Marianne Martinez
Clam chowder is a delicious and creamy soup that can be made in a crock pot. It is a great dish to make for a crowd and can be served with saltine crackers, oyster crackers, or warm sourdough bread and butter. The cooking time for clam chowder in a crock pot varies depending on the recipe, but it typically ranges from four to eight hours. In this article, we will explore different recipes and methods for cooking clam chowder in a crock pot, providing a step-by-step guide to creating this comforting and tasty dish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook time | 3-8 hours |
| Ingredients | Clams, potatoes, bacon, onions, celery, garlic, water, salt, black pepper, thyme, cornstarch, cream, milk, butter, parsley, oyster crackers |
| Variations | Manhattan Clam Chowder (with tomatoes), New England Clam Chowder (with cream of mushroom soup), use of chicken or beef broth |
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What You'll Learn
Ingredients
The ingredients for clam chowder in a crock pot vary depending on the recipe. Here is a list of ingredients commonly used in different recipes:
- Potatoes: Most recipes call for potatoes, with some specifying Yukon potatoes for their rich and buttery texture, or russets for their starch content. Red potatoes can also be used.
- Clams: Canned, minced clams are commonly used, with their juice being added for extra flavour.
- Bacon: Smoked bacon adds a depth of flavour to the chowder and can be used as a garnish.
- Vegetables: Onions, celery, and garlic are commonly used, with some recipes also adding carrots. Sautéing the vegetables in bacon fat before adding them to the crock pot enhances their flavour.
- Dairy: Milk, cream, or half-and-half are used to create a creamy texture. Cream cheese can also be added for a rich, velvety body.
- Seasonings: Thyme, black pepper, and kosher salt are commonly used seasonings. Fresh parsley can be added as a garnish.
- Broth: Chicken broth or stock is often used, but it can be substituted with water or clam juice for extra clam flavour.
Some recipes also suggest adding corn starch to thicken the chowder, or using potato flakes as a thickening agent. Oyster crackers, butter, and paprika can be used as toppings or sides to enhance the flavour and presentation of the dish.
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Preparation
Clam chowder is a hearty and comforting soup that can be made in a crockpot or on a stovetop. The slow-cooking process in a crockpot allows the flavours to blend together, resulting in a rich and creamy broth. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare and cook clam chowder in a crockpot:
Start by frying some bacon in a pan until crisp. You can use bacon or salt pork, depending on your preference. Once cooked, set the bacon aside on a paper towel to drain, reserving the bacon fat in the pan. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the bacon and use a suitable fat or oil for cooking.
In the same pan, add some butter and the chopped onion and celery. Cook over medium heat until softened. You can also add other vegetables like carrots or potatoes at this stage. For extra flavour, you can sauté the vegetables in the bacon fat before adding them to the crockpot.
In a separate bowl, combine the cubed potatoes, water or low-sodium chicken broth, and clam juice. You can use bottled or canned clam juice, or even use the juice from the canned clams. Add this mixture to the crockpot.
To the crockpot, also add the cooked onion and celery mixture, along with the clams, thyme, garlic, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. You can use fresh or canned minced clams, depending on your preference. If using whole clams, be sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces.
Give everything a good stir to combine, ensuring all the ingredients are well incorporated. You can also add some cream cheese cubes at this stage for extra creaminess.
Cooking:
Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours, or until the vegetables are tender. You can also cook the chowder on low for 7 to 8 hours, depending on your preferred cooking time.
About 20 minutes to half an hour before serving, combine some half-and-half, cream, or milk with cornstarch and whisk together. Add this mixture to the crockpot and stir well. This will help thicken the chowder and give it a creamy texture.
Continue cooking the chowder on high for another 20 minutes to half an hour, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Serving:
Serve the crockpot clam chowder in bowls with oyster crackers, saltine crackers, or warm sourdough bread on the side. You can also serve it in a bread bowl for an extra special touch.
Garnish the chowder with chopped fresh parsley, chives, shredded mild cheese, or crumbled bacon for added flavour and texture.
Enjoy your homemade crockpot clam chowder! It's a delicious and comforting meal, perfect for chilly days.
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Cooking time
The cooking time for clam chowder in a crock pot varies depending on the recipe and the desired consistency. Most recipes call for a cooking time of around 3 to 4 hours on high heat or 7 to 8 hours on low heat.
For example, one recipe recommends cooking the bacon, onion, potatoes, celery, garlic, water, salt, pepper, and thyme on low heat for 7 hours. Then, you should add a mixture of half-and-half and cornstarch, and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes. This recipe takes a total of 7 and a half hours.
Another recipe suggests cooking the potatoes, onion, celery, clams, clam juice, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper on low heat for 3 hours, or until the potatoes are tender. Then, whisk together cornstarch and half-and-half, add it to the crockpot, and cook on high for about 20 minutes. This recipe takes a total of 3 hours and 20 minutes.
Some recipes recommend cooking the clam chowder for a shorter period, such as 4 hours, to achieve a creamy and rich broth. However, it's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and model of your crockpot, as well as your personal preference for the consistency of the chowder.
Additionally, there are a few steps that can be done before adding the ingredients to the crockpot. For instance, you can sauté the vegetables and bacon in a skillet to enhance their flavour. This step will add some time to the overall preparation but will enhance the flavour of the chowder.
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Serving suggestions
Slow-cooked clam chowder is a hearty and comforting soup with a rich, creamy broth loaded with tender chunks of potatoes and clams. The slow cooking process blends the flavours together, creating a savoury and creamy taste with a hint of saltiness. Here are some serving suggestions for this delicious dish:
Garnishes and Toppings
Garnishes and toppings add texture and enhance the flavour of the clam chowder. Here are some options:
- Bacon bits: Fry extra bacon strips and crumble them over the chowder as a garnish. You can also sprinkle chopped chives or parsley on top.
- Oyster crackers: These crackers make a great crunchy addition to the creamy soup.
- Butter and paprika: For a restaurant-style touch, add a pat of butter and a sprinkle of paprika on top of the chowder.
Breads
Breads are a classic accompaniment to soups, providing a hearty and filling side. Here are some bread options:
- Sourdough bread: Serve warm, buttered sourdough bread alongside the chowder for dipping.
- French bread: Freshly baked French bread is another delicious option to enjoy with the clam chowder.
- Potato rolls: For a classic side, serve the clam chowder with soft and fluffy potato rolls.
- Bread bowl: For an extra special presentation, serve the chowder in a hollowed-out bread bowl. This not only tastes delicious but also makes for a unique serving dish.
Salads and Sides
To round out the meal, consider serving the clam chowder with a refreshing salad or a complementary side dish:
- Cold Green Bean Salad: This crisp salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy chowder.
- Classic Potato Salad: Potato salad is a classic side dish that pairs well with the flavours of the clam chowder.
- Dessert: Don't forget to finish the meal with a sweet treat, such as an Easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie.
The versatility of clam chowder allows for various serving options to cater to different tastes and occasions. Whether you choose to garnish, serve it with bread, or offer a refreshing side salad, your guests are sure to enjoy this comforting dish.
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Recipe reviews
Dinner, then Dessert
One reviewer on Dinner, then Dessert says that they left out the bacon because their girlfriend said it doesn't belong in chowder. They slow-cooked for 6.5 hours, then cooked on high for 30 minutes. They thought it could have been thicker but it was a good first attempt. They also mention that they will probably add the clam base next time.
The Magical Slow Cooker
A reviewer on The Magical Slow Cooker says that the crockpot clam chowder recipe is now one of their favourite recipes of all time. They also mention that it is one of their favourite recipes to make while travelling in an RV or at vacation houses.
Simply Happy Foodie
A reviewer on Simply Happy Foodie says that the recipe is more bacon-forward than they expected but balances perfectly with oyster crackers. They also mention that they used evaporated milk instead of half-and-half.
The Spruce Eats
A reviewer on The Spruce Eats says that the crockpot clam chowder is easy and great-tasting. They also mention that it is satisfying and full of flavour.
A user on Reddit says that they normally make their clam chowder on the stove in about an hour but decided to try out their new crock pot. They say that the recipe turned out amazingly and was worth sharing.
Crinkled Cookbook
A reviewer on Crinkled Cookbook says that the crockpot clam chowder is better than restaurant-quality chowder. They also mention that the ingredients are simple and the technique is easy.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the recipe, but most clam chowder recipes for the crock pot recommend cooking for around 4 hours on high or 7-8 hours on low.
The ingredients you need will vary depending on the recipe, but most recipes include potatoes, clams, bacon, onion, celery, garlic, and thyme. Some recipes also include carrots, corn starch, and cream cheese.
You can use any type of potato you have on hand, but Yukon potatoes are often recommended for their rich and buttery texture. Other options include red potatoes and russets.
Yes, you can omit the bacon if you prefer. You may need to adjust the seasoning and add extra fat to the dish.
Clam chowder is often served with oyster crackers, saltine crackers, or warm sourdough bread and butter. You can also serve it in a bread bowl for an extra special touch.
