This classic dish combines tender clams and hearty potatoes, creating a creamy comforting Clam Chowder. The perfect make-ahead meal that you can prep ahead of time, freeze, and pull out whenever you need a comforting home-cooked dinner without the hassle.
There is nothing quite like a bowl of creamy, comforting Clam Chowder to warm your soul, especially on those chilly evenings. A dish that is rich, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying, packed with tender clams, diced tomatoes, and aromatic spices that scream deliciousness in your belly. Ready to simplify your dinner routine? Follow along in this blog post and let’s cook and learn together how to make your evenings a little bit easier.
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Clam Chowder Freezer Meal Recipe
This classic dish combines tender clams and hearty potatoes, creating a creamy comforting Clam Chowder. The perfect make-ahead meal that you can prep ahead of time, freeze, and pull out whenever you need a comforting home-cooked dinner without the hassle.
Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
Add clam juice from the cans into the freezer bag. Add clams into a separate quart sized freezer bag. Add 2 tbsp flour into the quart size freezer bag with the clams and seal, removing as much air as possible.
Add remaining ingredients, except heavy cream, into the gallon freezer bag. And place a sealed quart freezer bag into the gallon freezer bag.
Seal bag, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months.
Slow Cooker | Cooker Directions
Dump the contents of the freezer bag into a slow cooker. (No need to thaw)
Cook on high for 3-3 ½ hours.
Using an immersion blender or food processor blend mixture in slow cooker until reaching desired consistency. (I like to keep it a little chunky)
If you used a food processor, add mixture back into the slow cooker. Mix in quart sized bag with clams and add heavy cream. Cook on low for 30 more minutes.
Stir and serve with oyster crackers.
Instant Pot | Cooking Directions:
Dump the contents of the freezer bag into the Instant Pot, plus ½ cup water. (No need to thaw)
Set the Instant Pot to High Pressure for 10 minutes, then allow a natural release for 10 minutes before doing a quick release for any remaining pressure.
Using an immersion blender or food processor blend mixture in slow cooker until reaching desired consistency. (I like to keep it a little chunky)
If you use a food processor, add mixture back into the Instant Pot. Then mix in quart sized bag with clams and add heavy cream. Select the Sauté setting and cook on low heat for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir and serve with oyster crackers.
Dietary Adjustments
Make this Gluten-Free
Replace flour with Tapioca Starch
Serve with a gluten free oyster cracker, or omit oyster crackers all together
Make this Dairy-Free
Replace heavy cream with a dairy free alternative or use a 13.6 oz can full fat coconut cream.
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Make Ahead Clam Chowder Recipe Questions Answered
Comment below if you have any questions we didn’t answer.
Why you’ll love this BBQ Ribs recipe
Convenience: It’s ready when you are—just heat and serve Comforting: The rich, creamy flavors of Clam Chowder offer a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug. Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the hearty, savory taste.Make-Ahead: You can prepare it in advance, saving time during busy weekdays. Less Cleanup: Fewer dishes to wash since the meal is already prepped. Quality Ingredients: You control the quality of ingredients, ensuring a healthy meal.
Equipment Needed To Make Easy Clam Chowder for freezing
1 gallon freezer bag 1 Quart freezer bag 1 Slow Cooker 1 Immersion blender
What to Serve/Pair with Your Easy Clam Chowder for Freezing
Side Dishes: Garlic Bread Caesar Salad Oyster Crackers
Substitutions: Substitute Leeks for Yellow Onion: Replace the medium yellow onion with an equal amount of leeks for a milder, slightly sweeter flavor. Leeks freeze well and add a nice depth to the chowder. Substitute Yukon Gold Potatoes for Russet Potatoes: Swap russet potatoes with Yukon Gold potatoes. They hold their shape better when frozen and reheated, providing a creamy texture without falling apart. Substitute Cornstarch for Flour: Replace the 2 tablespoons of flour with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch for a gluten-free thickening agent that still freezes and reheats well.
Additions: Add Frozen Corn Kernels: Stir in 1 cup of frozen corn kernels for added sweetness and texture. Corn freezes well and complements the creamy chowder. Add Frozen Peas: Include 1 cup of frozen peas to add a pop of color and extra nutrition to the chowder. Peas freeze and reheat beautifully in soups. Add Bacon: Incorporate 4-6 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon into the chowder. Cooked bacon freezes well and adds a smoky, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the clams.
Best Way To Store Best Freezer-Friendly Clam Chowder Leftover?
The best way to store your leftover Clam Chowder soup is to store it in the fridge. Before placing your leftovers in the fridge, allow the chowder to cool to room temperature. This helps prevent the texture and flavor change during the cool down process. Then, transfer chowder into airtight containers, then place in the fridge immediately.
How Long Will Clam Chowder Freezer Meal Recipe Last In the Fridge?
When you follow the cool down process and use the proper air tight containers, your Clam Chowder will remain fresh for three to five days.
Can I Freeze Creamy Clam Chowder for busy families ?
Yes! Freezing Clam Chowder is a great way to extend the shelf life of your dish. Before freezing, let the chowder cool to room temperature before freezing. A great tip is to portion out your chowder into individual portions if possible. This makes it easier to reheat just the amount you need. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Lay them flat in the freezer to save space.
How To Reheat Freezer Meal Prep Clam Chowder?
When you are ready to reheat your Clam Chowder, transfer the frozen chowder leftovers into the fridge and let it thaw overnight. Reheat the chowder in a saucepan over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the cream to separate. If needed. Refresh the chowder with a splash of cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving.
What makes clam chowder so unique?
Clam chowder stands out due to its rich, creamy base combined with the briny, savory flavor of the fresh clams. The combination of clams, potatoes and aromatic spices bring this dish both comfort and satisfying flavors. As a popular freezer meal, clam chowder’s uniqueness makes it even more delicious when reheated.
What are the three types of Clam Chowder?
The three types of clam chowder are New England Clam Chowder, Manhattan Clam Chowder, and Rhode Island Clam Chowder. Each type offers a different take on the classic dish, making it a versatile option for make-ahead meals. The New England Clam Chowder is known for its creamy, white base. The Manhattan Clam Chowder, features a tomato-based broth. The Rhode Island Clam Chowder is a clear broth version with no dairy or tomatoes.
What is the best thickener for Clam Chowder?
The best thickener for clam chowder is flour or cornstarch, both of which blend seamlessly into the creamy base, providing the right consistency without altering the flavor. If you are looking for a gluten-free alternative, cornstarch is highly effective and works well in freezer-friendly meals like clam chowder.
What two ingredients must be present for the soup to be called a Chowder?
For a dish to be called a chowder, it must include potatoes and a cream of a milk base. These ingredients give chowder its distinctive hearty texture and creamy consistency, making it very different from other types of soups.
What separates chowder from soup?
Chowder is distinct from soup because it is typically thicker, creamier, and more substantial, including ingredients like potatoes, seafood, and heavy cream. Unlike lighter soups, chowders are known for their rich, hearty base, making them ideal for freezer meals that are both filling and satisfying.
What ingredients can you use to make a clam chowder healthier?
To make a healthier clam chowder, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option. To reduce calories in your soup, you may also use low-fat milk. Additionally, incorporating more vegetables like carrots and celery or using Yukon Gold Potatoes instead of Russet potatoes can boost the nutritional value without compromising the flavor of your dish.
What are the best clams for a Clam Chowder?
The best clams for clam chowder are Quahogs or Cherrystone Clams due to their size and flavor profile. However, canned clams are a convenient and equally delicious alternative, especially for make-ahead meals like clam chowder, where ease of preparation is key.
What additions can you make to a Clam Chowder?
You can enhance clam chowder by adding ingredients like bacon for a smokey flavor, corn for a sweet factor, or fresh herbs like thyme and parsley for a burst of freshness. Sometimes, additions not only elevate the dish, but also keep it interesting for repeat meals.
Can I use canned clams instead of fresh clams for my Clam Chowder?
Yes! Canned clams are a great alternative to fresh clams for clam chowder, this offers convenience without sacrificing the flavor. Canned clams are also perfect for freezer meals since they hold up well when frozen and reheated, making them a popular choice for busy families.
Why is my Clam Chowder too salty? And how Can I fix it?
If your clam chowder is too salty, add unsalted broth or water to dilute the saltiness. If you have an extra raw potato, you may add this to the chowder while it simmers, the potato will absorb some of the excess salt. If you are looking for a quick fix, adding a splash of cream or milk can also help balance out the flavors.
What is the origin story of Clam Chowder?
Clam Chowder’s origination story comes from the Northeastern United States, with New England Clam Chowder being the place of origin and most famous version. This dish has roots in colonial America, where it was a staple for coaster communities. Clam Chowder’s popularity spread due to its rich flavor and hearty ingredients, making it a beloved comfort food that has stood the test of time.
How do I avoid the fishy taste in Clam Chowder?
To avoid the fishy taste in a clam chowder, ensure that you are using fresh clams or high quality canned clams. Make sure that before you add the clams, that you rinse them thoroughly before cooking, and add a splash of lemon juice or white wine to the chowder to neutralize any fishy orders. Cooking the clams gently and not overcooking them will also help maintain a fresh flavor.
How can I make a dairy-free or vegan Clam Chowder?
To make a dairy-free or vegan clam chowder, substitute the clams with mushrooms for a similar texture, and use coconut milk or cashew cream in place of heavy cream. Vegetable broth can also be used to replace the clam juice, and adding seaweed will give the chowder a briny, ocean-like flavor without using the seafood ingredients. This version is perfect for those looking for a healthier freezer meal option.
If you like this recipe here are some other Seafood recipes you’re sure to love:
As a full time working mom of four, I know how hard it is to find time (or energy) to cook. That’s why I’ve spent over a decade perfecting freezer meal recipes to make sure they’re not only quick to prepare but packed with flavors the whole family will love!
