Fresh clams are stunning but feeding a party gets expensive fast. This dip is the answer for high-class flavor at a quarter of the price! We’re taking all the elements of the traditional open-faced version and baking it into a savory dip.
The shortcut here is bulk clam meat. I haven’t found it at local grocery stores, but the Asian supermarkets sell it frozen for $3.99 per pound – less than whole clams in the shell. Bulk will work just fine for a baked dish with other flavors.
We’re settling in for a cozy New Year’s Eve with family, walking around town to admire the lights and ringing in 2017 at home by the fire. Whether you’re going all-out at a club or just hoping to stay awake, have fun and stay safe. xx
Clams Casino Dip
All the elements of the traditional open-faced version, baked into a savory dip at a fraction of the price.
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 173kcal
Ingredients
Dip
- 8 oz. bacon finely diced
- 2 shallots minced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 t. red pepper flakes more to taste
- 12 oz. clam meat chopped
- 4 T. butter
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 T. lemon juice
- 8 oz. cream cheese softened
- 4 oz. parmesan finely grated
- 1/4 cup parsley minced
- salt & pepper to taste
Topping
- 4 oz. bacon finely diced
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup parsley minced
- 2 T. butter melted
Eating
- variety of crackers
- lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°.
- Cook all 12 oz. bacon in a large pan. Remove and drain, dice, and set aside.
- Saute shallots, garlic, and red pepper flakes in the bacon grease.
- Add chopped clams and saute for 2-3 minutes, then add butter and melt completely.
- Pour in white wine and lemon juice, bring to a simmer, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Combine clam mixture, 8 oz. diced cooked bacon, softened cream cheese, parmesan, and parsley. Season with salt & pepper to taste and spoon into a greased pie dish.
- Mix together remaining 4 oz. diced cooked bacon, panko, parsley, and butter. Spread topping evenly across the dip.
- Bake at 450° for 15-18 minutes, until edges are bubbling and topping is golden brown.
- Serve with a variety of your favorite crackers and lemon wedges on the side for squeezing!
Notes
Asian groceries are a great source for inexpensive frozen clam meat.
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