Gluten Free Clam Chowder

Name: Gluten Free Clam Chowder
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 slices of bacon, chopped; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 ribs celery, diced; 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced; 2 cups clam juice; 1 can (6.5 ounces) chopped clams, drained; 1 cup heavy cream; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

Author: lia

Published: April 28, 2026

Bowl of gluten-free clam chowder with fresh herbs and clams.

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Why Make This Recipe

Gluten Free Clam Chowder is a delicious and hearty dish that warms you up, especially on cold days. This recipe is perfect for those who need to avoid gluten but still want to enjoy the rich flavor of traditional clam chowder. It’s creamy, savory, and packed with wonderful ingredients. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be ready in less than an hour.

How to Make Gluten Free Clam Chowder

Ingredients:

4 slices of bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, diced
2 rib celery, diced
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
2 cups clam juice
1 can (6.5 ounces) chopped clams, drained
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

Directions:

In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.
Add the onion and celery to the pot, and sauté until softened.
Stir in the diced potatoes and clam juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender.
Add the clams, heavy cream, thyme, salt, and pepper. Heat through, but do not boil.
Serve hot, topped with the crispy bacon.

How to Serve Gluten Free Clam Chowder

Serve your clam chowder hot in bowls. You can add some fresh herbs on top for extra flavor and garnish. It goes well with gluten-free crackers or bread on the side. Enjoy it as a main dish or as a warm starter to a meal.

How to Store Gluten Free Clam Chowder

Store any leftover clam chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat until heated through. You can add a splash of clam juice or cream if it thickens too much in the fridge.

Tips to Make Gluten Free Clam Chowder

For extra flavor, try adding a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of paprika.
Make sure to use gluten-free bacon and clam juice to keep the recipe gluten-free.
Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or corn for more variety in flavor and texture.

Variation

If you want a bit of spice, consider adding diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. You can also try using coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.

FAQs

Can I make clam chowder in advance?

Yes, you can make clam chowder a day ahead. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it when ready to serve.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

While you can freeze clam chowder, the cream may change texture when thawed. If you’re planning to freeze it, consider adding the cream when reheating.

Can I substitute the clams?

Yes, you can use canned or fresh seafood, like shrimp or fish, if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.