On the coast of North Carolina, this broth-based clam chowder is on every diner menu.

The potatoes are soft and creamy, and the broth is aromatic and rich.

What Is the Difference Between New England Clam Chowder and Hatteras Clam Chowder?

Southern Living Hatteras Style Clam Chowder in a bowl to serve

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A third style, Manhattan clam chowder, has a rich tomato base.

Here’s a brief outline of the process; the full recipe with step-by-step photos is below.

Can I make this clam chowder ahead of time?

Southern Living Hatteras Style Clam Chowder ingredients

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Hatteras-style clam chowder is best when cooked and served fresh.

But you’re free to steam the clams up to a day in advance.

Just add them to the chowder at the end of cooking to warm them through.

Southern Living Hatteras Style Clam Chowder cooking the clams

Credit:Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Can You Freeze This Clam Chowder?

The potatoes can also change texture when thawed.

Move the frozen chowder to the fridge, and allow it to thaw overnight.

Southern Living Hatteras Style Clam Chowder cooking the bacon

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Reheat on the stove.

But you might round out the dinner with chunks of crusty bread or a handful of oyster crackers.

We also strongly encourage a drizzle of a favorite hot sauce to really invigorate the final dish.

Southern Living Hatteras Style Clam Chowder cooking the vegetables in the bacon grease

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)yellow onion, chopped (1 1/2 cups)

2medium(3 oz.

each)carrots, peeled and chopped (about 1 cup)

2medium-size(3 oz.

)bottles clam juice(such as Bar Harbor)

4(4-in.

Southern Living Hatteras Style Clam Chowder adding the wine to the vegetables

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Cover and cook until clams just open, 6 to 10 minutes.

Drain clams, discarding cooking liquid.

Pull meat from clam shells; discard shells.

Southern Living Hatteras Style Clam Chowder adding the broth, potatoes, and other ingredients to simmer

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Coarsely chop meat, and set aside.

Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate; set aside.

Stir in parsley, reserved chopped clams, and reserved bacon.

Southern Living Hatteras Style Clam Chowder finished and ready to serve

Credit:Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall