5 net carbs

Clam chowder

Enjoy the creamy, savory flavors of clam chowder in a low-carb version that’s hearty, simple to make, and perfect for any meal.

Recipe last updated: January 1, 2025

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Clam chowder

Name: Low-carb clam chowder [Keto]
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 4 slices bacon (chopped); ¼ cup onion (diced); 2 medium turnips (peeled and cut into ½” cubes); 2½ cups chicken broth; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; 2 6-ounce cans clams (drained - or any seafood of choice); 1½ cups heavy cream; ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum; Garnish: finely chopped fresh parsley

Last Updated: January 1, 2025
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Close-up top-view of low-carb keto clam chowder soup with bacon.

Low-carb clam chowder [Keto]

Total Diabetes Wellness

This low-carb clam chowder delivers all the rich, creamy flavors of the classic dish without the extra carbs. By swapping out traditional potatoes for turnips and using simple ingredients like bacon, clams, and heavy cream, this recipe offers a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for any time of year. Easy to make and packed with savory goodness, it’s a great option for anyone looking to enjoy comfort food that fits within a low-carb lifestyle. Garnish with crispy bacon and fresh parsley for a bowl that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Soup

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Net Carbs 5 g

*Net carbs are per serving

Ingredients

4 slices bacon, chopped
¼ cup onion, diced
2 medium turnips, peeled and cut into ½” cubes
2½ cups chicken broth
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dried thyme
2 6-ounce cans clams, drained - or any seafood of choice
1½ cups heavy cream
¼ teaspoon xanthan gum
Garnish: finely chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

In a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat, fry the chopped bacon. Once cooked, remove the bacon to a paper-towel lined plate. Don’t drain the bacon grease.
Add the onion and turnips and sauté for about 5 minutes. Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer for 10-15 minutes. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
Add the clams and the heavy cream and simmer for another 5 minutes.
Remove a small amount of the hot broth to a small bowl and add the xanthan gum. Whisk until the xanthan gum is fully dissolved. Add the broth back to the pot and stir to combine.
Serve and garnish with bacon, finely chopped fresh parsley, and cracked black pepper. Enjoy!

Equipment

Dutch oven

Whisk

Keywords creamy clam chowder, hearty keto chowder, keto clam chowder, keto fish chowder, low-carb clam chowder soup, low-carb fish chowder

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Top-view of ingredients to make low-carb clam chowder soup.

Hearty low-carb clam chowder soup served in a bowl topped with parsley and bacon, ready to eat.

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Close-up top-view of keto low-carb clam chowder creamy and garnished with bacon.

Notes

Clam juice

Draining the clam juice is optional and depends on your taste preference. For a stronger seafood flavor, you can include the juice from the canned clams in the chowder. If you prefer a milder flavor, simply drain the clams before adding them.

Thickening the chowder

If you prefer a thicker chowder, there are a couple of easy options. You can blend a portion of the cooked turnips until smooth and stir them back into the soup, or you can slightly increase the amount of xanthan gum, ensuring it is fully dissolved before adding it to the pot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this low-carb clam chowder recipe Keto?

Yes, this clam chowder is Keto. This recipe yields six servings, and each serving has 5 grams of net carbs.

Is this low-carb recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this low-carb clam chowder is gluten-free.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Make-ahead: This clam chowder can be made a day in advance. In fact, the flavors often improve after resting overnight.
Storing leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing instructions: This recipe does not freeze well due to the cream and turnips, which can change texture when frozen.
To reheat: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Avoid boiling to maintain the creamy texture.

Additional Details

Clam chowder has been a favorite dish for years, known for its creamy texture and hearty flavors. This low-carb version is perfect for people managing diabetes or anyone who wants to enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal without the extra carbs. With simple swaps like turnips instead of potatoes and xanthan gum for thickening, this chowder delivers the classic dish’s taste in a healthier way.

Clam chowder is a creamy soup made with clams, broth, and vegetables. The dish has been around for centuries and started in coastal regions where seafood was easy to find. Traditional recipes use high-carb ingredients like potatoes and flour, but this version uses low-carb alternatives, making it a great choice for a diabetes-friendly diet.

Details about ingredients

Each ingredient in this recipe has a purpose. Here’s a closer look:

Bacon: Adds a smoky, salty flavor to the chowder and provides fat for cooking.
Onion: Gives a hint of sweetness and depth to the soup.
Turnips: These replace potatoes, offering a similar texture but with fewer carbs.
Chicken broth: Forms the soup base and enhances the overall flavor.
Clams: The main ingredient, clams are high in protein and packed with vitamins like B12.
Heavy cream: Makes the chowder rich and creamy without adding too many carbs.
Xanthan gum: A low-carb thickener that helps achieve the classic chowder consistency.

Variations

This chowder is versatile, so you can change it to match your preferences:

Swap the protein: If you’re not a fan of clams, use shrimp, scallops, or another seafood you like.
Add vegetables: Mix in low-carb vegetables like celery or cauliflower for extra texture and nutrients.
Dairy-free option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative.

Serving pairings

While this chowder is filling on its own, you can pair it with some simple sides:

A fresh green salad with olive oil and vinegar dressing.
Low-carb crackers or bread for dipping.
Steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to round out the meal.

Benefits for people with diabetes

This clam chowder is a smart choice for people with diabetes because it keeps carbs low while still being filling and tasty. Instead of using high-carb ingredients like potatoes and flour, this recipe uses turnips and xanthan gum, which are better for keeping blood sugar levels steady. The clams, bacon, and heavy cream provide protein and healthy fats, which help you feel full and give you long-lasting energy. Clams are also packed with important nutrients like vitamin B12 and iron, which help keep your body healthy. With this recipe, you can enjoy a comforting meal that fits into a diabetes-friendly diet.

Tips

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh clams or high-quality canned clams will give the best flavor.
Don’t skip the bacon grease: The leftover bacon fat adds flavor to the soup, so keep it in the pot after cooking the bacon.
Whisk the xanthan gum well: To avoid lumps, dissolve it completely in a small amount of hot broth before adding it to the soup.
Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors blend together.

This low-carb clam chowder is a tasty, diabetes-friendly version of a classic dish. It’s creamy, hearty, and easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re following a low-carb diet or just want a lighter option, this chowder is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.