Baked Clams

When you want to treat your guests to something extraordinary, make this appetizer with fresh-from-the-sea clams. Bacon and Parmesan cheese are added to the bread crumbs and chopped clams for a rich and savory stuffing.

from Family Circle

Baked Clams
Servings: 6 to 8 Prep 15 mins Cook 12 mins Broil 3 mins

Ingredients

  • 24 small to medium-size clams (each about 2 inches across; see Note)
  • 4 slices bacon, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup dry unseasoned bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons cooking liquid

Make It

1. Discard any clams that are cracked, chipped or open. Soak in a bowl of water for 20 minutes to clean.

2. Meanwhile, cook bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat for 6 minutes or until crispy. Set on paper towels to drain.

3. Once clams have soaked, scrub one by one with a brush to remove any additional sand or barnacles.

4. Fill a large pot with a steamer insert with 1 inch of water. Heat to simmering, add clams and cover. Cook, covered, for 4 to 6 minutes, or until all shells open up. Take off heat; remove clams from pan, reserving liquid. Let clams cool slightly. Pull off top shell and remove clam from shell to a cutting board. Coarsely chop clams.

5. Heat broiler. Place 24 clam shells on a baking sheet. In a large bowl, combine clams, bacon, bread crumbs, Parmesan, oregano, garlic powder and black pepper. Stir to blend. Drizzle with olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the reserved cooking liquid. Stir until moist. Spoon stuffing into clam shells, dividing equally.

6. Broil stuffed clams for 2 to 3 minutes, until browned on top. Serve warm.

NOTE:

7. If you are unable to hand-pick the clams, order a few extra in case some are damaged and have to be discarded.

Nutrition Facts

Servings Per Recipe: 6; Amount Per Serving: cal. (kcal): 51, Fat, total (g): 3, chol. (mg): 7, sat. fat (g): 1, carb. (g): 2, fiber (g): , pro. (g): 3, sodium (mg): 73, Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
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