Classic Clams Casino Recipe: Impress Your Guests with This Seafood Delight

Ingredients

  • 18 fresh clams
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1.5 tablespoons minced shallots
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 3 strips of bacon
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Rinse clams thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Open clams, discard the half without meat and arrange the remaining halves on a baking sheet.
  3. In a large skillet, cook the bacon strips over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon from skillet and set aside to cool. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
  4. In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the shallots, garlic, and bell pepper until they are soft.
  5. Add the oregano, salt, black pepper, white wine, and breadcrumbs to the skillet. Stir until well combined.
  6. Remove skillet from heat, then add the crumbled bacon, lemon juice, and parsley to the mixture. Stir until well combined.
  7. Spoon the mixture over each clam, making sure to fill each shell completely.
  8. Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.

Tools for making

  • Baking sheet - Used to arrange the clams for baking.
  • Large skillet - Used to cook the bacon, sauté the shallots, garlic, and bell pepper, and combine the ingredients for the filling.
  • Spoon - Used to spoon the filling mixture over each clam.

Recipe variations

  • Instead of using breadcrumbs, try using crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs for a different texture.
  • For a spicier version, add some chopped jalapenos or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture.
  • Replace the bacon with cooked and crumbled sausage for a different flavor profile.
  • To make it vegetarian-friendly, omit the bacon and replace it with finely chopped mushrooms or a meat substitute like tempeh.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute the breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or gluten-free bread crumbs.
  • Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top of each clam before baking for a cheesy twist.
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices such as thyme, basil, or smoked paprika to customize the flavor.
  • Create a different crust by mixing in grated cheddar or Gruyere cheese with the breadcrumb mixture.

Recipe overview

Clams Casino is a delightful seafood appetizer that's perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines fresh clams with a blend of flavors from bacon, red bell pepper, garlic, and shallots, all topped with a crispy breadcrumb mixture. A splash of white wine and lemon juice adds a touch of acidity to balance out the richness, making each bite a harmonious explosion of taste. Despite its gourmet reputation, Clams Casino is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for both simple family dinners and elegant dinner parties. Expect a dish that's savory, slightly salty, with a wonderful crunch and an array of flavors that really highlight the sweetness of the clams.

Common questions

  1. Can I use frozen clams instead of fresh clams? Yes, you can use frozen clams for this recipe. However, make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using.
  2. Can I substitute the bacon with a vegetarian alternative? Absolutely! You can substitute the bacon with vegetarian bacon or omit it altogether if you prefer a vegetarian version.
  3. Can I use a different type of bell pepper? Yes, you can use a different type of bell pepper such as green or yellow if you prefer. The recipe will still turn out delicious.
  4. Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free. Just make sure to check the labels for any potential gluten-containing ingredients.
  5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the clam mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to assemble and bake the clams. This can be convenient for parties or gatherings.
  6. What can I serve with Clams Casino? Clams Casino can be served as an appetizer or a main dish. It pairs well with a side salad, crusty bread, or even pasta for a more substantial meal.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking sheet - Used to arrange the clams for baking.
  • Skillet - Essential for cooking the bacon, shallots, garlic, and bell pepper.
  • Spoon - Needed to spoon the mixture over the clams.

Origin stories

Clams Casino, a delightfully flavorful dish, finds its roots in the small state of Rhode Island, USA. The dish is believed to have been first served in 1917 at the Little Casino in Narragansett. The allure of the dish lies in its name, which was likely derived from the gambling term, "Casino". This term, originating from Italian culture, means a small villa, summer-house, or social club. The connection is not clear-cut, but it's speculated the dish got its name from the lavishness associated with casinos. The traditional Clams Casino is served in clam shells, and each bite offers a gamble of flavors - the slight sweetness of the clams, the savory bacon, and the tang from the peppers and lemon - making it an exciting culinary adventure, much like a game at a casino.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.