What do you get when you combine the convenience of modern cooking with the timeless flavors of the sea? Recreate the iconic flavors of a New England clam chowder in your own kitchen, using this easy Instant Pot clam chowder recipe.
It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with tender clams. And best of all, it’s ready in just 30 minutes!
Table of Contents
Recipe Video
Why This Recipe Works
This Instant Pot clam chowder recipe works because it allows for customization enabling you to accommodate dietary preferences and ingredient availability. Additionally, it's incredibly easy to make for cooks of all levels. Whether adjusting the ingredients, incorporating different aromatics, or experimenting with alternative garnishes, this recipe provides ample room for personalization while consistently delivering a comforting and satisfying dish that's sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Bacon:
Bacon is often used in Instant Pot clam chowder to add a hint of smokiness to the dish. Smoked turkey or chicken sausage can be substituted for bacon to provide a similar smoky flavor without the pork. Alternatively, omitting the bacon entirely and vegan bacon bits can cater to dietary preferences while still achieving a flavorful result.
Aromatics:
While onion, celery, thyme, and garlic are classic aromatics used in the best Instant Pot clam chowder recipes, you can experiment with other aromatics. Leeks, fennel, bay leaves, carrots, chives, dill, and parsley are excellent choices that impart their own unique characteristics to the dish.
Seasonings:
Salt and pepper are the seasonings used in this recipe to bring out the bold flavors of the bacon and clams. You can experiment with added seasonings like paprika, Old Bay, cayenne pepper, or Worcestershire sauce to amplify the flavors in your clam chowder.
Liquids:
This Instant Pot clam chowder recipe uses water and clam juice as the liquid base and half & half to create a creamy finish. While clam juice is quite integral to the clam flavor in a clam chowder, you can substitute the water for chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even fish broth for added flavor. You can also replace the half & half cream with whole milk, heavy cream, coconut milk, or almond milk for the same creamy texture.
Potatoes:
The best potatoes to use in Instant Pot clam chowder are waxy or all-purpose potatoes that hold their shape well during cooking, such as Yukon gold, red potatoes, or new potatoes. Avoid using starchy potatoes like Russets, as they tend to break down more easily, resulting in a thicker and less desirable consistency in the chowder.
Clams:
The best clams to use in Instant Pot New England clam chowder are obviously fresh clams. Choose ones that are tightly closed or ones that close when tapped; this indicates freshness. Avoid using clams that are cracked, damaged, or have a strong fishy odor, as they may be past their prime. If fresh clams are not available, you can use canned or frozen clams as alternatives, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
Bread Bowl:
When it comes to choosing a bread bowl, you will want to pick one with a thick and sturdy crust that can hold the creamy chowder without becoming too soggy. Sourdough, French, and artisan bread bowls are popular. However, you can also choose to simply omit the bread bowl and serve your chowder in a normal dish bowl instead.
Green Onions:
Topping your Instant Pot clam chowder with green onions adds freshness and color. You can also try it with fresh chives, parsley, or dill.
How to Make This Easy Instant Pot Clam Chowder Recipe
Step One:
Add the bacon to your Instant Pot and set it to saute at normal for 5 minutes.
Step Two:
Stir in butter, onion, celery, and thyme. Saute until aromatic, approximately 30 seconds to a minute.
Step Three:
Add garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Step Four:
Once sauteeing is complete, add potatoes, sugar, clam juice, and water.
Step Five:
Close the lid and cook at high pressure for 6 minutes.
Step Six:
When cooking is complete, wait for a natural release, then carefully remove the lid.
Step Seven:
Once the steam has cleared, add clams and half and half cream, and saute at normal for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
Step Eight:
Once the mixture is lightly simmering, add the cornstarch and continue to cook until time is up.
Step Nine:
Serve in a bread bowl topped with green onions, and enjoy!
Tip
- Taste the chowder before serving and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and other herbs or spices as needed.
What to Serve With Instant Pot Clam Chowder
This homemade clam chowder pairs deliciously with a variety of side dishes. If you are not serving your chowder in a bread bowl, you can serve it alongside crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping, or with crackers sprinkled on top for added crunch.
A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chowder. And for seafood lovers, a platter of fresh mussels or grilled scallops can complement the flavors of the chowder beautifully.
FAQs
How do I prevent the cream from curdling in the Instant Pot?
To prevent the cream from curdling in the Instant Pot, gradually stir it in and avoid boiling. Additionally, you can temper the cream by mixing it with a small amount of hot chowder before adding it to the pot.
Can I make this easy Instant Pot clam chowder recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can make dairy-free clam chowder by substituting coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative for the heavy cream and olive oil for the butter
How long can leftover Instant Pot clam chowder be kept fresh?
Leftover chowder can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If longer-term storage is required, leftover clam chowder can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Can I make it without the Instant Pot?
Sure! Check out this Clam Chowder recipe for full instructions.
More Soup Recipes
Whether you like a thick and creamy soup like this clam chowder, or something more brothy, this collection of soup recipes is for you.
Instant Pot Clam Chowder
Ingredients
- 1 cup bacon chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 white onion diced
- 1 stalk celery chopped
- 2 sprigs thyme
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound potatoes peeled and diced
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup clam juice
- 1 cup water
- 6.5 ounces clams
- 1 cup half and half cream
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 loaf sourdough bread bowl hollowed out. for serving
- 1 tablespoon green onions for serving
Instructions
- Add the bacon to your Instant Pot and set it to saute at normal for 5 minutes.
- Stir in butter, onion, celery, and thyme. Saute until aromatic, approximately 30 seconds to a minute.
- Add garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Once sauteeing is complete, add potatoes, sugar, clam juice, and water.
- Close the lid and cook at high pressure for 6 minutes.
- When cooking is complete, wait for a natural release, then carefully remove the lid.
- Once the steam has cleared, add clams and half and half cream, and saute at normal for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Once the mixture is lightly simmering, add the cornstarch and continue to cook until time is up.
- Serve in a bread bowl topped with green onions, and enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
Notes
- Taste the chowder before serving and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and other herbs or spices as needed.