This rich, creamy seafood dish is a beloved classic, often spotted at coastal restaurants and famously at Disney parks, where it is served as a hearty appetizer or soup. The image you shared depicts a smooth, savory bowl topped with red seasoning or bacon bits, matching the signature “Loaded” Potato Soup that fans frequently recreate.
🍲 The Chef’s Recipe: “Load it up” Clam Chowder & Potato Soup
· Ingredients: 4 slices of thick-cut bacon; 1 lb of bulk hot sausage (optional); 1 large onion (diced); 2 celery stalks (diced); 3 cloves of garlic (minced); 4 tbsp of butter; 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour; 4 cups of chicken stock; 2 large russet potatoes (cubed); 2 cans (10.5 oz each) of condensed cream of mushroom soup; 1 can (10 oz) of diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained); 2 cups of fresh clams (or 1 can of chopped clams); 3 cups of milk or heavy cream; 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese; Salt, black pepper, and Old Bay seasoning to taste.
👨🍳 Cooking Methods & Instructions
· Stovetop: Fry bacon until crisp, then set aside. Sauté onions, celery, and garlic in bacon fat until soft. Whisk in flour, pour in stock gradually, then add potatoes and corn; simmer until tender. Add the clams, milk, and cheese last to avoid curdling, warming on low heat until smooth.
· Slow Cooker: Brown the sausage and bacon in a pan, then transfer to the slow cooker with all remaining ingredients (excluding milk/cheese). Cook on low for 6-8 hours, stir in the cream and cheese during the last 30 minutes.
· Microwave (Quick Fix): Combine the soup, chopped sausage, and cheese in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute increments, stirring between each, until the cheese is completely melted and creamy.
📜 History & Formation
The creamy broth comes from combining white flour and melted butter (a classic roux) with milk or cream. This method “thickens” the liquid naturally, giving the soup its characteristic velvety, opaque look. Restaurants often rely on the addition of “Velveeta” or processed cheese to achieve a silky texture that requires less fussing with the roux.
💪 Nutrition & Benefits
· Calories: Approximately 267–335 kcal per serving.
· Protein: Clams or sausage provide 11+ grams per serving.
· Carbs: Potatoes and flour contribute about 36g of carbs for steady energy.
· Fullness: The heavy cream and cheese make it a high-satiety meal, great for cold days.
⚠️ Important Safety Note
Any soup or dip containing clams, bacon, or sausage must be refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking. If you are preparing this to freeze for later, I recommend freezing it in individual airtight containers to maintain the best texture.
🧡 Why Lovers Adore It
Fans swear by this duo because it offers the “best of both worlds” — a cheesy, savory queso vibe from the sausage and chilies, combined with the fresh sweetness of the sea from the clams. As one fan noted, “I’ve been wanting this soup since I tried it years ago; it’s a comforting memory in a bowl”. The red seasoning on top adds a final kick that wakes up the flavor pallet with every spoonful.