This warm appetizer is such a delicious dish to serve and is always a big hit.
Old-fashioned clam dip is wonderful when served for parties or special occasions. It’s always such a crowd-pleasing appetizer and one of the first things to go when served. And it’s so easy to prepare and can be made in advance of baking!
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How To Make Baked Clam Dip
This is one of those party dips that is huge on taste and texture, but so simple to prepare.
We love serving it piping hot with lightly toasted baguette slices and cut veggies, such as celery.
The Ingredients You Will Need
We start off by sautéing some veggies.
Chopped onion, red bell peppers, and celery add a depth of flavor, as well as beautiful color.
Sauté until just soft and translucent, about 5 to 8 minutes.
What Clams Are Best for Baked Clam Dip?
You definitely don’t need to break the bank when selecting the clams for this dish.
We’ve tried many varieties, from fresh to canned, from expensive to affordable. Go with the canned variety at the supermarket and you’ll be in good shape.
EXPERT TIP: You can find canned clams in the same area that you find canned tuna fish in your local market. We go with three 6.5 oz cans, and be sure to transfer the clams along with the juice to the pan.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 tablespoons) and 1 tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce round out the flavors.
Don’t worry, the hot sauce does not make the dip spicy at all. The hot sauce and lemon juice add a little acid and just a ‘zip’ to match perfectly against the clams.
EXPERT TIP: For the bread crumbs, we love the texture of Panko bread crumbs, which are a little more substantial than standard breadcrumbs. We even love using Italian-style Panko bread crumbs. But, whatever are your favorite types of breadcrumbs will work just fine. You’ll need 2 cups of them. Just mix them right into the skillet with the clams and vegetables. The addition of ¼ cup of grated Parmesan mixed into the party is optional, but delicious!
When and How to Serve
There is just something extra enticing (and a little nostalgic) about this dish. Baking clams is a tried and true method for preparing this delicious shellfish.
It’s perfect for game day snacking or an appetizer before a wonderful dinner party. But, guests always comment that the dip is really delicious, and, it’s not fishy tasting AT ALL!
EXPERT TIP: You can easily prepare the baked clam dip in advance. Do all the steps right up to placing it in the oven to bake. We love to slice a couple of baguettes and then toast them with a little butter or olive oil brushed on the tops. If serving to guests, we suggest also including cut vegetables, such as celery or bell pepper strips, which are great for scooping. Buttery crackers are wonderful, too.
This dip is the quintessential party dip. We had one guest tell us that the taste is like the topping of baked clams. We 100% agree!
Speaking of baked clams, if you love this recipe, you’ll most likely love our incredible Baked Clams!
But in the meantime, you really should whip up a batch of this appetizer.
Ready to make the best clam dip recipe in the world? Go for it!
And when you do, be sure to take a photo of it, post it on Instagram, and tag @HowToFeedaLoon and hashtag #HowToFeedaLoon!
Baked Clam Dip
Video
Equipment
- 8"x10" baking dish
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoon unsalted butter ¾ stick
- 1 cup onion chopped
- 1 red bell pepper seeded and chopped
- 1 cup celery chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 whole lemon juiced, about 2 tbsps
- 3 6.5 oz. cans clams chopped, with juice
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce ie, Tobasco of Krytsals
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- 2 cups bread crumbs Italian-style Panko crumbs are great!
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, pepper, celery, and garlic. Cook until tender, about 10 minutes
- Add lemon juice, clams (with juice), hot sauce and salt
- Take off the heat and add the bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese (if using)¼
- Put into a greased medium-sized casserole dish (8"x11" works well).
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove from oven and turn on the broiler
- Add the dish back in and broil for about 3 minutes...until lightly browned on top (keep an eye on this...will brown quickly).
- Serve with warm bread slices or crackers
Notes
Nutrition
POST UPDATE: The recipe was originally published in November 2015, but was updated with improved tweaks to the recipe with new tips and photography, and a fabulous new video in February 2021!
Kobina says
I have some left over piece of clams from my salad last night.. I was looking for a quick spread for a bread snack.. I like colors with anything I consume and saw your recipe.. I cant make this for one small slice of bread but I will keep this and try it later for our Hygge moments. Then rate the recipe.. At the moment it looks enticing as a 5 star but until I’ve made it I cant rate as such.. .
Kris Longwell says
Hi Kobina! We hope you enjoy the clam dip recipe as much as we do! Do let us know what you think when you make it! All the best, Kris & Wesley
Auntie says
Omg!!!!! Made this dip for my family and they all went nuts over it , everyone wanted the recipe. I made a few tweaks. I guess I’m the clam dip person now
Kris Longwell says
Hi there!! So sorry for the delayed response! But…YAY!! We are so so thrilled you had such great success with the baked clam dip! Isn’t it the bomb? And that’s great thing about it…you can easily tweak to make it even more perfect for you!! Thank you so so much for sharing and please stay in touch!!!!
Kathleen Davis says
Bread crumbs on top or stirred in to soak juice? Can you freeze this?
Kris Longwell says
Hi Kathleen. We stir the bread crumbs into the mixture. You could freeze this dip with no problem. Let thaw completely and then bake according to the recipe. We hope you enjoy the dip and please keep us posted! All the best, Kris & Wesley
Karen says
Can I put this in individual clam tins, and then bake?
Kris Longwell says
Hi Karen! Absolutely! That would be wonderful! Let us know how it turns out!!! Kris & Wesley
deirdre mcgrath-snyder says
Hey guys, googling a recipe and came across you two… so excited to try, and hope you are both well. Best Deirdre
Kris Longwell says
Deirdre!!!! Woo hoo!!! So so so wonderful to hear from you! And we love you found us while Google-ing recipes! We like this dip a lot! This blog thing has become a full-time business and we are having a blast! Hope you are doing well, although, I know you are!!! Let us know how the dip turns out (if you decide to make it)…and Happy Holidays!!! xoxo Kris (& Wesley)
Theresa says
Can you make this a day ahead,and bake the following day? I am making for it for
Christmas Eve. Thanks!
Kris Longwell says
Hi Theresa! YES! You absolutely can! Let us know how it turns out and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! Kris & Wesley
Cindy says
Easy to make. Delicious! Will definitely make again. I only used half a lemon for the juice but did add the zest from the whole lemon. Thanks for sharing!
Kris Longwell says
Hi Cindy! That’s so awesome to hear!! Lemon zest is a GREAT addition!! Thanks so much for letting us know and for the GREAT review! That honestly means so much to us!! All the very best, Kris & Wesley
Drew Keith says
You could’ve knocked me over with a feather when I tasted this dip. I thought the flavors were right on. I also tripled the da Tabasco Dahlin!!!!
Kris Longwell says
HI Drew!! We’re glad no one was near you with a feather when you took that first bite! LOL!! And YES to amping up the Tabasco!! So glad you loved the dip and thanks so much for letting us know!! All the best, Kris & Wesley
Carol Summers says
Making it this Sunday for the Super Bowl! Go, CHIEFS!
Hi, Kris and Wesley!
Kris Longwell says
Hi Carol!! So sorry for our delayed response! Let us know how everybody likes the clam dip, but more importantly: GO CHIEFS!!! Love y’all!!! Kris & Wesley
Mary says
Absolutely delicious. Will make this again and again. But (there’s always a but) it was too tangy and lemony for me. Maybe my lemons were exceptionally juicy. I added more crumbs and an extra can of clams to cut down the tang a bit.
Kris Longwell says
Hi Mary!! Sounds wonderful!! Thanks so much for letting us know!!! All the best, Kris & Wesley
Carol says
What size can of chopped clams?
krislongwell says
Hi Carol! Sorry for the delayed response! 6.5 oz. is what we use. Thank you!!
carol says
made this and will make again. delish!
krislongwell says
Great! It’s one our favorites, too!
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
Yummy, what a great looking dip!
krislongwell says
Thanks, Pamela! Love your site!
Marilyn says
My mouth is watering – I’m going to have to make this dip!