CLAM CHOWDER FOR 50

[On a mission]

Does anyone have a good thick Clam chowder recipe for 50 people? I need to make some and thought I wouldn't just multiply a small batch if someone had a good large one. Thanks,

[FastActionRodTip]

50 cans of Progresso at BiMart ought to cost about $75

[Top of the Hill Angler]

I have a large extended family and I make this quite often and it's always a hit, it's not exactly just clam chowder but a seafood chowder...

Large pot (of course!)
10-15 Lbs. of potatoes (your choice on amount)
2-4 Lg. cans of clams (Costco and again your choice on amt.)
5 Lbs. of a white fish (cut into nice bite size pieces, white fish like pollock holds the flavor)
1 Lg. can of Cream of Mushroom soup
1 qt. of chicken broth
2 sticks of butter
1 brick of cream cheese
1 onion
1 half gallon of milk
1 Lb. of bacon
Salt, Pepper, Cayenne or Red Pepper

Pre-cook your bacon and crumble into pieces.
Peel and cut your potatoes into cubes, cover with water and bring to a boil.
Add all your other ingredients except for the bacon and simmer, the cream chesse takes awhile to dissolve if it's cold.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and just a couple of shakes with the cayenne or red pepper
I thicken my chowder with instant mashed potatoes, you can use whatever you like.
When you get everything to the consistency you like add the bacon and serve.
(I have also added the imitation crab meat, smoked and/or raw oysters)
Serve with a small pad of butter and maybe another small shake of the cayenne and enjoy with a piece of french bread...

[Fast Water]

Couple of questions TotHA:

1. Do you think it is best to add the white fish towards the end to keep it from falling apart?

2. IYO what does the Cream of Mushroom soup add to the mix?

3. Could you leave out the cream cheese and substitue 1 quart of heavy cream?

4 Do you saute or sweat the onions first?

This sounds good and might make a version of it tomorrow for my Daughter's "family" birthday party.

[Fast Water]

Your chowder was a hit. :smash:

Went with a quart of heavy cream in place of the soup and cream cheese and only one stick of butter. I used Cod as the white fish. I backed off on the oysters at the last second. Will have to use them elsewhere.

Next time I'm gonna play around with some yogurt and see if I can bring some tartness with the dairy.

Thanks TotHA :food:

[Okie]

Using instant mashed potatoes as a tickner is a real good idea in your chowder.
Good Luck:

[Fast Water]

I like the idea too. Didn't have any so I went with a roux to start.

[Top of the Hill Angler]

Thank you all! The ideas and subsitutes you've made definitely work, this isn't rocket science! The other things I have done is just load it up with all the seafood you want, it will still be a hit!!

[MarlinMark]

Great ideas.

Mark

[SteelheadBum2]

sounds great!! :food: :food: