An irresistible Clams Casino recipe, not to be missed! Fresh clams topped with crispy bacon and herbs, then toasted with breadcrumbs.

Easy Clams Casino Recipe close up on plate

Looking for recipes to make the season sparkle? Elegant and simple Clams Casino recipe, a fabulous party snack for the holidays!

When we throw parties I think long a hard about what sort of food to prepare… Will our event be casual or slightly more formal? Will we offer a sit-down dinner with multiple courses, or just set out heavy hor d’oeuvres?

Although I love grand dinner parties, I find people are more comfortable when we keep things casual.

Tasty Clam Casino Recipe overhead on a platter

Easy Clams Casino Recipe

Just because you decide a party menu will be mostly snack foods, doesn’t mean it can’t be nice. This year forgo the chips and salsa and try your hand at making classier party snacks…

Like Clams Casino!

Imagine fresh steamed clams kissed with decadent bacon and parmesan cheese, balanced by vibrant lemon, fresh rosemary, and red peppers. The fact that these beautiful clams are served “on the half shell” provides a touch of elegance to an otherwise down-home dish!

Clams Casino is the perfect party snack this season. It’s cozy, yet luxurious. Just the kind of food we crave around the holidays!

Ingredients for Clams Casino

Clams Casino Ingredients

  • 24 littleneck clams
  • 5-6 ounces bacon, chopped
  • 1 small red pepper, diced bell pepper
  • 1 large shallot, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons fresh chopped rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (at least)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/8 cup Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper
Making Clams Casino Recipe - open clams on baking sheet

How to Make Clams Casino

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Fill a large pot with 2 inches of water and place a steaming basket over the top. Place the pot over high heat. Once boiling, add the clams to the basket and cover for 1-3 minutes, until just barely opened.

Open the clams and twist off the top shell. Lay the bottom with the clam on a baking sheet. Repeat with the rest.

Heat a large skillet over medium. Add the chopped bacon and cook until brown. Add the red pepper, shallot, garlic, and rosemary.

Sauté another 3-5 minutes until the onions are soft, then add the panko bread crumbs. Once the breadcrumbs are toasted, squeeze the lemon juice over the top and taste for salt and pepper. (No need to discard the rendered bacon fat, the breadcrumbs will soak up the flavor.)

Scoop the bacon mixture on top of the clams, distributing evenly.

Sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese over the tops. Bake for approximately 5-6 minutes—until the tops are crisp. Serve warm.

Get The Full (Printable) Amazing Clams Casino Recipe Below. Enjoy!

How To Make Clams Casino

Seafood Recipe Cooking Notes

I hate to shuck clams, or any sort of shellfish, and avoid it at all costs. However, I’ve discovered steaming the clams for just a minute eliminates the need for shucking. Steam them until they are slightly opened. Then twist off the tops, saving the bottom half with the barely cooked clam.

Most shellfish served on the half shell are presented cold, on a bed of ice. Clams Casino are piping hot when you offer them to your guests. A creative way to serve Clams Casino, so they don’t teeter around, is to lay them on a bed of dried grains or beans. These dried split peas made a lovely and functional bed for most clam seafood recipes!

close up of clam on plate

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can this recipe last in the fridge?

You can store leftovers in the fridge for about 1 day.

Why do they call this recipe clams casino?

It is claimed that someone named Paran Stevens asked to have a specialty clam recipe made for her luncheon, and the chef Julius Keller made this dish and named it after the Narragansett Pier Casino, where the luncheon was hosted.

The Best Clam Casino Recipe baked with cheese

Looking for More Elegant Party Snacks?

Check this New England appetizer’s printable recipe card below for the total time to cook and the nutrition facts including calories, protein, and sodium percentages.

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Clams Casino

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
An irresistible Clams Casino recipe, not to be missed! Fresh clams topped with crispy bacon and herbs, then toasted with breadcrumbs.
Servings: 24 clams

Video

Ingredients

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Fill a large pot with 2 inches of water and a place a steaming basket over the top. Place the pot over high heat. Once boiling, add the clams to the basket and cover for 1-3 minutes, until just barely opened.
  • Open the clams and twist off the top shell. Lay the bottom with the clam on a baking sheet. Repeat with the rest.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium. Add the chopped bacon and cook until brown. Add the red pepper, shallot, garlic and rosemary.
  • Sauté another 3-5 minutes until the onions are soft, then add the panko breadcrumbs. Once the breadcrumbs are toasted, squeeze the lemon juice over the top and taste for salt and pepper.
  • Scoop the bacon mixture on top of the clams, distributing evenly.
  • Sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese over the tops. Bake for approximately 5-6 minutes—until the tops are crisp. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 2clams, Calories: 36kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 2g, Saturated Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 4mg, Sodium: 69mg, Potassium: 28mg, Fiber: 0g, Sugar: 0g, Vitamin A: 170IU, Vitamin C: 6.8mg, Calcium: 9mg, Iron: 0.1mg
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Author: Sommer Collier
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