By Wendy Stoltz and Yuliia Stsepeleva / Last Modified On April 19, 2023

Gluten-Free Clam Chowder is a classic, hearty soup that’s perfect for any occasion. Made with creamy broth, tender potatoes, and fresh clams, this soup is delicious and ready in just 40 minutes.

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Gluten-Free Clam Chowder Recipe

You’ll love this gluten-free clam chowder because it’s rich, creamy, and flavorful. It’s the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening or a lazy Sunday afternoon. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a family gathering.

The ingredients in Gluten-Free Clam Chowder work together to create a hearty and flavorful soup. Bacon adds smokiness and depth to the soup, while potatoes and celery add texture and body. Cream and clams make the soup rich and decadent, and bay leaves infuse the soup with a subtle herbal flavor.

Prepare your cooking utensils and ingredients for this flavorful gluten-free clam chowder recipe. It is going to be mouthwatering and will go down so well.

Why You’re Going to Love This Gluten-Free Clam Chowder

Flavor combination - The combination of bacon, onion, celery, and potatoes creates a hearty base for the soup that is packed with flavor. And the addition of clams to the soup further enhances the dish's unique and delicious seafood flavor, making each bite a truly satisfying experience.

Easy recipe with a few ingredients - This GF clam chowder recipe is incredibly easy to follow. It can be prepared with only a few simple ingredients, making it the perfect choice for when you are busy and looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen or worrying about complicated recipes.

Comfort food - The soup, which is a warm and savory gluten-free clam chowder, can be served as a comforting and satisfying meal for lunch or dinner, providing comfort on a cold or dreary day and offering a delicious way to satisfy cravings for classic comfort food.

Ingredients in Gluten-Free Clam Chowder

Bacon - adds a smoky, savory flavor to the soup.

Onion - provides a sweet, slightly tangy flavor and enhances the overall taste of the soup.

Potatoes - add texture and creamy consistency to the soup.

Celery - adds a subtle, refreshing flavor and enhances the soup's texture.

Cream - provides richness and creaminess to the soup.

Clams - add a seafood flavor and texture to the soup.

Bay leaves - add an earthy, slightly sweet flavor and aroma to the soup.

Broth - serves as the base of the soup and provides additional flavor and depth.

Gluten-free plain flour - thickens the soup without containing gluten.

Olive oil - is used for frying the bacon and vegetables and adds a subtle flavor to the soup.

Salt and pepper - enhance the overall flavor of the soup.

Equipment Needed for This Gluten-Free Clam Chowder

Pan - used to fry the bacon, onion, and celery.

Saucepan - used to cook the soup.

Stirring utensil - used to stir the soup while cooking.

If you have any questions about making Gluten-Free Clam Chowder, please leave a comment, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

How to Make Gluten-Free Clam Chowder

1. In olive oil, fry the diced bacon in a pan for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Add chopped onion and celery to it, mix, and fry everything together for another 4 minutes.
3. Add gluten-free flour to the pan, mix everything together, and wait another 2 minutes.
4. Transfer the fried bacon, onion, and flour to a saucepan, pour in the broth, and add the chopped potatoes and cream, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 20 minutes.
5. When the soup is ready, add the clams, stir, and cook for a couple more minutes. Take the saucepan off the heat. Now the soup can be served. If desired, add additional cream and green onions for decoration.

Tips for Making the Best Gluten-Free Clam Chowder

Use fresh ingredients - Use fresh ingredients for gluten-free clam chowder whenever possible. Fresh clams and vegetables will give your soup the best flavor.

Make the bacon crispy - Fry the bacon until crispy to enhance the soup's flavor.

Cook until tender - Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are tender, as this will help to create a smooth and creamy texture.

Add clams at the end - When adding the clams, be sure to cook them just until they are heated through. Overcooking them can cause them to become tough and rubbery.

Add the garnish - Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme for an extra burst of flavor.

Serve with sides - Serve the chowder with crusty gluten-free bread or crackers for dipping.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Store Gluten-Free Clam Chowder?

Allow the soup to cool down to room temperature. Transfer the soup to an airtight container. Store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I Freeze Gluten-Free Clam Chowder?

Allow the soup to cool down to room temperature. Transfer the soup to an airtight container or freezer bag. Label the container with the date and freeze it for up to 3 months.

Can You Make This Gluten-Free Clam Chowder Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. Prepare the soup as directed in the recipe. Allow the soup to cool down to room temperature.
Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

What Substitutions / Replacements Can I Make in This Gluten-Free Clam Chowder?

Bacon - You can use ham or pancetta.

Clams - Instead of clams, you can use shrimp or scallops.

Potatoes - Try it with sweet potatoes or cauliflower.

Cream - You can use coconut cream or almond milk.

Is Most Clam Chowder Gluten-Free?

Most clam chowder recipes are not gluten-free, as they typically contain flour as a thickener. However, it is possible to make gluten-free clam chowder by using this recipe.

How Can I Thicken My Gluten-Free Clam Chowder?

You can use cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken the gluten-free clam chowder. Mix 1 tablespoon of either of these with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the chowder. Continue to cook until the chowder reaches the desired consistency.

Is Campbell's New England Clam Chowder Gluten-Free?

Campbell's New England Clam Chowder is not gluten-free, as it contains wheat flour in its ingredients list.

What Potatoes Are Best For Chowder?

The best potatoes for chowder are waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold, Red Bliss, or Fingerling potatoes. These potatoes hold their shape well when cooked and give a creamy texture to the chowder.

 Did you make this Gluten-Free Clam Chowder recipe? Please leave me a comment below, letting me know what you think.

Related: Gluten-Free Chicken Noodle Soup