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Creamy Slow Cooker Clam Chowder Recipe with Bacon and Potatoes

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A comforting and easy slow cooker clam chowder with smoky bacon, tender potatoes, and creamy broth, perfect for cozy nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 slices smoked bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 2 (6.5-ounce) cans canned clams, drained, reserve juice
  • 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter chowder)
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (can substitute gluten-free flour)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the chopped smoked bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  2. Add the chopped onion and diced celery to the bacon fat and cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Transfer mixture to the slow cooker.
  3. In a small bowl, mix softened butter with all-purpose flour until smooth paste forms.
  4. Add diced potatoes, reserved clam juice, chicken broth, thyme, bay leaf, and butter-flour mixture to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours until potatoes are tender and chowder thickens.
  6. About 15 minutes before the end, stir in drained canned clams and heavy cream. Cook uncovered for the final 15 minutes.
  7. Remove bay leaf, season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in crispy bacon pieces, reserving some for garnish.
  8. Ladle chowder into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley and reserved bacon. Serve warm with crusty bread or oyster crackers.

Notes

Cook bacon slowly and crisp for best flavor. Use reserved clam juice for added briny flavor. Add clams and cream only in the last 15 minutes to avoid tough clams and curdled cream. For thicker chowder, mash some potatoes before adding clams. Can substitute turkey bacon or omit bacon for a different flavor. Dairy-free option: use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Gluten-free option: substitute flour with gluten-free flour blend.

Nutrition

Keywords: clam chowder, slow cooker, creamy soup, bacon, potatoes, comfort food, easy recipe

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/creamy-slow-cooker-clam-chowder-recipe-with-bacon-and-potatoes-easy-steps/