Keto Clam Chowder – Creamy Comfort Without the Carbs

When I first decided to create a keto-friendly clam chowder, I knew it had to capture all the cozy, creamy flavor of the New England classic—without the starchy potatoes.

That’s when I discovered that cauliflower makes a perfect substitute. This Keto Clam Chowder is hearty, comforting, and rich with the flavor of the sea.

With tender clams, smoky bacon, and a silky broth made with cream and butter, you’ll never miss the carbs.

This Keto Clam Chowder is a low-carb twist on the classic dish, perfect for those following a ketogenic diet.

Made with fresh clams, cauliflower florets, and rich heavy cream, this chowder is both satisfying and flavorful.

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Recipe Highlights

This Keto Clam Chowder is everything you want in a warm, creamy soup — rich, filling, and deeply flavorful.

By replacing potatoes with cauliflower, you still get that thick, hearty texture but without all the carbs.

It’s a recipe that fits beautifully into any low-carb lifestyle while satisfying cravings for traditional chowder.

The combination of crispy bacon, buttery clams, and smooth cream creates an irresistible depth of flavor.

Whether you’re cozying up by the fire or craving a bowl of seaside comfort, this recipe hits the spot every time.

Highlights:

• Classic New England-style clam chowder, keto-friendly
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• Smoky bacon and sweet clams for authentic flavor
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• Cauliflower replaces potatoes beautifully
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• Ready in under 30 minutes
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• Creamy, rich, and deeply satisfying

Comforting Keto Clam Chowder

This creamy Keto Clam Chowder offers a delightful twist on the traditional recipe, making it suitable for those adhering to a low-carb lifestyle.

With its rich blend of chopped clams, cauliflower florets, and crispy bacon, this chowder is both satisfying and full of flavor.

The combination of diced onion, chopped celery, and minced garlic creates a savory base that enhances the overall taste, while the addition of dried thyme brings a subtle earthiness to the dish.

In just about 30 minutes, you can whip up a hearty meal that serves four, perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients That Shine

The ingredients in this chowder are simple yet impactful.

Start with slices of bacon, which add a crispy texture and a smoky flavor.

Next, finely diced small onion and chopped celery contribute to the aromatic base, while cloves of garlic, minced to perfection, elevate the dish further.

Cauliflower florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces, serve as a low-carb alternative to potatoes, providing a creamy consistency when cooked.

Don’t forget the clam juice, which can be sourced from canned clams or bottled, and chicken broth to create a rich, savory liquid.

Finally, heavy cream and undrained chopped clams bring everything together, resulting in a chowder that is both creamy and satisfying.

Ingredient Notes

• Clams: Use canned chopped clams for convenience, or fresh steamed clams for richer flavor. The clam juice adds authentic depth to the broth.
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• Cauliflower: A low-carb potato substitute that thickens the soup naturally without starch. Chop into small pieces for even cooking.
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• Bacon: Adds smoky flavor and texture — cook until crispy and save some for garnish.
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• Heavy Cream: Creates the signature creamy texture without flour or cornstarch.
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• Butter: Builds richness and helps sauté the aromatics.
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• Garlic & Onion: Provide a savory foundation that balances the seafood flavor.
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• Celery: Adds crunch and freshness to the creamy base.
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• Thyme: Brings a subtle herbal note that complements the clams perfectly.

How to Make My Keto Clam Chowder

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook diced bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside, leaving about one tablespoon of fat in the pot.
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2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add butter, onion, celery, and garlic to the pot. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
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3. Add Cauliflower: Stir in chopped cauliflower and thyme. Cook for 3 minutes to coat the cauliflower in the flavors.
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4. Add Liquids: Pour in clam juice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender.
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5. Blend for Texture: Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup — leave some chunks for texture.
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6. Add Clams and Cream: Stir in chopped clams, heavy cream, and cooked bacon (reserve some for topping). Simmer for 5 more minutes to heat through.
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7. Finish and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with reserved bacon and a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley.

Preparation Steps

To begin, cook the chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat until it becomes crispy.

Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pot.

Next, sauté the finely diced onion, chopped celery, and minced garlic in the bacon drippings until they soften, which should take about 3-4 minutes.

Stir in the chopped cauliflower florets and dried thyme, cooking for an additional couple of minutes to meld the flavors.

Building the Chowder

Once the vegetables are ready, pour in the clam juice and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a boil.

Reduce the heat and let it simmer for around 10 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender.

Then, stir in the heavy cream and the undrained chopped clams, allowing the chowder to heat through for another 5 minutes.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste, ensuring the flavors are balanced and delicious.

Serving Suggestions

When ready to serve, ladle the chowder into rustic bowls for a cozy presentation.

Top each serving with the crispy bacon you set aside earlier, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve this Keto Clam Chowder with:

• A side salad with lemon vinaigrette for freshness
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• Low-carb biscuits or almond flour crackers for dipping
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• Grilled shrimp skewers for an elevated dinner
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• A sprinkle of Parmesan for added depth

This soup also pairs beautifully with a glass of crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, or sparkling water with lemon for a light, refreshing finish.

This chowder is best enjoyed hot, making it a perfect dish for chilly evenings or when you need a comforting meal.

Nutritional Benefits

This Keto Clam Chowder is not only delicious but also nutritious.

Each serving contains approximately 320 calories, with 22 grams of fat and 18 grams of protein, making it a satisfying option for those on a ketogenic diet.

With only 6 grams of carbohydrates per bowl, it fits perfectly into a low-carb meal plan, allowing you to enjoy a classic dish without the guilt.

Tips for the Best Keto Clam Chowder

Use both clam juice and chicken broth for balanced flavor — too much clam juice can overwhelm the soup.

Always add cream at the end and heat gently to prevent curdling. For extra richness, stir in a small spoonful of cream cheese.

And don’t skip the bacon; it provides the smoky backbone that makes this chowder irresistible.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring often.

Avoid boiling, as the cream can separate. This soup can also be frozen for up to 1 month—just thaw overnight and warm gently before serving.