Caramelized Bacon and Onion Clam Chowder is a creamy soup made with clams, potatoes, onions, bacon and fresh thyme.
Want to hear a good one? I don’t like ANY seafood nor can I eat bacon. So you’re probably thinking “What possessed her to make Clam Chowder WITH bacon?”. It’s ok, I haven’t lost it…yet!
New England Clam Chowder happens to be my 9 year olds favorite soup but I never make it. Instead, we have to wait to go to Panera Bread on a Friday to get it for her. Apparently they follow the “fish on Friday” rule all year long because that’s the only day they ever have it on their menu.
Recently, she was one of the candidates running for student council representative for the 4th grade. All they had to do was write a speech, present it to the class and they would vote.
At this age there is no official title, but she was excited and really wanted to “make a difference”. Gotta love her, she is definitely my little “world peace” child and she WILL be someone influential one day. I just get nervous as to what that might actually be. 🙂
I got a message from her teacher during the day that said she lost, but that her speech and delivery was terrific. She was devastated. Crying hysterically, but through it all managed to buy the winner a congratulatory cookie at lunch. Again, gotta love her.
So I thought I’d surprise her and make her favorite soup. It started off good, until I got distracted. My friend was here refinishing our wood floors and I accidentally browned the bacon and onions too much.
Instead of scrapping it, I continued with the process. Then I made him taste it for me. I cook by smell and sight when cooking with seafood and it smelled ok so I think he was safe!
How do you make Bacon & Onion Clam Chowder?
In a medium saucepan on top of the stove, render bacon over medium-high heat until it is browned and crispy. Drain the grease; then add butter and onions and sauté until golden brown and caramelized. Next add the thyme and flour to form a roux.
Separate the clam juice from the clams and add the juice plus the additional clam juice and water. Add the potatoes and simmer for 15 minutes until potatoes start to soften.
He said it was actually really good and liked the flavor, so that’s how my regular clam chowder became Caramelized Bacon and Onion Clam Chowder. That and as you can tell from the picture it’s on the tan side vs. white.
I also had my in-laws test it out too. It got a “good” from my father in-law; which in his language means “you can make it again”. You just never want an “ok” because then the meal is doomed! Gabrielle enjoyed it too and in no time was back to her old self. ~Enjoy!
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Caramelized Bacon & Onion Clam Chowder
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 1/2 cup small diced onion
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme, removed from stem
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 3 small russet potatoes, peeled and cut into bite size pieces
- 13 ounces chopped clams in juice
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup clam juice
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan on top of the stove, render bacon over medium-high heat until it is browned and crispy. Drain the grease; then add butter and onions and sauté until golden brown and caramelized.
- Next add the thyme and flour to form a roux.Separate the clam juice from the clams and add the juice plus the additional clam juice and water. Add the potatoes and simmer for 15 minutes until potatoes start to soften.
- Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over high heat until it's warm, but not boiling.
- Add the heated cream to the potatoes along with the chopped clams, parsley, salt and pepper; then simmer on low for 30 minutes
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come on cold weather so I can make this!
I hope you like it 🙂
Just posted this recipe on EMM Church Supper Link Party
http://everydaymomsmeals.blogspot.com/2011/10/church-supper-13.html
Oh My Stars! I was just wanting Clam Chowder yesterday! Thank you so much for sharing. I saw this on EMM Church Supper! <3 and Hugs!
Following you on Google Friend Connect also.. <3 and Hugs!
You had me at bacon! Thanks for sharing at Church Supper. Have a great week!
Thanks for stopping by Debi and welcome! 🙂
@Krista Thank you, same to you! 🙂
Carrie, Thank you so much for sharing this yummy soup at my Virtual Soup Supper today! <3
http://anaffairfromtheheart.blogspot.com/
Michaela
Sounds so amazing! Found you via An Affair from the Heart’s Virtual Soup Supper 🙂
@Michaela You’re welcome, THANK YOU for hosting!
@ Justine Thank you for stopping by!
Carrie, I made this last weekend with my 13 year old. He LOVES to help in the kitchen cutting everything up. We are making it again today. What a freaking hit this soup is in our family! I have been looking for a New England Clam Chowder recipe for years and I LOVE THIS ONE! THANK YOU!!!!! 🙂
That’s great Alice, I’m so glad you and the family enjoyed it! Thanks for stopping back to let me know! 🙂