The best, creamy New England clam chowder recipe uses tender potatoes, bacon, and plenty of cooked clams in a rich, creamy broth with a slightly smoky flavor. It’s what we call comfort in a bowl!

Scrub clams thoroughly. In a large bowl, submerge scrubbed clams in salted water so they expunge dirt from inside their shells, at least 10 minutes. Drain clams and rinse. Heat a heavy, wide pot ...