Instant Pot Clam Chowder Recipe

Prep: 10 mins

Cook: 15 mins

Pressure Build: 10 mins

Total: 35 mins

Servings: 6 servings

Yield: 6 bowls

You won't need to travel to New England for a thick and rich white clam chowder. This easy version can be prepared in minutes using an Instant Pot. The classic recipe contains both clams and clam juice, as well as diced potatoes, onion and celery. It is often served with saltine crackers or oyster crackers. Sometimes diced carrots or fresh parsley are added for interest. This version adds some crisped and crumbled bacon for added flavor, texture, and color.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided

• 4 strips smoked bacon, diced

• 1 cup diced onions

• 1/2 cup diced celery

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 5 cups peeled and diced potatoes, from about 3 russet potatoes

• 1 (10-ounce) can clams, drained

• 1 (8-ounce) bottle clam juice

• 1 cup water

• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1 1/2 cups whole milk

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• Oyster crackers, for serving

Steps to Make It

1. Gather the ingredients.

   

2. Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add 1/2 tablespoon olive oil to the pot. Transfer the diced bacon to the pot and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

   

3. Carefully transfer the cooked and crisped bacon to a paper towel lined plate, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pot.

   

4. Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot and add the diced onions, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 4 minutes, or until softened, stirring occasionally.

   

5. Add the cubed potatoes, clams, clam juice, water, salt, thyme, and pepper to the pot. Secure the lid on the pot and set to manual. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. When the cooking is complete, manually release the pressure by moving the valve to venting. 

   

6. Remove the lid and once again set to the sauté function. (Use a low setting, if possible on your appliance). Add the milk and cream to the pot. Heat, stirring occasionally, to a very gentle boil.

   

7. In a small bowl, add the flour. Ladle about 3/4 cup of the liquid from the soup and transfer it to the bowl. Using a fork, stir the flour and liquid together until you get a thick paste. Scrape the thick paste into the pot and stir to incorporate with the rest of the soup. Let the soup simmer for about 4 minutes more to thicken. 

   

8. Ladle the soup into serving bowls. Top with the crumbled bacon and a few twists of fresh black pepper. Serve with oyster crackers, if desired.

   

9. Enjoy!

Tip

• To prevent the potatoes from browning after peeling and chopping, soak them in cold water until ready to use. Drain well before adding them to the electric pressure cooker.