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Instant Pot® Clam Chowder Made Simple
Instant Pot® Clam Chowder Made Simple
Main Course

Instant Pot® Clam Chowder Made Simple

★★★★ ☆ 4.3 (385)

This creamy clam chowder comes together quickly and easily using the Instant Pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Cozy up with this comforting bowl of rich flavors and tender clams in no time!

◷ 55 min Total Time
♜ 4 Servings
▥ Hard Difficulty
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Ingredients

4 servings
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Instructions

1

Step 1

First, drain the clams through a colander set over a measuring cup to catch the juice—you should have a little over 2 cups of liquid saved. Turn on your Instant Pot to the sauté setting and cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy, about 5 minutes. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel to drain and set it aside.

2

Step 2

Leave just a tablespoon of the bacon fat in the pot and discard the rest. Add the chopped onion and celery, cooking them in the bacon grease until the onion is soft and translucent, around 5 minutes. Toss in the garlic and cook for another minute until you can really smell it.

3

Step 3

Pour about 1/4 cup of the clam juice into the pot and bring it to a boil, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom—that adds great flavor. Stir in the potatoes, carrots, pepper, thyme, and the remaining clam juice. Close the lid and seal the Instant Pot, then cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. It’ll take around 10 to 15 minutes to come up to pressure.

4

Step 4

When the cooking time’s up, let the pressure release naturally for about 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release to let out the rest. Open the lid once the pressure is fully released.

5

Step 5

Scoop out about 3/4 cup of the potatoes and mash them right in the pot, then stir everything together. Switch the Instant Pot back to sauté mode, add the clams and half-and-half, and cook just until everything’s warmed through—don’t let it boil. Serve the chowder in bowls and sprinkle the crispy bacon on top.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This clam chowder is creamy, comforting, and full of flavor. Using the Instant Pot makes the cooking process quick and easy. It’s a perfect meal for chilly days or whenever you want a hearty, delicious soup.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this chowder hot with crusty bread or oyster crackers on the side. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a nice touch of color and freshness. Pair it with a light salad for a balanced meal.

Storage Tips

Let the chowder cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, stirring occasionally to maintain a smooth texture.