Whenever the autumn breeze starts to chill our cozy kitchen, my mind immediately drifts back to a foggy morning on the Maine coast. I remember sitting by the Bar Harbor shoreline, watching the waves crash against the jagged rocks while holding a warm, heavy bowl of soup. That specific flavor stayed with me for years, leading me to perfect this bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe.

As a mom of three, I believe food is the purest form of love you can offer your family. This bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe represents more than just a meal; it embodies a warm hug on a cold day. My kids always know it is a special night when they smell the savory aroma of salt pork and fresh clams wafting through the house.

I spent months tweaking the balance of cream and brine to ensure this bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe tasted exactly like the coast. You do not need a plane ticket to Maine to experience world-class seafood comfort. This bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe brings the rustic, nourishing spirit of the Atlantic right to your dining room table.

Every spoonful of this bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe delivers thick, creamy goodness that satisfies the soul. We often serve this bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe during Sunday dinners when we want to slow down and connect.

I hope this bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe becomes a staple in your home just as it has in mine. Creating this bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe taught me that simple ingredients, when treated with respect, create the most memorable memories.

Why You’ll Love This Bar Harbor New England Clam Chowder Recipe

You will absolutely adore this bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe because it prioritizes authentic texture and deep, oceanic flavor. Many modern recipes rely too heavily on flour, which creates a pasty consistency that masks the delicate seafood. However, this bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe uses the natural starches from Yukon Gold potatoes to create a silky, velvety mouthfeel.

Furthermore, this bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe utilizes high-quality clam juice to ensure every bite tastes like the sea. You will appreciate how quickly this bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe comes together despite its sophisticated taste. It is nourishing enough for a weekday dinner but elegant enough for guests.

Busy parents love this bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe because it requires only one pot, meaning less cleanup after a long day. Most importantly, this bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe uses wholesome ingredients that you can feel good about serving to your children. Your family will enjoy the balance of salty bacon, sweet onions, and tender clams in every bowl.

This bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe truly defines “comfort food” in its most honest form. Once you master this bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe, you will never want the canned version again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right components is the first step toward a successful bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe. I recommend using the freshest dairy you can find to enhance the richness. While some prefer salt pork, I use thick-cut smoked bacon in my bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe for an extra layer of complexity.

The clams remain the star of the show here, so choose high-quality canned chopped clams or fresh littlenecks if available. This bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe also relies on a specific ratio of heavy cream to whole milk for the perfect consistency.

bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe

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An authentic Bar Harbor New England clam chowder that prioritizes oceanic flavor and a silky texture. This recipe uses Yukon Gold potatoes for natural thickness and heavy cream for a velvety mouthfeel, avoiding the pasty consistency of over-floured versions.

• Author: Salma Tahiri
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 50 mins
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Standard

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

20 oz Chopped Clams
8 oz Clam Juice
4 strips Thick-cut Baco
1 medium Yellow Onio
2 stalks Celery
1.5 lbs Yukon Gold Potatoes
1.5 cups Heavy Cream
1 cup Whole Milk
3 tbsp Unsalted Butter
3 tbsp All-purpose Flour
1 tsp Fresh Thyme
1 leaf Bay Leaf
To taste Salt and Pepper

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Instructions

1. Place a large Dutch oven over medium heat and cook the diced bacon until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon bits and set aside, leaving 2 tablespoons of fat in the pot
2. Add the unsalted butter to the bacon fat. Once melted, sauté the diced onion and celery until translucent and fragrant, approximately 5 minutes
3. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste
4. Slowly pour in the reserved liquid from the canned clams and the additional 8 oz bottle of clam juice while whisking vigorously
5. Add the cubed potatoes, thyme leaves, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender
6. Reduce the heat to low. Gently stir in the room-temperature heavy cream and whole milk, ensuring the liquid does not reach a boil
7. Fold in the chopped clams and the reserved crispy bacon bits. Heat through for another 5 minutes
8. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving

Notes

Always use room-temperature dairy to prevent the soup from seizing or curdling when added to the hot base.

Avoid boiling the soup after the cream and milk have been added to maintain a smooth texture.

For a thicker consistency, slightly mash a few potatoes against the side of the pot before adding the cream to release natural starches.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slowly on the stove over low heat.

Freezing is not recommended for this dairy-based soup as the texture may become grainy upon thawing.

Substitutions & Variations

You can easily adapt this bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe to suit your pantry or dietary needs. If you prefer a lighter version, replace the heavy cream with half-and-half, though the texture will be slightly thinner. For a gluten-free bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or use a cornstarch slurry at the end.

Some people enjoy adding corn to their bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe for a touch of sweetness and extra crunch. If you cannot find Yukon Gold potatoes, Russets work well, but they break down more easily during the simmer. To add a smoky kick to the bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe, try using a dash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika.

For those who enjoy more vegetables, diced carrots add color and vitamins to the bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe. You can even use salt pork instead of bacon if you want the most traditional Bar Harbor experience. No matter how you change it, the core soul of the bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe remains intact.

While customizing your savory soup with different thickeners or seasonal vegetables, you might also find yourself craving a unique and trendy dessert to finish the meal. Treat your family to a decadent sweet follow-up by checking out this Costco Dubai Chocolate Bar Ice Cream.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to ensure your bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe reaches maximum creaminess without curdling. Consistency is key when handling dairy-based soups.

Note: This video is for demonstration purposes and may use a slightly different method.

First, place a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until it releases its fat and becomes perfectly crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon bits and set them aside for later.

Leave about two tablespoons of the bacon fat in the pot. Next, add the unsalted butter to the bacon fat. Once the butter melts, toss in the onions and celery.

Sauté the vegetables until the onions turn translucent and fragrant, which usually takes about five minutes. Do not let them brown, as this will change the color of your bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe.

Now, sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables. Stir constantly for two minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the reserved clam juice and the extra bottle of clam juice while whisking vigorously.

This creates the flavorful base for our bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe. Add the cubed potatoes, thyme, and the bay leaf. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.

Lower the heat and cover the pot. Let the potatoes cook for about 15 minutes or until they feel tender when pierced with a fork.

Once the potatoes reach perfection, reduce the heat to low. Gently stir in the heavy cream and whole milk. You must avoid boiling the soup at this point to prevent the dairy from separating.

Fold in the chopped clams and the cooked bacon bits. Let the bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe heat through for another five minutes. Finally, season the soup with salt and a generous amount of black pepper.

Remove the bay leaf before serving. Your bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe is now ready to nourish your family.

Pro Tips for Success

To achieve the best results with this bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe, always use room-temperature dairy. Adding cold cream to hot broth can cause the fats to seize or curdle. Another secret for a great bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe involves the potato size.

Cut your potatoes into uniform 1/2-inch cubes so they cook evenly and provide the perfect bite. If you want a thicker bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe, slightly mash a few of the potatoes against the side of the pot before adding the cream. This releases natural starches that thicken the broth beautifully.

Always taste your bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe before adding salt, as clam juice and bacon already contain significant sodium. Fresh herbs make a massive difference; if you have fresh parsley, stir it in at the very end for a pop of color. Lastly, let the bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe sit for ten minutes after cooking. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the texture to stabilize.

Paying close attention to the size and texture of your ingredients ensures every spoonful is both delicious and easy to digest for everyone at the table. For those who are monitoring their nutritional intake or looking for more fiber-rich side options, you might enjoy exploring these Bariatric Seed Recipes Weight Loss.

Storage & Reheating Tips

You can store any leftover bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe in the refrigerator for up to three days. Place the soup in an airtight container once it has cooled to room temperature. When you want to enjoy the bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe again, reheat it slowly on the stove over low heat.

Stir the soup frequently to maintain its creamy consistency. Avoid using the microwave if possible, as it can cause the clams to become rubbery and the cream to separate. I do not recommend freezing this bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe.

Dairy-based soups often take on a grainy texture after thawing and reheating. If you must freeze it, do so before adding the cream and milk. Then, simply add the dairy when you reheat the base. However, for the best bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe experience, fresh is always better.

What to Serve With This Recipe

A bowl of bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe deserves the perfect accompaniments. Traditionally, we serve this with classic oyster crackers or saltine crackers for added crunch. For a heartier meal, bake a loaf of crusty sourdough bread to soak up every last drop of the bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe.

A light, crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich creaminess of the soup. If you want to lean into the Maine theme, serve the bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe alongside a fresh lobster roll or steamed corn on the cob. My kids love it when I serve the bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe inside a hollowed-out bread bowl.

The bread absorbs the savory juices, making it a fun and delicious way to eat. No matter what you choose, keep the sides simple so the bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe remains the star of the table.

Pairing this creamy soup with a fresh side dish creates a well-rounded dining experience for any family occasion. If you are looking for a more vibrant and crunchy companion for your next backyard gathering, consider serving this barbecue ranch frito corn salad.

FAQs

Can I use fresh clams for this bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe?

Yes, you can absolutely use fresh clams. Steam about 2-3 pounds of littleneck or cherrystone clams in a separate pot with a little water or white wine until they open. Strain the cooking liquid to use as your clam juice and chop the meat to add to the bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe at the end.

Is this bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe gluten-free?

The standard version of this bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe uses flour to create a roux. However, you can make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour substitute or by omitting the flour and thickening the soup with mashed potatoes or a cornstarch slurry.

How do I prevent the soup from curdling?

To prevent curdling in your bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe, ensure you do not boil the soup once you add the milk and cream. Use low heat and stir frequently. Bringing your dairy to room temperature before adding it also helps stabilize the mixture.

What makes it “Bar Harbor” style?

A “Bar Harbor” style bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe typically emphasizes a high ratio of clams and a clean, briny flavor. It often feels lighter and more “ocean-forward” than the extremely thick, flour-heavy versions found in some commercial restaurants.

This regional specialty is a hallmark of American coastal cuisine, characterized by its rich milk or cream base and hearty chunks of potato. Historically, New England clam chowder gained popularity in the 18th century as a staple for sailors and coastal residents throughout the Atlantic provinces.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

This bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe provides a nourishing blend of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. While it is a rich dish, it offers significant minerals from the seafood. The following values are estimates based on a standard serving size of approximately 1.5 cups of the bar harbor new england clam chowder recipe.