luscious! In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and heavy cream until smooth. This step is crucial because it ensures there are no lumps in your chowder. Once that’s ready, pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir gently to combine. Cover it again and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes. This will allow everything to thicken up beautifully, creating that velvety texture we all love in clam chowder!

Step 4 (Serving)

When the waiting is finally over, it’s time to serve up bowls of this comforting chowder! I like to ladle it into generous bowls while it’s still hot. And here’s where that reserved bacon comes into play – sprinkle it on top for a crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy chowder. You can enjoy it as is or pair it with some crusty bread for dipping. Trust me, you’ll want every last drop of this chowder! Enjoy every spoonful, and don’t forget to share (if you want to)!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Just toss in the ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let it do the work! It’s a total time-saver.
• Rich and Creamy Flavor: The combination of clams, potatoes, and seasonings creates a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
• Hearty and Filling: This chowder is a meal in itself! With the potatoes and bacon, it’s perfect for satisfying those hunger pangs.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this chowder is sure to impress everyone.
• Customizable: Love a little spice? Add more red pepper flakes! Want it extra creamy? Just adjust the amount of heavy cream to your liking.
• Leftover Friendly: It tastes even better the next day! The flavors meld beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep.

Tips for Success

Making the perfect Slow Cooker New England Clam Chowder is all about those little details! Here are my top tips to ensure your chowder turns out creamy, hearty, and absolutely delicious every time.

Use Fresh Ingredients

Quality matters! Fresh potatoes, aromatic garlic, and flavorful clams will elevate your chowder. If you can, opt for fresh clams instead of canned for an even more authentic taste. But if canned is what you have, that’s perfectly fine too. Just make sure to choose a good brand for the best flavor!

Don’t Skimp on Seasoning

Seasoning is key in bringing out all those wonderful flavors. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust! If you feel it needs a little more kick, add more white pepper or red pepper flakes. A pinch of smoked paprika can also add a lovely depth. Remember, you can always add more, but it’s tough to take it away!

Timing is Everything

Be mindful of your cooking times. If you’re cooking on high, stick to the 4-hour mark, but if you’re on low, you can let it go for the full 8 hours. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together, but don’t rush it on high if you can avoid it.

Thickening Tips

For that perfect, velvety texture, make sure to whisk the cornstarch and cream until smooth before adding it to the slow cooker. If you want a thicker chowder, feel free to adjust the amount of cornstarch slightly. Just remember to cook it a bit longer if you add more!

Garnishing for Aesthetic and Flavor

Presentation matters! A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving can brighten up the dish. And don’t forget about that crispy bacon topping – it not only adds flavor but also a nice crunch that complements the creamy chowder beautifully.

Following these tips will help you create an unforgettable chowder that warms hearts and bellies alike. Happy cooking!

Nutritional Information

When you’re diving into a bowl of my Slow Cooker New England Clam Chowder, it’s nice to know what you’re savoring! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (1 cup):

• Calories: 400
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 10g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. But hey, knowing that you’re enjoying a hearty, creamy chowder packed with flavor makes it that much better, right? Enjoy the deliciousness without the guilt!

FAQ Section

Can I use fresh clams instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh clams can bring an incredible depth of flavor to your chowder. Just make sure to clean them well and steam them until they open before adding them to the slow cooker. You can use the cooking liquid as part of your clam juice for even more flavor. Just remember to discard any clams that don’t open!

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

No problem! To make a dairy-free version of this chowder, swap out the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Almond or cashew cream also works beautifully! Just keep in mind that the flavor might be slightly different, but it’ll still be creamy and delicious. Also, use a dairy-free butter substitute when cooking the bacon or sautéing your veggies!

What sides pair well with clam chowder?

• Crusty Bread: A loaf of good crusty bread or sourdough is perfect for dipping into your chowder.
• Simple Salad: A light green salad with a zesty vinaigrette can balance the richness of the chowder.
• Garlic Bread: Who can resist garlic bread? It’s a perfect match to soak up all that creamy goodness!
• Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw adds a nice crunch and a bit of tang that complements the chowder beautifully.

These sides will elevate your clam chowder experience and make for a delightful meal!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now, if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of this delicious Slow Cooker New England Clam Chowder (and believe me, you will want to save some!), here’s how to store it properly to keep all that creamy goodness intact.

First off, let the chowder cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. I usually like to portion it out into smaller containers, so I can grab just what I need later. If you’re planning to eat it within a few days, it’s perfectly fine to store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

If you want to keep it longer, go ahead and freeze it! Just make sure to leave a little space at the top of your container, as the chowder will expand when frozen. It can last in the freezer for about 2-3 months. To reheat, I recommend letting it thaw overnight in the fridge before warming it up. This helps maintain that lovely texture.

When it’s time to enjoy your chowder again, you can reheat it on the stove over medium heat. Stir it gently as it warms up to avoid any sticking or burning at the bottom. If it seems a little too thick after reheating, just add a splash of clam juice or broth to loosen it up. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave—just make sure to cover the bowl to prevent any splatters!

And voilà! You’re all set to savor that comforting clam chowder once more. Enjoy every creamy spoonful, and don’t forget to top it with that crispy bacon if you’ve got any left! Yum!

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