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A clam chowder bread bowl garnished with bacon and parsley on a wooden board.

The Ultimate Guide to Clam Chowder Bread Bowls: Comfort Food at Its Best

Clam Chowder Bread Bowls are the ultimate comfort food, combining rich, creamy clam chowder with a crusty, chewy sourdough bread bowl. This dish is perfect for chilly nights and is easier to make at home than you might think. With a hearty blend of clams, potatoes, and aromatic seasonings, it’s a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Chowder:

  • 2 cups fresh clams (or canned)
  • 4 cups clam juice
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 3 medium potatoes, diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Bread Bowl:

  • 1 round loaf of sourdough

Instructions

Prepare the Bread Bowl:

Cut off the top of the sourdough loaf and hollow out the center, leaving about a half-inch border. Save the bread you remove for dipping.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the bread bowl for about 5 minutes to crisp it up.

Make the Chowder:

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions, celery, and garlic, and sauté until soft (about 5 minutes).

Stir in the diced potatoes and clam juice. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until the potatoes are tender (about 15 minutes).

Add the heavy cream and clams, then season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Assemble and Serve:

Ladle the hot chowder into the warmed bread bowl.

Garnish with fresh parsley or crumbled bacon, if desired.

Serve immediately with the removed bread pieces for dipping.

Notes

  • If fresh clams aren’t available, high-quality canned clams work just as well.
  • For a thicker chowder, mix a little flour with butter to create a roux before adding the cream.
  • You can experiment with different types of bread, such as whole wheat or rye, for a unique flavor twist.
  • To prevent the bread bowl from getting soggy, don’t let the chowder sit in the bowl for too long before serving.
  • Author: Anna Gomez
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop & Baking
  • Cuisine: American (New England-style)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: Per Serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Clam Chowder Bread Bowl, New England Clam Chowder, Creamy Clam Chowder, Homemade Bread Bowl, Comfort Food, Seafood Chowder, Easy Soup Recipe, Winter Comfort Food, Sourdough Bread Bowl, Chowder with Bread.