Baked Stuffed Clams

Transport yourself to the seaside with this delectable recipe for Baked Stuffed Clams. Bursting with flavors of the ocean and savory ingredients, these delightful bites are perfect for any seafood lover or appetizer enthusiast. Fresh clams are carefully prepared, stuffed with a savory mixture of bacon, onions, bell peppers, and herbs, then baked to perfection.

Each bite is a symphony of textures and tastes, from the tender clam meat to the crispy breadcrumb topping. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a taste of the coast, these baked stuffed clams are sure to impress. Enjoy them as an appetizer or a main dish, served with tangy lemon wedges and zesty cocktail sauce for the ultimate seafood experience.

Baked Stuffed Clams

Ingredients:

24 middle-neck clams or top-neck clams: rinsed well to remove sand and grit

3 tablespoons onion, fine diced

3 tablespoons bell peppers, finely diced

1 clove garlic, minced

2 slices bacon, finely chopped

¼ cup butter, ½ stick

2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 cup breadcrumbs, plain

¼ cup clam juice, liquid from steaming the clams- more if needed

¼ cup Romano cheese, grated

1 teaspoon oregano

¼ black pepper

¼ crushed red pepper

12-14 clam half-shells, well rinsed, foot removed

Instructions:

Rinse clams in cold running water changing out the water frequently until the water starts to run clear. Remove all sand and grit.

*Discard any clams that are not closed or that won’t close when you tap them on the counter. These clams are dead and should not be consumed.

Over high heat In a medium to large pot add 1 tablespoon olive oil and ½ cup water. Add thoroughly washed clams to the pot and cover. Allow to cook for 6-10 minutes or until the shells have all opened.

Remove the clams from the pot and let them cool until you can comfortably handle them.

**Save the clam broth that you don’t need for this recipe for later use in soups or sauces.

Remove the clam meat from the clams (not the clam foot which is attached to the shell) and chop into small pieces.

Pick the best clam shells for stuffing, gathering enough for the amount of clams you’re making. Break apart the clamshells from their hinges removing the foot from the shell. Rinse the shells in cold running water until clean. Set aside until needed.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F

In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the bacon, onion and peppers, saute for 2 minutes then add the garlic and continue to saute for another minute.

Turn off the heat and add the minced clams, bread crumbs, parsley, lemon juice, seasonings and clam juice.

Stir until the stuffing mixture is completely moistened. The stuffing should be moist but not soggy. Add more clam juice if too dry or more bread crumbs if too wet.

Stuff clam shells with stuffing and place on a baking sheet.

Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes at 375 degrees F. Or until the tops start to brown.

Serve with lemon wedges and cocktail sauce.

Notes:

Clam Preparation: Rinse the clams thoroughly to remove any sand and grit. Discard any clams that are not closed or don’t close when tapped on the counter as they may be dead.

Steaming Clams: Steam the rinsed clams until their shells open, indicating they’re cooked. Save the clam broth for later use in soups or sauces.

Shell Preparation: Select the best clam shells for stuffing, removing the foot attached to the shell and rinsing them until clean. Set aside until needed.

Stuffing: Prepare the stuffing mixture by sautéing bacon, onion, peppers, and garlic in butter. Add chopped clams, breadcrumbs, parsley, lemon juice, seasonings, and clam juice. Adjust the moisture level with additional clam juice or breadcrumbs as needed.

Stuffing the Clams: Fill the cleaned clam shells with the stuffing mixture, ensuring they are well-packed but not overly moist.

Baking: Place the stuffed clam shells on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes or until the tops start to brown.

Serving: Serve the baked stuffed clams with lemon wedges and cocktail sauce for a delicious appetizer or main course.

Customization: Feel free to adjust the seasonings and ingredients in the stuffing mixture to suit your taste preferences.

Storage: Leftover baked stuffed clams can be refrigerated and reheated later, although they are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.

Presentation: Consider garnishing the baked stuffed clams with additional parsley or grated cheese before serving for an attractive presentation.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use canned clams instead of fresh ones?

Fresh clams are recommended for the best flavor and texture, but canned clams can be used as a substitute if fresh ones are not available.

How do I know if the clams are cooked properly?

The clams should open up when cooked. Discard any clams that do not open during cooking.

Can I prepare the stuffing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffing mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

What can I use instead of bacon in the stuffing?

If you prefer not to use bacon, you can omit it or substitute it with diced ham or cooked sausage.

Can I freeze baked stuffed clams?

Yes, you can freeze baked stuffed clams.

Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month.

Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I use other types of cheese besides Romano?

Yes, you can use Parmesan or another hard cheese in place of Romano if desired.

What can I serve with baked stuffed clams?

Baked stuffed clams are often served with lemon wedges and cocktail sauce.

They can also be served with a side salad or crusty bread.

Can I use store-bought clam juice instead of the liquid from steaming the clams?

Yes, you can use store-bought clam juice if you don’t have enough liquid from steaming the clams.

Can I prepare the clams in advance and bake them later?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed clams and refrigerate them until ready to bake.

Allow them to come to room temperature before baking.

Can I adjust the seasoning in the stuffing mixture to suit my taste?

Yes, feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your preference.

You can add more or less garlic, herbs, or spices to customize the flavor of the stuffing.