For those following a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle, enjoying classic comfort foods can sometimes feel like a challenge. However, with a few clever substitutions, it's possible to recreate your favorite dishes without compromising your dietary goals. This keto clam chowder with bacon recipe is a perfect example, offering a creamy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that fits perfectly into a low-carb diet.
Why This Recipe Works
Traditional clam chowder is often loaded with potatoes and thickened with flour, making it a carb-heavy dish. This keto-friendly version replaces the potatoes with cauliflower florets or celery root, significantly reducing the carb count while maintaining a hearty texture. The flour is either omitted or replaced with a low-carb alternative, and the richness of the chowder is achieved through the use of heavy cream and cream cheese. The addition of bacon not only enhances the flavor but also provides a source of healthy fats, making this chowder a well-rounded and satisfying keto meal.
Ingredients
- 6 bacon slices, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 celery ribs, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups chicken bone broth or stock
- 1 8 oz. bottle of clam juice
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 2 oz. cream cheese
- 2 6.5 oz. cans of clams, undrained
- Salt to taste
- Optional: Cauliflower florets or diced celery root (to replace potatoes)
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the cooked bacon from the pot and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve some bacon for topping the chowder before serving.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onion, celery, and minced garlic to the pot with the bacon grease. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
- Add the Cream Cheese: Add the cream cheese to the pot and stir continuously to melt it, ensuring a smooth and creamy base for the chowder.
- Incorporate the Broth and Seasonings: Next, stir in the chicken bone broth/stock, clam juice, white pepper, and dried thyme. Bring the soup mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add the Heavy Cream: Gradually, add in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to maintain a smooth consistency. Raise the heat and bring the soup to a boil once again, then reduce the heat to low.
- Incorporate the Clams: Stir in the undrained clams and season with salt to taste. Simmer on low, uncovered, for 3 minutes, or until the clams are just cooked through. Avoid overcooking the clams, as they can become tough and rubbery.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the keto clam chowder into bowls and top with the reserved crispy bacon and chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
- Vegetable Substitutions: For those looking to further reduce the carb count, consider using cauliflower florets or chopped radishes in place of celery root.
- Dairy-Free Option: To make this recipe dairy-free, you can use coconut cream or coconut milk in place of the heavy cream and dairy-free cream cheese.
- Spice It Up: If you're a fan of spice, add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Smoked Flavor: For additional flavor, use smoky bacon in place of regular bacon for a nice layer of flavor.
- Thickening the Chowder: If you prefer a thicker chowder, you can add cream cheese or heavy whipping cream in place of half and half as a thickener.
- Seafood Variety: If you aren’t a fan of clams, you can substitute lobster, shrimp, or even salmon or another firm fish as your protein in this creamy keto chowder.
Serving Suggestions
This keto clam chowder is delicious on its own as a hearty and satisfying meal. However, you can also serve it with a side salad or some freshly baked low-carb rolls for a more complete and satisfying dining experience.
Nutritional Information
Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary based on the brand of products used. For your specific nutritional goals, use My Fitness Pal or Verywell Fit recipe calculators.
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