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Effortless Keto Clam Chowder

Effortless Keto Clam Chowders is rich and creamy, full of flavor, and “almost” effortless. Instant Pot Recipe with Stove-top instructions included.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

  • 5-6 slices Thick cut bacon
  • 8 oz Clam Juice see notes for stove-top method
  • 1/3 cup Vegetable Broth Can use Chicken broth as well, see notes for stove-top method
  • 2 tbsp salted butter
  • 1/4 tsp Thyme
  • 1 med onion diced
  • 2-3 cloves Minced Garlic
  • 1 12 oz Bag of frozen cauliflower rice
  • 1 8 oz Block cream cheese
  • 2 6.5 oz Canned Baby Clams drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1/2 tsp Pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt or to taste

Instructions

  • Dice and pre-cook Bacon, drain on a paper towel.  (you can do this on saute function in your instant pot to save on dirty dishes!)
  • In an instant pot combine, pre-cooked bacon, clam juice, broth, thyme, onion, garlic, butter and cauliflower rice. Stir to combine. Place the lid on the instant pot and set to 8 minutes at high pressure. Once completed allow the instant pot to sit for 3-5 minutes before releasing the pressure.
  • On low heat (saute function) add the room temperature cream cheese stirring until melted and combined.
  • Drain and rinse the clams and add to the pot, along with the heavy cream, salt and pepper.
  • Cook for 3-5 minutes until hot and enjoy.

Notes

This recipe can easily be made on the stovetop.  To do this I recommend doubling the clam juice and vegetable broth. When doing the initial cooking process much of the liquid will evaporate. In addition to adding more liquid, increase the cooking time as well. Bring the Clam juice, Vegetable broth, onions, butter, thyme, and cauliflower rice to a boil. Reduce heat and bring to a simmer and increase cook time from 8 minutes (instant pot) to approx 25-30 minutes for stovetop.  Once you have completed this step follow the recipe as noted.
If you prefer a creamier consistency, an immersion blender is your friend.  Carefully pulse the base to your liking prior to adding the clams, cream cheese, and cream.  I love the consistency as is, but an option for those who want a smooth texture.
Room Temperature Cream Cheese is an important step to incorporating into the chowder.  If you are looking for a quick tip in getting cream cheese up to room temperature quickly you can cut the cream cheese into small cubes and spread it out on a plate and let sit for 15-20 minutes.  Another option is to remove the cream cheese from the foil packaging and microwave in 10-second increments, flipping after every 10 seconds for about 40 seconds total.