Red Lobster New England Clam Chowder Bowl
By Alex Rivera, Head of Menu Research | Prices Verified September 2026 Against the Red Lobster App.
The bowl costs $9.99 and has 500 calories. It is a creamy 12 oz. serving with oyster crackers. Red Lobster does not offer a bread bowl. Prices may vary by location. Serving with oyster crackers from the soups and sides menu. Choose it as a filling starter or a light meal.
Red Lobster New England Clam Chowder Bowl All Items
| Entity | Attribute | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Red Lobster New England Clam Chowder Bowl | Price | $9.99 |
| Calories | 500 | |
| Size | 12 oz. | |
| Served with | Oyster crackers | |
| Bread bowl | Not offered |
Red Lobster serves its chowder in two sizes. The bowl holds 12 oz., and the cup holds 6 oz. Both come with oyster crackers.
New England Clam Chowder Bowl: This creamy chowder is the larger option. It works as a starter or a light meal.
New England Clam Chowder Cup: The cup is lighter. It pairs well with salads and seafood entrees. See the full clam chowder cup page for details.
| Item | Size | Price | Calories | Served With |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clam Chowder Bowl | 12 oz. | $9.99 | 500 | Oyster crackers |
| Clam Chowder Cup | 6 oz. | $7.99 | 280 | Oyster crackers |
Source: official Red Lobster menu. Prices may vary by location.
How Many Calories Are in a Bowl of New England Clam Chowder?
The bowl has 500 calories, based on the official Red Lobster menu. That equals about 25% of a 2,000-calorie daily diet. The cup has 280 calories, so the bowl is the heavier choice.
Red Lobster does not list full macros on the menu page. Third-party databases such as CalorieKing show estimates. Treat them as estimates only.
| Nutrient | Amount per Bowl | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 500 | Official |
| Total fat | 31 g | Estimate |
| Saturated fat | 17 g | Estimate |
| Carbs | 41 g | Estimate |
| Protein | 15 g | Estimate |
| Sodium | 1,650 mg | Estimate |
Potatoes and flour supply most of the carbs. Cream and bacon fat drive the fat. Sodium runs high, so check the official nutrition and allergen details if you track it. For general food data,
Does Red Lobster Serve Clam Chowder in a Bread Bowl?
No, the official listing shows a standard bowl with oyster crackers. Red Lobster does not list a bread bowl option. However, you can get a similar feel with a side of Cheddar Bay Biscuits.
Sourdough bread bowls are a San Francisco classic. Panera Bread also sells chowder in a bread bowl. Legal Seafood, Joe’s Crab Shack, and Claim Jumper serve their own chowder. Sizes and prices differ, so check each menu.
To eat a bread bowl, tear off the lid first. Next, dip the pieces into the chowder. Finally, scoop the soft bread from the walls as you go. Whether to eat the bowl itself is your call.
What Goes Into New England Clam Chowder?
Red Lobster describes its version as creamy New England chowder with oyster crackers. The brand does not publish a full recipe on the menu page. Still, most New England chowders share the same base.
- Chopped clams and clam juice
- Potatoes
- Heavy cream or milk
- Onion and celery
- Thyme and pepper
Many cooks add bacon or salt pork for flavor. Purists use only the rendered fat. This list shows common ingredients, not an official Red Lobster recipe. Clams, milk, and wheat are common allergens, so check the allergen guide before you order.
What Goes Well With Clam Chowder?
Pair the bowl with something light or crisp. Cheddar Bay Biscuits add a buttery bite. A fresh salad balances the cream.
Seafood works well too. Clam cakes and lobster rolls are classic New England partners. At Red Lobster, try the Grilled Maine Lobster Tail or a hot platter. Check current Red Lobster deals to save on a full meal.
Easy Clam Chowder Bread Bowl Recipe at Home
Want the bread bowl experience at home? This version uses canned clams. It makes 2 large bowls.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2 large bread bowls
Ingredients
- 2 personal size round sourdough boules
- 4 slices thick cut bacon, chopped
- 2 tbsp salted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- 2 cups bottled clam juice
- 2 cups russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cans (6.5 oz each) chopped clams, juices reserved
- 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ tsp white or black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Crisp the bacon. Cook the bacon in a heavy pot over medium heat until golden. Remove it with a slotted spoon. Keep 2 tablespoons of grease in the pot.
- Cook the aromatics. Add the butter, onion, celery, and garlic. Stir for 5-7 minutes until soft.
- Build the base. Sprinkle in the flour and stir for 1-2 minutes. Slowly whisk in the clam juice and the reserved canned clam liquid. This prevents lumps.
- Simmer the potatoes. Add the potatoes, thyme, bay leaf, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Then lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until tender.
- Prep the bread bowls. Cut a circle in the top of each loaf. Hollow out the inside, leaving walls about ½ inch thick. Brush the inside with oil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until crusty. This keeps the bread from turning soggy.
- Finish the chowder. Stir in the clams and cream. Simmer gently for 3-5 minutes. Do not boil once the cream goes in. Remove the bay leaf, stir in most of the bacon, and add salt.
- Serve. Ladle the hot chowder into the bread bowls. Top with the remaining bacon and parsley.
Swaps: Use half and half for a lighter chowder. Use chives or dill instead of parsley. Serve the chowder with sourdough toast if you skip the bowls.
Storage: Keep leftover chowder in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat it to 165°F, based on the USDA safe temperature chart. Carve bread bowls just before serving.
Homemade chowder will not match Red Lobster’s exact taste or nutrition. Still, it gets close to the classic bread bowl experience.
More Soups and Bowls at Red Lobster
Want a heartier meal? Explore the pasta and bowls menu for more filling options. You can also compare prices on the main Red Lobster menu with prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is New England clam chowder made of?
New England clam chowder is a creamy soup made with clams, potatoes, onions, and milk or cream. Many recipes add celery, thyme, and bacon or salt pork. The base is thickened with flour. Red Lobster serves its version with oyster crackers.
What is a New England clam chowder bread bowl?
A New England clam chowder bread bowl is chowder served inside a hollowed round loaf, usually sourdough. The bread acts as an edible bowl. This style is popular in San Francisco. Red Lobster serves its chowder in a regular bowl, not a bread bowl.
What makes New England clam chowder different?
New England clam chowder has a white, creamy base made with milk or cream. Manhattan clam chowder uses a thinner, tomato based broth instead. New England chowder is thicker and richer. It also relies on potatoes and clams, not tomatoes, for body.
What do you eat with New England clam chowder?
Oyster crackers are the classic topping. Good sides include sourdough bread, Cheddar Bay Biscuits, salad, clam cakes, and lobster rolls. At Red Lobster, pair the bowl with a seafood entree for a full meal.
How many calories are in a Red Lobster clam chowder bowl?
The official menu lists 500 calories for the 12 oz. bowl. The cup has 280 calories.
How much does the Red Lobster clam chowder bowl cost?
The bowl costs $9.99 on the menu page used for this guide. Prices may vary by location.
Final Thoughts
The Red Lobster New England Clam Chowder Bowl delivers a creamy 12 oz. serving with oyster crackers. It sits at 500 calories and $9.99 on the official menu. In short, it works as a starter or a light meal.
For a bread bowl fix, try the home recipe above or add Cheddar Bay Biscuits on the side. You can also explore the Red Lobster menu with prices for more soups, sides, and deals. Always check your local restaurant for current prices.
Price disclaimer:
Prices come from the official Red Lobster menu and can vary by location. Please confirm with your local restaurant before you order. Browse more prices on Lobster Price Guide.
