Clams Casino Recipe
Clams Casino is a classic, flavorful appetizer featuring tender littleneck clams topped with a savory mixture of bacon, bell peppers, shallots, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, broiled to a golden, crispy finish. This dish combines the briny sweetness of clams with the rich, smoky bacon and bright citrus notes from lemon, resulting in a perfectly balanced, crowd-pleasing treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings (assuming one clam per serving, can serve fewer if served as an appetizer with smaller portions) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
For the Clams
- 1 Tablespoon Butter
- 2 Garlic Cloves, finely minced
- Salt & Pepper, to taste
- ¼ Cup Dry Vermouth
- 1 Lemon, zested and juiced (save the zest for the topping)
- 3 Dozen Littleneck Clams, rinsed and scrubbed clean
For the Topping
- 2 Slices Thick Cut Bacon, finely chopped
- ½ Cup Red Bell Pepper, very finely chopped
- 2 Shallots, very finely chopped
- 2 Garlic Cloves, finely minced
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste
- ½ Cup Reserved Cooking Liquid from the Clams
- 1 Cup Gluten Free Breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs if not gluten-free)
- ½ Cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
- ¼ Cup Freshly Chopped Parsley
- Lemon Zest, from the lemon used for cooking the clams
- Lemon Wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Clams: Heat a large, deep pot over high heat and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and season with salt and pepper. Sauté briefly until fragrant, then pour in the dry vermouth and lemon juice. Add the cleaned littleneck clams and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
- Steam the Clams: Steam the clams until they open, which takes about 5-10 minutes. Monitor closely and remove each clam as it opens to prevent overcooking. Discard any clams that remain closed. Reserve ½ cup of the cooking liquid before cooling.
- Make the Topping Base: While the clams cool, heat a medium skillet over high heat. Add the finely chopped bacon and cook for 2-3 minutes until the fat starts to render. Then add the red bell pepper and shallots, cooking the mixture for 3-4 minutes until the bacon crisps and the vegetables soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Season with freshly ground black pepper.
- Combine Topping Ingredients: Pour the reserved clam cooking liquid into the skillet and let it cook down for about 1 minute. Add the breadcrumbs, freshly grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and reserved lemon zest. Mix thoroughly until the mixture holds together with a slightly sticky texture. Adjust moisture by adding more liquid if too dry or more breadcrumbs if too wet.
- Preheat the Broiler: Set your oven broiler to preheat, preparing to brown the clams once assembled.
- Assemble the Clams: Remove the top half of the clam shells and discard. Place each clam on a baking sheet, open side up. Evenly spoon and pack the breadcrumb topping over each clam.
- Broil the Clams: Broil the clams for 5-8 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning, until the topping is golden brown and the clams are heated through.
- Serve: Serve the Clams Casino hot with lemon wedges on the side for an added citrus burst.
Notes
- Ensure clams are well scrubbed and rinsed to remove any grit before cooking.
- Discard any clams that do not open during steaming to avoid consuming unsafe seafood.
- If gluten is not a concern, regular breadcrumbs can be used instead of gluten-free.
- Adjust the amount of lemon zest and juice according to taste for desired brightness.
- Monitor closely while broiling to avoid burnt toppings.
- This recipe pairs well with a chilled white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Keywords: clams casino, clams appetizer, broiled clams, seafood appetizer, gluten free clams, bacon clams, easy seafood recipe
Find it online: https://dailysimplerecipe.com/clams-casino-recipe/
