Savory Clams Casino Delight
Indulge in this Savory Clams Casino Delight, a scrumptious and festive hors d'oeuvre inspired by a memorable Thanksgiving recipe. Originally crafted by my stepfather-in-law in 2007, the unique twist comes from the addition of toasted breadcrumbs, which offer a delightful crunch that elevates the traditional flavor profile. Perfectly baked cherrystone clams are filled with a sumptuous medley of sautéed vegetables, fresh herbs, and savory bacon, delivering a burst of rich flavors that seafood lovers will adore. Whip up this recipe for your next gathering and impress your guests with a delicious bite that carries the warmth of the holidays!
6
Servings
160
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
cherrystone clams
12 (cleaned and scrubbed)
butter
1/4 cup (melted)
onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
celery
1/2 cup (chopped)
red pepper
1/2 cup (chopped)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (fresh)
Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon
red pepper flakes
1/8 teaspoon
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (dried, unseasoned)
bacon
4 slices (cooked until crisp and crumbled)
rock salt
as needed (for baking dish)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the cherrystone clams under cold running water while scrubbing with a soft-bristled brush to remove any sand or grit. Discard any clams that are open and do not close when handled.
2
In an oven-proof shallow dish, such as a pie plate, evenly cover the bottom with rock salt, creating a 1/4-inch thick layer. This will help stabilize the clams while baking.
3
Place clams in a steamer and steam until the shells just begin to open, about 5-7 minutes. Carefully remove each clam from the steamer, reserving as much juice as possible in the bottom half of each shell. Set aside to cool until manageable.
4
Once cool, gently break off the top half of each clam shell. With a small knife, detach the clam meat from the shell, then carefully place the clam and its juice back into the bottom half of the shell. Arrange the shells snugly in the bed of rock salt, ensuring they remain upright for even baking.
5
Preheat your oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
6
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion, celery, red pepper, and minced garlic, sautéing until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
7
Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and crumbled bacon until well combined.
8
Gradually fold in the breadcrumbs, stirring continuously until the mixture reaches your desired consistency. Adjust the amount of breadcrumbs to achieve a moist, yet slightly dry topping.
9
Spoon a generous amount of the mixture onto each clam, ensuring an even distribution.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 6-8 minutes, or until the clams are cooked through and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
11
Serve immediately and savor the delightful flavors!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
13g
Carbs
6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Clams Casino Delight?
It is a festive seafood hors d'oeuvre featuring baked cherrystone clams filled with sautéed vegetables, bacon, and toasted breadcrumbs.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What type of clams are best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 12 cherrystone clams.
How should I prepare the clams before cooking?
Rinse the clams under cold water and scrub them with a soft-bristled brush to remove sand and grit.
Why is rock salt used in the baking dish?
Rock salt creates a stable 1/4-inch thick layer that helps keep the clam shells upright during the baking process.
How long should I steam the clams?
Steam the clams for approximately 5-7 minutes until the shells just begin to open.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long do the clams bake in the oven?
Bake the clams for 6-8 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
What should I do if a clam does not close when handled?
Discard any clams that are open and do not close when handled, as they may not be safe to eat.
How do I prepare the clam meat after steaming?
Detach the meat from the shell with a small knife and place it back into the bottom shell with its juices.
What vegetables are included in the filling?
The filling includes chopped onion, celery, red pepper, and minced garlic.
Is the bacon cooked before being added to the clams?
Yes, the bacon should be cooked until crisp and then crumbled before being mixed into the filling.
What seasonings are used in the mixture?
The mixture is seasoned with lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, and freshly ground black pepper.
How much butter is needed for the sauté?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of melted butter.
What type of breadcrumbs are recommended?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of dried, unseasoned breadcrumbs.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 160 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
Each serving contains 13 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in Savory Clams Casino Delight?
There are 6 grams of protein per serving.
What is the unique twist in this version of Clams Casino?
The unique twist is the addition of toasted breadcrumbs which provide an elevated, crunchy texture.
What is the origin of this specific recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a version crafted by the author's stepfather-in-law for Thanksgiving in 2007.
How do I know when the vegetable sauté is ready?
Sauté the vegetables for about 4-5 minutes until they are tender and fragrant.
How should the topping consistency be adjusted?
Gradually fold in breadcrumbs until you reach a moist, yet slightly dry topping consistency.
How much lemon juice is used?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice.
Should the clams be served hot or cold?
They should be served immediately while hot to enjoy the crispy topping.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 13 ingredients including the rock salt.
What is the purpose of reserving the clam juice?
The juice is kept in the shell to maintain moisture and enhance the seafood flavor while baking.
What type of dish is recommended for baking?
An oven-proof shallow dish, such as a pie plate, is ideal.
Can I use seasoned breadcrumbs?
The recipe specifies unseasoned breadcrumbs, as the flavor comes from the sautéed vegetables, bacon, and spices.
Is this recipe suitable for holidays?
Yes, it is described as a festive hors d'oeuvre perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions.