# Dive into Comfort with Rustic Bread Bowl with Creamy Clam Chowder
## Introduction
Welcome to an experience where scrumptious meets comfort in a dish! Our Rustic Bread Bowl with Creamy Clam Chowder promises to bring the seaside right to your table. It combines the delightful aroma of the sea with the warm inviting texture of freshly baked crusty bread.
## Why Make This Recipe?
There’s nothing more satisfying than a creamy, simmering soup served in a toasty bread bowl. The beauty of this Rustic Bread Bowl with Creamy Clam Chowder recipe is the union of two well-loved dishes that form an absolutely delicious duo. Eat the soup and then devour the bowl!
## How to Make Rustic Bread Bowl with Creamy Clam Chowder
Creating this dish is less complex than it sounds. The process is divided into making the bread bowls and the creamy clam chowder, and combining the two for a hearty meal.
## Ingredients
*For the Bread Bowls:*
– 4 small round rustic bread loaves
– Olive oil for brushing
*For the Creamy Clam Chowder:*
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups clam juice
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 cans (6.5 oz each) chopped clams, drained
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped parsley for garnish
## Directions
First, hollow out your bread loaves, brush with olive oil and bake until crisp. Your bread bowls are ready! Next, saute onions, garlic, and flour in butter, add clam juice and cream, and stir until thickened. Add clams, potatoes, thyme, and let it all simmer until the potatoes soften. Season to taste, ladle your delicious chowder into your bread bowls, and garnish!
## How to Serve Rustic Bread Bowl with Creamy Clam Chowder
Serve your Rustic Bread Bowl with Creamy Clam Chowder immediately while the soup is hot and the bread is crispy. Accompany with a simple salad or any side dish of your preference.
## How to Store Rustic Bread Bowl with Creamy Clam Chowder
It’s best to consume this dish immediately after being served. However, you can store leftover clam chowder in the refrigerator in a covered container for up to two days. It can be reheated on stove-top until hot.
## Tips to Make Rustic Bread Bowl with Creamy Clam Chowder
1. Saute onions until they’re translucent for better flavor.
2. Gradually whisk the clam juice and cream to avoid lumps in the chowder.
3. Make sure the potatoes are just the right texture, not too soft to ruin the heartiness of the soup.
4. Brush the insides of the bread bowls with garlic-infused oil for extra flavor.
## FAQs
1. **Can I use a different type of bread for the bowls?**
Yes, any hard-crusted round loaf will work well.
2. **Can I use fresh clams instead of canned ones?**
Of course, if fresh clams are available, they would enhance the dish further.
3. **Can the soup be made in advance?**
Yes, you can prepare the chowder ahead of time, however, serve it in the bread bowls just before eating to prevent sogginess.
Enjoy creating and savoring this comforting dish! Bon appetit!