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Clams Casino is a classic seafood appetizer that originated in the early 1900s. It features fresh clams on the half shell topped with a savory mixture of breadcrumbs, bell pepper, garlic, herbs, and crisp bacon—then broiled until golden. It’s elegant yet simple, and perfect for dinner parties or seafood feasts.
⏱️ Prep Time
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10–12 minutes |
| Total Time | 30–35 minutes |
🧰 Equipment
- Oyster or clam knife
- Baking sheet
- Broiler or oven
- Small skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Kitchen towel (for opening clams safely)
🧂 Ingredients (Makes 12 Clams)
- 12 littleneck clams, scrubbed clean
- 2 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tbsp finely chopped shallot or onion
- 2 tbsp finely chopped red bell pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
📌 Ingredient Notes
- Clams: Littlenecks are best—they’re small, sweet, and ideal for this dish.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a crunchier texture; traditional breadcrumbs yield a more classic bite.
- Bacon: Smoked bacon adds depth; pancetta works for an Italian twist.
- Cheese: Parmesan is optional but adds a savory edge.
🍳 Instructions
- Preheat Broiler:
- Set oven to broil and place the oven rack in the top third.
- Open Clams:
- Carefully open clams with a clam knife over a bowl to catch any juices.
- Discard the top shell; leave the clam in the bottom shell and arrange on a baking sheet.
- Strain and reserve any clam juice for moistening the stuffing.
- Cook Bacon Mixture:
- In a skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until just crisp.
- Add shallots, red pepper, and garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes until softened.
- Remove from heat and stir in breadcrumbs, parsley, Parmesan (if using), olive oil/butter, and lemon juice.
- Add a splash of reserved clam juice for moisture if needed.
- Top the Clams:
- Spoon about 1–2 teaspoons of the mixture onto each clam.
- Press gently so it stays on top.
- Broil:
- Broil clams for 5–7 minutes until the topping is golden and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Serve hot with lemon wedges.
🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per 2 clams)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~130 kcal |
| Protein | 8g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Carbs | 4g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
| Sugar | <1g |
💡 Tips
- Buy live clams: They should be tightly closed or close when tapped.
- Open safely: Use a towel to grip the clam and protect your hand while shucking.
- No broiler? Bake at 450°F (230°C) for 10–12 minutes instead.
🔄 Variations
- Spicy Clams Casino: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Herbed Version: Add fresh thyme or oregano to the breadcrumb mix.
- No Pork: Swap bacon with turkey bacon or a mix of sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
- Make-Ahead: Prep the topping and shuck the clams in advance, then assemble and broil just before serving.
