RECIPES The BEST New England Clam Chowder
Looking for the best clam chowder recipe? Here’s our family’s clam chowder recipe we’ve made for years–the perfect taste of New England.
// blue and white stripe dress // crochet flower shoes (similar) //
If I could describe my big extended family in one word?
It would be TRADITIONS.
Yep.
We never met a tradition we didn’t like.
We have traditions at Christmas and traditions for birthdays and traditions for Mother’s Day and of course (you knew where this was heading) traditions for summer at the Cape.
Yesterday we went to see Plymouth Rock and the Mayflower and dined on our grandfather’s famous, tried and true tested New England Clam Chowder.
Plymouth Rock?
A little overrated.
The Mayflower?
An amazing testament to the perseverance and fortitude of our forefathers.
My grandfather’s clam chowder?
A little slice of summer in a cup.
Today I’m sharing his recipe along with 5 last-minute ideas for Fourth of July desserts to celebrate America’s birthday.
Drumroll please.
Here’s my grandfather’s clam chowder.
Doesn’t it look like summer?
Do you have clam chowder in a mug or a bowl?
Around here, the tradition is always a mug with extra steam coming off the top and (of course) oyster crackers.
Not sure how you like your clam chowder, but I think this recipe is heavy on the chowder and a little lighter on the clams.
I wasn’t even sure if we had an actual recipe written down because we’ve made it for so many years, but I asked my mother and she gave me the recipe my grandfather wrote down on a piece of paper somewhere between when the Mayflower arrived and 2025.
The BEST New England Clam Chowder
Ingredients:
1/2 pound of bacon finely diced
1 cup of celery finely diced
1 large yellow onion finely diced (can adjust to taste)
3 cups potatoes peeled and diced
2 cups clam juice
2 cups vegetable stock
3 cups clams chopped and drained
3 cups half and half
2 T. olive oil
3 T. flour
3 T. butter
salt and pepper to taste
parsley for garnish
Directions:
1. If you have fresh clams you’ll want to steam them, open them and remove the meat. You can also use minced clams in a can—if you do, just skip this step.
2. Bake bacon in oven at 425 degrees for 20 minutes.
3. Saute celery and onions with olive oil in a skillet until onions are translucent.
4. Add vegetables to a large soup pot with the potatoes, vegetable stock, bacon and clam juice. Cover, turn on high heat, and bring to a boil.
5. Make a roux with 3 T. flour and 3 T. butter. Stir together and cook for three minutes, stirring constantly
6. Add roux to soup pot, reduce heat and let simmer for 15-20 minutes 0r until the potatoes are done.
7. Stir in half and half and heat until soup mixture is hot.
8. Add clams and cook an additional 5 minutes without boiling.
9. Add salt and pepper to taste.
10. Garnish with parsley and serve with oyster crackers.
Serves 8.
Here’s a little pre-fourth of July from Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Around here we are all about the Fourth.
This is the heart of where the country started.
I may have mentioned it once or twice, but a long time ago in a star-spangled parade, I was Betsy Ross. I spent the two miles pulling Sally Pitcher in a red wagon, dressed in a long turn-of-the-century styled gray gown with ruffles and a mob cap and an attitude.
At the risk of stating the obvious….
…I’m pretty sure I was waving a flag.
And I spent the parade telling anyone who would listen that I invented it.
I’m not sure if Betsy Ross cooked, but if she did? She would make desserts like these. She didn’t have a lot of time to prepare meals due to all that sewing.
So here are five simple, easy, no-stress last-minute Fourth of July desserts from my mob cab to you.
5 Simple and Easy Last Minute Fourth Of July Desserts
1. This brownie banana split pie
This dessert is SO EASY.
A layer of brownies and a layer of this and a layer of that and toss it all together and you end up with something that will make you the talk of the Fourth.
It will take you a short time to make and even less time to eat it.
You can see the recipe here.
2. Fourth of July Apple Pie
This Fourth of July dessert is the yummiest pie with the yummiest crust with the cutest stars.
Even if you don’t make it this year?
You will want to pin it for next year.
Trust me.
You can see the Fourth of July Apple Pie here.
3. Fourth of July Cookie Crumb
This cookie crumble Fourth of July dessert.
It actually came out of a mistake I made, but it’s so good.
You can put it together before your guests arrive.
The recipe is here.
4. Layered Mason Jar Fourth of July Parfait
Here’s kind of a version of the same thing, but with fruit.
I actually published this almost nine years ago and it’s one of my most pinned posts.
For good reason.
It’s easy to put together and it tastes so much better when it sits for a while (just add the whipped cream on the top at the last minute).
You can see the recipe here.
Here’s another version of the same thing except a little smaller with cookies.
I made this one in my grandmother’s fluted glasses.
You can see this tri-berry trifle here.
5. Strawberry Pie
This is the easiest yummiest pie crust ever in the history of ever and I used it to make this strawberry pie.
It’s true.
Three ingredients.
Well four if you count water.
It is so delicious and easy that you have to try it.
After you make it you are totally going to want to be best friends with me.
And I’m okay with that.
You can see the strawberry pie recipe here.
To all the patriots who have gone before and founded this country and for all the servicemen and women who have fought to keep our country free and the stars and stripes flying proudly from sea to shining sea—I salute you.
I salute your sacrifice and your valor and your overwhelming courage in the face of grave danger and almost insurmountable odds.
You are what makes this country great.
And just in case you wondered if I knew how to rock the Fourth? If you are local and you are attending our parade on Friday?
Watch for Betsy….
….she might just be there.
PS Here’s my favorite patriotic story ever.
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Kat
Jun 30, 2025 at 8:19 am
Thank you! Such a happy, timely post!
Denise
Jun 30, 2025 at 8:45 am
KariAnne, You are such a joy! I love this post. Happy 4th!
Colleen
Jun 30, 2025 at 8:53 am
Regarding the clam chowder recipe, it’s roux not rue. Looks like a tasty recipe for clam chowder. You will not rue the day you make it.
KariAnne Wood
Jun 30, 2025 at 10:01 am
Thanks friend! I fixed it!
Renee
Jun 30, 2025 at 9:02 am
Love July 4th celebrations. When our boys were youngsters, we would pack a picnic and travel to the mall in Washington DC— enjoy the 4 th festivities.. and wait until dark when the fireworks would begin. This year we will celebrate my Mom’s 92 nd birthday as she was actually born on the 4th. Happy 4 th to you and your blessed family. Enjoy all your traditions on the beautiful Cape!
Sheilah Perry-Rosales
Jun 30, 2025 at 9:20 am
With the political climate being what it is there’s no cause for celebration. Being native and having PTSD to loud noises also calls for no cause for celebration. Can’t wait for it to be over . Your desserts look yummy and so does the chowder.
Rizae
Jun 30, 2025 at 10:09 am
I’m Sorry you are unhappy and feel the need to make a comment like this. Politics aside, we are celebrating our country, our people and our freedom. We all have problems, issues and such. We do not go around trying to hurt others by uncalled for comments. Enjoy the 4th your way… let us enjoy it our way. Big Hugs
Deborah D|
Jul 6, 2025 at 5:27 pm
Your comment is very sad. We all live in the most blessed, wonderful Country that God ever made. Thanks to our forbearers for their diligence to keep us all free and provide limitless opportunities if you just take it. Instead of looking at the negative, I hope you decide to look for all of our positives! God Bless America!
Teddee Grace
Jun 30, 2025 at 9:27 am
It sounds as if you are having a wonderful time. I took one look at the Mayflower and got seasick. I’ve discovered that I can purchase frozen clam meat at Safeway and it is so much better than canned. Since I’m landlocked and fresh isn’t easily available, this is a wonderful option. I grew up in rural Missouri where everything was chicken-fried and cream gravy was a staple, so I’ve been making roux since I was a child without even knowing it. I’ve got to try the strawberry crumble. Your original post about the fail was hilarious…I wonder why it didn’t work? I just sampled some fresh strawberries that I bought a few days ago and I guess it’s finally starting to be real strawberry season because they are the most flavorful strawberries I’ve tasted in a long time. Continue having fun and sharing!
Holly
Jun 30, 2025 at 9:30 am
Can you just buy fresh clams already steamed and shelled when you are there? (We are going later this summer)
KariAnne Wood
Jun 30, 2025 at 10:00 am
I know you can buy fresh clams, but I don’t know if you can get them steamed and shelled fresh!
Sue Sims
Jun 30, 2025 at 9:40 am
Beautiful picture of you on that veranda, overlooking the water. You look like the very essence of summer! The dress is a knock-out! Not that you need anyone’s approval, but it’s a great “look” – very movie star!!
Susan Sikes
Jun 30, 2025 at 9:58 am
Oh my goodness! What a wonderful visit into history! The recipes look amazing!
Rizae
Jun 30, 2025 at 10:16 am
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY! I wish everyone a wonderful day comming up. We each have our celebrations and traditions for this day and each one is as special as the people celebrating. ENJOY !!! Big Hugs
Katherine
Jun 30, 2025 at 10:46 am
Hi KariAnne, Traditions are wonderful and think it can be the glue that keeps families together and connected to one another. I bet you are the leader of the pack that makes this happen, and it does take a tribe. Your grandfather is smiling down on you that his famous tried and true New England Clam Chowder is being enjoyed by his family. Love this tradition. I bet you were the cutest Betsy Ross. It sounds like you just might be doing the same this year??? On a totally different subject I forgot to mention the best memoir book I read last month. “Maya Blue,” author, Brenda Coffee. I’ve read several memoirs and this is the best. It’s an adventure like you have never read in your life mixed in with a love story. You can purchase the book on Amazon. The reviews have all been five stars so far. A side note she lives in Texas too. A potential new best friend for you.
Michele M.
Jun 30, 2025 at 11:02 am
Happy Independence Day week, KA!! Hope it’s the best. Would be here too if it weren’t for all the endless rain. It’s been relentless. And so hot and muggy and rain rain rain and more rain. Lawn is loving it, me? Not so much! Thank you for your family’s recipe for clam chowder. MMMM. Sounds so good right now. Does that mean your clam digging went well then? Or did you have to go to the pier to purchase clams this time?
Peg
Jun 30, 2025 at 11:25 am
Did you dig for the clams?!! Happy 4th!!
Kristie
Jun 30, 2025 at 11:30 am
The clam chowder looks delish! I will give it a try! And yes I totally agree on seeing Plymouth rock… smaller than I had expeceted. Have a Happy 4th!
Donna
Jun 30, 2025 at 12:16 pm
I love all the traditions! I’m sure y’all are having so much fun, enjoy every moment
Teresa Gonzales
Jun 30, 2025 at 1:24 pm
Yum! Will have to try them out. You know the best clam chowder in New England is a tall order!🤣. Every Massachusetts person I know tells me they make the very best 🤣🤣🤣🤣.
Donna Marie
Jun 30, 2025 at 2:27 pm
Enjoy your family and their traditions!!!
Debbie
Jun 30, 2025 at 4:51 pm
What a nice post!! My husband is from MA. This reminds me of when we visited Plymouth Rock!! Love your dress and crochet sandals. So coastal! Love your recipes. I have to remember your dessert!! It’s easy and so cute. Happy 4th sweet girl!
Claire
Jun 30, 2025 at 6:00 pm
Hi, love seeing a chowder recipe. We had lots in the UK travelling last year. What is ‘half and half’ though? Thanks 🤷️
Deborah Al-Aseer
Jul 2, 2025 at 7:22 am
It’s a dairy product found in the refrigerated section of the grocery store.
Kim
Jun 30, 2025 at 6:57 pm
Karianne, if you get to Plymouth again, you need to go to Plymouth Plantation. They have the best lobster rolls ever. My Husband said they should remove the rock tto dry land o preserve what is left. Get it away from the erosion and sea salt. Its our history lets preserve it. I would rather have a piece of our history on dry land than no piece at all. I was 5 when I first remember seeing the rock. It was huge back then. But then again I was 5. Im 69 now. when we took the kids to the cape for the first time we stopped at Plymouth. They were like how did that many people fit on this tiny rock. We had to explain the erosion from tthe water, and the sea salt. I placed an online order today, I was charged a 12% tarrif fee such is the way it is. Thank God for people like you who keep us smiling. XOXO
Theodore E Baker
Jul 1, 2025 at 11:08 am
Real clam chowder is made with salt pork, onion, and potatoes plus, of course, clams. Also the crackers were not oyster crackers but Nabisco Pilot Crackers which are not made any more
Kim Waldorf
Jul 3, 2025 at 2:46 pm
Pulling Sally Pitcher! A fun post as always, friend! Happy 4th of July! ️
Martha
Jul 5, 2025 at 7:12 pm
KariAnne, I look forward to your posts. Thank you for all the thought that goes into them. You’ve inspired me once again. I’m going to make your chowder and start a new tradition! On another note, I’m reading The Lost Summers of Newport. I have friends reading it and am starting a Book Club! This will be our first book. :). Happy 4th! We have so much to be thankful for!