Begin by gathering all the ingredients you'll need for the clam chowder. This includes cut baby potatoes, cubed sweet potatoes, chopped celery, chopped onions, crispy bacon strips, canned clams, clam juice, half-and-half, flour, roasted corn, minced garlic, fresh thyme, Better Than Bouillon, salt, pepper, and water. Having everything prepped and measured in advance will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.
Place the bacon strips in a large pot over medium heat. Cook the bacon until it reaches your desired level of crispiness, turning as needed to cook evenly. 
Once done, remove the bacon from the pot and place it on a paper towel to drain. Leave the bacon fat in the pot as this will add flavor to the base of the chowder.
In the same pot with the bacon fat, add the diced onions, celery, and roasted corn. Sauté over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent and the celery is tender. This step builds the flavorful base for your chowder, bringing out the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
Stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme into the sautéed vegetables. Cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic. This step enhances the aromatic depth of your clam chowder, infusing it with fresh, herbal notes.
Next, add the diced sweet potatoes and regular potatoes to the pot. Pour in the clam juice and water, then stir in a tablespoon of Better Than Bouillon (or another broth concentrate). Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the chowder simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and half-and-half until smooth and free of lumps. Slowly pour this mixture into the simmering chowder, stirring constantly to combine. Continue to simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the chowder to thicken and become creamy. Stir occasionally to prevent any sticking at the bottom of the pot.
Ladle the thickened clam chowder into a rustic bread bowl or a regular bowl. Garnish with crumbled bacon and a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley for added color and flavor. Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy this hearty, creamy chowder with a side of oyster crackers or a piece of crusty bread. This dish is perfect for cozy evenings and will impress at any dinner gathering.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 799kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 16.33g26%
- Saturated Fat 8g40%
- Cholesterol 140.16mg47%
- Sodium 870mg37%
- Potassium 500mg15%
- Total Carbohydrate 46g16%
- Dietary Fiber 5g20%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 83.16g167%
- Vitamin A 1600 IU
- Vitamin C 15 mg
- Calcium 80 mg
- Iron 3 mg
- Vitamin D 40 IU
- Vitamin E 0.4 IU
- Vitamin K 4 mcg
- Thiamin 0.2 mg
- Riboflavin 0.25 mg
- Niacin 2 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.3 mg
- Folate 30 mcg
- Vitamin B12 4 mcg
- Biotin 5 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 1 mg
- Phosphorus 200 mg
- Iodine 15 mcg
- Magnesium 0.04 mg
- Zinc 4 mg
- Selenium 20 mcg
- Copper 0.1 mg
- Manganese 0.3 mg
- Chromium 1 mcg
- Molybdenum 0.03 mcg
- Chloride 0.03 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.