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Creamy 30-Minute Clam Chowder Recipe with Leeks and Smoked Bacon Made Easy

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A quick and easy creamy clam chowder featuring smoky bacon, tender leeks, and fresh clams, ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners with a rich, comforting flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 slices smoked bacon, diced (Applewood-smoked recommended)
  • 2 large leeks, white and light green parts only, cleaned and thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
  • 1 (6.5-ounce/185g) can chopped clams with juice (reserve juice)
  • 2 cups clam juice or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or chives
  • Optional garnish: extra crispy bacon bits

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients (5 minutes): Clean the leeks thoroughly; slice the white and light green parts into thin rounds. Dice the smoked bacon into small pieces, peel and cube the Yukon Gold potatoes, and mince the garlic.
  2. Cook the Bacon (5 minutes): Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy and fat has rendered, about 5 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
  3. Sauté Leeks and Garlic (5-7 minutes): Add butter to the bacon fat in the pot. Once melted, add leeks and a pinch of salt. Cook gently until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute, careful not to burn.
  4. Add Potatoes and Liquids (10 minutes): Pour in reserved clam juice along with clam juice or chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add diced potatoes and thyme. Simmer gently until potatoes are tender but hold shape, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Finish with Clams and Cream (5 minutes): Stir in chopped clams, milk, and heavy cream. Warm through on low heat—do not boil after adding cream to avoid curdling. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
  6. Serve: Ladle chowder into bowls and sprinkle with crispy bacon bits and fresh chopped parsley or chives.

Notes

If chowder is too thick, add more milk or broth to reach desired consistency. Avoid boiling after adding cream to prevent curdling. Use Yukon Gold potatoes for best texture. For dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream with coconut or almond milk and omit butter. Fresh clams can be used instead of canned for a fresher flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: clam chowder, creamy clam chowder, smoked bacon, leeks, quick clam chowder, easy chowder recipe, seafood soup, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://avabowls.com/creamy-30-minute-clam-chowder-recipe-with-leeks-and-smoked-bacon-made-easy/