🥣 Keto Clam Chowder: A Creamy, Low-Carb Comfort Classic with a Southern Twist

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of clam chowder on a chilly evening—rich, creamy, brimming with ocean flavor, and deeply satisfying. But traditional versions? Loaded with potatoes, flour, and hidden sugars… definitely not keto-friendly.

That’s where this Keto Clam Chowder comes in. Inspired by New England tradition but reimagined with a Southern keto flair, this recipe swaps starchy potatoes for tender radishes, uses almond flour instead of wheat, and keeps carbs low without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.

And trust us: once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your low-carb rotation.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• Why this keto clam chowder works so well (and tastes even better than canned versions!)
• How to make it step by step with pro tips for maximum flavor
• Smart ingredient swaps for dietary needs
• Perfect keto-friendly sides (hello, cheddar bay biscuits!)
• Storage & reheating tips
• And more!

Let’s dive into the ultimate low-carb comfort soup that’s creamy, hearty, and guilt-free.

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🌊 Why This Isn’t Your Grandma’s Clam Chowder (And That’s a Good Thing!)

Traditional New England clam chowder relies on potatoes, heavy cream, butter, and a roux—which sounds keto… until you realize the potatoes alone can pack 30g+ of net carbs per bowl.

But what if you could keep all that creamy texture, briny clam flavor, and comforting warmth—without the carb crash?

Enter radishes.

Yes, radishes! When simmered, they soften into a potato-like texture with a mild, slightly sweet flavor that absorbs the chowder’s rich broth beautifully. Plus, they’re only 1.9g net carbs per 100g—making them a keto dream.

Add in sugar-free bacon, real heavy cream, and a touch of almond flour for thickening, and you’ve got a chowder that’s:

• Under 5g net carbs per serving
• Gluten-free
• High in healthy fats
• Packed with protein from clams and bacon
• Ready in under 45 minutes

And while it may not be “Southern” in origin (clams hail from Maine!), the love, comfort, and bacon? That’s all Southern keto soul.

Fun Fact: The creator’s wife is from Bar Harbor, Maine—the heart of clam country! So while the recipe has Southern technique, it’s made with Northeastern respect.

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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need for this keto clam chowder (serves 6):

🐚 The Base

• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (choose single-origin for purity)
• 6 slices sugar-free bacon, chopped (Carolina Pride or similar)
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp blanched almond flour (acts as low-carb roux)

🌊 The Liquid & Flavor

• 6 (8 oz) bottles Bar Harbor clam juice (or ~48 oz total)
• Juice from 8 (6.5 oz) cans chopped clams (reserve clams for later!)
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp ground thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)
• Sea salt & black pepper to taste

🥬 The “Potatoes” (Keto Style!)

• 3 bunches fresh radishes, quartered or halved (about 2 lbs)
• 8 cans chopped clams, drained (reserve juice!)

🌿 Garnish (Optional but Recommended)

• Fresh Italian parsley, chopped

💡 Pro Tip: Store parsley in a glass with 1 inch of water (stems down) in the fridge—it stays fresh 3–4 weeks!

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Render the Bacon

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped bacon. Cook 5–6 minutes until halfway crispy (you want it tender, not crunchy, for texture balance).
3. Use a slotted spoon to remove bacon, leaving the fat in the pot.

🔥 How to tell the oil is ready: Drop a drop of water—if it sizzles, it’s go time!

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

1. Add onion and celery to the bacon fat.
2. Cook 6–8 minutes until soft and translucent, scraping up any browned bits (that’s flavor!).
3. Return bacon to the pot.

Step 3: Make the Keto Roux

1. Add butter and let melt.
2. Stir in almond flour. Cook 4–5 minutes, stirring constantly, until mixture is fragrant and slightly dried (don’t let it brown!).

🌾 Why almond flour? It thickens like wheat flour but with zero gluten and minimal carbs.

Step 4: Build the Broth

1. Pour in clam juice and clam can juice (not the clams yet!).
2. Scrape the bottom of the pot to release all flavorful bits.
3. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Add Radishes (Your Keto “Potatoes”)

1. Add quartered radishes.
2. Simmer 10–12 minutes until fork-tender (a fork should slide in easily).
3. Skim off any foam if needed.

Step 6: Finish with Cream & Clams

1. Stir in heavy cream, thyme, bay leaves, and reserved chopped clams.
2. Simmer 5 more minutes (do not boil—cream can curdle!).
3. Remove bay leaves before serving.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

🥄 Too thin? Add ¼ tsp xanthan gum while stirring to thicken instantly.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

Ladle into bowls, top with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

🥖 Pair it with: Keto cheddar bay biscuits (we’ll link a recipe below!).

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🔁 Ingredient Substitutions & Dietary Tweaks

🥛 Dairy-Free Version?

• Replace butter with ghee or olive oil
• Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream (adds slight sweetness—balance with extra thyme)

🥓 Vegetarian?

• Omit bacon; use smoked paprika (½ tsp) + 1 tbsp olive oil for smokiness
• Boost umami with 1 tsp nutritional yeast

🌾 Nut-Free?

• Swap almond flour for 1½ tbsp psyllium husk powder or tigernut flour

🌶 Want More Heat?

• Add ¼ tsp red pepper flakes with the thyme

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🥡 Storage & Reheating Tips

• Fridge: Store in airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Freeze without cream for best texture (add cream when reheating)
• Reheat: Gently on stove over low heat—do not microwave on high (cream may separate)

💡 Tip: Chowder thickens when cold. Thin with bone broth or extra clam juice when reheating.

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🥖 Perfect Keto Sides to Serve With Clam Chowder

This chowder is satisfying on its own—but elevate your meal with these low-carb pairings:

1. Keto Cheddar Bay Biscuits – Flaky, cheesy, and ready in 20 minutes
2. Garlic Butter Green Beans – Quick sauté with almond slivers
3. Simple Arugula Salad – With lemon vinaigrette & shaved Parmesan
4. Avocado & Bacon Cups – For extra fat and crunch

🎥 Watch the creator’s cheddar bay biscuit tutorial [insert affiliate link here]

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are canned clams keto-friendly?

✅ Yes! Most brands (like Bar Harbor or Snow’s) have 0g carbs. Always check labels for added sugars or starches.

Q: Can I use fresh clams?

Absolutely! Steam 2 lbs fresh clams in 1 cup water + 1 tbsp white wine (optional), then use the broth + meat. Reduce canned clam juice accordingly.

Q: Why radishes instead of turnips or cauliflower?

Radishes hold up better in broth and mimic potato texture without absorbing too much liquid. Cauliflower turns mushy; turnips can be bitter.

Q: How many net carbs per serving?

Approx. 4.7g net carbs per 1.5-cup serving—keto-approved!

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🌟 Final Thoughts: Comfort Food, Reimagined for Keto

This Keto Clam Chowder proves you don’t need potatoes or flour to create a soul-warming, restaurant-worthy soup. With briny clams, smoky bacon, creamy broth, and tender radishes, it’s a low-carb masterpiece that even non-keto eaters will love.

Whether you’re:

• Craving New England nostalgia
• Needing a quick weeknight keto dinner
• Or just want to impress guests with a gourmet low-carb dish

…this recipe delivers.

So grab your Dutch oven, a few cans of clams, and those humble radishes—and get ready for your new favorite keto soup.

📌 Don’t forget: Pin this recipe, share with your keto crew, and tag us when you make it!

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✅ Ready to Make It?

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Servings: 6
Net Carbs: 4.7g per serving
Protein: 18g
Fat: 32g

Give it a try—and let the creamy, clammy, keto comfort begin!