Clams Casino

Clams Casino offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, combining tender littleneck clams with a savory bacon and prosciutto mixture, topped with crispy breadcrumbs. Enhanced by aromatic ingredients like garlic, shallots, and fresh thyme, these clams are bathed in a rich white wine and clam juice reduction before being broiled to perfection.

This classic seafood dish is perfect for appetizers or as a main course, served piping hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon to brighten the flavors. Enjoy the decadence of Clams Casino for a taste of seaside indulgence at home.

Clams Casino

Ingredients:

1/2 cup fine dry bread crumbs

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus 1 tablespoon, cold

2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon finely chopped parsley

1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1/2 cup dry white wine

3 teaspoons minced garlic

3 sprigs fresh thyme

24 to 26 littleneck clams, purged and scrubbed clean

1 ounce bacon (about 1 piece thick cut bacon), chopped

2 ounces chopped proscuitto

1/2 cup minced shallots

1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper

1/2 cup strained clam juice

Instructions:

In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon of the melted butter, Parmesan, 1 tablespoon chopped parsley and the pepper and set aside.

In a large, high sided sauté pan with a lid over medium heat add the remaining 1 tablespoon of the melted butter and olive oil. When hot, add 2 teaspoons the garlic, white wine, thyme sprigs and the clams. Place the lid on the pan, increase the heat to medium-high and cook the clams until they all open, 3 to 4 minutes. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer the clams to a bowl to cool. Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve and set aside.

Preheat the oven to broil.

In a medium sauté pan over medium heat, cook the bacon and proscuitto for 2 minutes. Add the shallots, red bell pepper, remaining garlic, and crushed red pepper, and cook for 2 minutes longer.

Add the clam juice and continue to cook until thick, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and swirl in 1 tablespoon of cold butter.

Remove the top shell of each clam and discard. Transfer the the clams (in their bottom shells) to a baking sheet. Using a small spoon, top each clam with about 1/2 teaspoon of the bacon mixture.

Then sprinkle each clam with 1 to 2 teaspoons of the bread crumbs — enough to cover. If you have any breadcrumbs left they can be frozen for up to 6 months.

Transfer the clams to the oven and broil them for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the crumbs are golden brown.

Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Notes:

Preparing Clams: Ensure clams are scrubbed clean and purged of sand. Discard any clams with broken shells or that do not close tightly when tapped.

Breadcrumbs Mixture: The breadcrumb topping adds crunch and flavor. Combine breadcrumbs with olive oil, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Cooking Clams: Use a large sauté pan with a lid to steam the clams in white wine, garlic, and thyme until they open, about 3 to 4 minutes. Discard any clams that do not open.

Broiling: After topping each clam with bacon mixture and breadcrumbs, broil for 2 to 3 minutes until breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy. Watch closely to prevent burning.

Bacon and Prosciutto Mixture: Cooking bacon and prosciutto with shallots, red bell pepper, garlic, and crushed red pepper adds depth of flavor to the dish. Cook until shallots are translucent and mixture is fragrant.

Clam Juice Reduction: Use strained clam juice to create a flavorful reduction with butter. This adds richness to the topping.

Presentation: Serve Clams Casino immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over the clams. Garnish with additional parsley for freshness.

Freezing Breadcrumbs: Any leftover breadcrumb mixture can be frozen for up to 6 months in an airtight container. Thaw before using.

Variations: Feel free to customize by adding other herbs or adjusting the level of spiciness with more or less crushed red pepper.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are littleneck clams?

Littleneck clams are small hard-shell clams commonly used in seafood dishes for their sweet, tender meat.

Can I use other types of clams for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute littleneck clams with other small clams like Manila clams or cockles, adjusting cooking times as needed.

Do I need to purge the clams?

Yes, purging helps remove sand and grit from the clams.

To purge, soak them in cold salted water for about 30 minutes before scrubbing clean.

Can I prepare the breadcrumb mixture in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the breadcrumb mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it for longer storage.

What can I substitute for prosciutto?

If you prefer not to use prosciutto, you can substitute it with cooked, chopped pancetta or bacon for a similar flavor profile.

How can I tell when the clams are cooked?

Clams are cooked when their shells open wide.

Discard any clams that do not open after cooking.

Can I make this recipe without alcohol?

Yes, you can substitute dry white wine with an equal amount of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version.

Can I use pre-cooked bacon instead of raw?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked bacon, but adjust the cooking time in the sauté pan accordingly to crisp it up.

Can I make Clams Casino ahead of time?

While it’s best served immediately after broiling, you can prepare the components (such as the breadcrumb mixture and bacon mixture) ahead of time and assemble just before broiling.

What can I serve with Clams Casino?

Clams Casino is often served as an appetizer.

It pairs well with crusty bread for soaking up the juices, or with a side salad for a complete meal.