Clams Casino Dip Recipe

Why This Recipe Works

Canned clams make for quick preparation and plenty of clam flavor.
The clam juice adds extra clam flavor throughout the dip while thinning it slightly to a more dippable consistency.
Toasting panko breadcrumbs in bacon fat adds another layer of flavor.

Retro as the recipe may be, clams casino has always been one of our favorite special-occasion hors d'oeuvres. This twist on the classic brings the dish back into the limelight in the form of a quick and easy dip that will bring a smile to any shellfish-loving crowd.

Clams Casino Dip Recipe

Active 20 mins

Total 20 hrs

Serves 8 servings

This easy spin on clams casino turns the classic into a creamy, party-perfect dip.

6 ounces (170g; about 6 slices) bacon, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup (3/4 ounce; 25g) panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (5g) flat-leaf parsley leaves and tender stems, finely chopped, divided, plus whole parsley leaves for garnish
8 ounces (225g) cream cheese
1 cup (8 ounces; 225g) sour cream
2 cans (6.5 ounces each) minced clams, juice drained and reserved
Juice of 1 lemon
2 medium cloves garlic, minced
4 scallions, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
Crackers, crostini, chips, and/or celery, to serve

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook bacon, stirring, until crisp and fat has rendered, about 7 minutes. Transfer bacon to paper towel–lined plate to cool. Drain all but 1 tablespoon of rendered bacon fat. Return pan to heat.
Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over hot bacon grease and cook, stirring frequently, until golden, about 3 minutes. Scrape into bowl to cool.
Crumble bacon. Add half of crumbled bacon and 2 tablespoons parsley to breadcrumbs; toss to combine. Set aside.
In large bowl, mash cream cheese with fork and mix in sour cream until well-combined. Add 2 tablespoons of reserved clam juice and juice of 1 lemon. Stir in minced clams, garlic, scallions, red pepper flakes, remaining bacon, and remaining 2 tablespoons parsley, until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Transfer dip to serving bowl and top with panko mixture. Top with a few whole leaves of parsley, to garnish, and serve with crackers, crostini, chips, and/or celery, for dipping.

Special equipment

Skillet

Make-Ahead and Storage

The dip can be made up to 1 day ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container; sprinkle breadcrumbs on top just before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
283	Calories
19g	Fat
10g	Carbs
18g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Amount per serving
Calories	283
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 19g	25%
Saturated Fat 10g	49%
Cholesterol 85mg	28%
Sodium 843mg	37%
Total Carbohydrate 10g	4%
Dietary Fiber 1g	2%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 18g
Vitamin C 21mg	105%
Calcium 117mg	9%
Iron 2mg	10%
Potassium 475mg	10%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)