Clams Casino

Clams Casino is a classic baked seafood appetizer made with fresh littleneck clams topped with crispy bacon, buttery panko breadcrumbs, sweet red bell pepper, and garlic. Finished with white wine, lemon zest, and fresh parsley, this easy oven-baked clam recipe delivers bold coastal flavor with a golden, crunchy topping. Perfect for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or special occasions, these stuffed clams are ready in under 30 minutes and pair beautifully with chilled white wine. If you’re searching for a traditional Clams Casino recipe with authentic ingredients and restaurant-quality results, this version is a reliable choice.

Ingredients

• 24 littleneck clams (about 2 dozen)
• ½ cup dry white wine
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 4 thick-cut bacon slices, diced
• ⅓ cup finely chopped red bell pepper
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, divided
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Lemon wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Steam the Clams

In a large pot set over high heat, bring the white wine and ½ cup water to a boil. Add the clams and cover. Steam for 3–4 minutes, removing clams with tongs as they open. Continue cooking and checking every minute, removing opened clams as needed. Discard any that remain closed after about 15 minutes.

Reserve ½ cup of the steaming liquid. Pour the remaining liquid into a large rimmed baking sheet and let the clams cool slightly.

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2. Prepare the Topping

In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the panko breadcrumbs and cook, stirring frequently, until golden and evenly coated, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

Wipe out the skillet. Add the diced bacon and cook until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and add to the bowl with the breadcrumbs, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.

Add the chopped red bell pepper and shallot to the skillet and sauté for 5–6 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 additional minute.

Pour in the reserved clam-wine liquid and simmer until mostly reduced but still slightly moist. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon zest, half of the parsley, cooked bacon, and toasted breadcrumbs. Season with black pepper and a light pinch of salt, adjusting to taste.

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3. Assemble and Bake

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

Remove and discard the top shell from each clam. Spoon the breadcrumb mixture generously over each clam, pressing gently to help it adhere. Arrange the stuffed clams on the baking sheet.

Bake for 6–8 minutes, until the tops are golden and the juices are bubbling. For extra crispness, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Sprinkle with the remaining parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges.

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Tips

• Scrub clams thoroughly before cooking to remove sand.
• Remove clams as soon as they open to prevent overcooking.
• Toasting the breadcrumbs separately ensures a crisp topping.
• Keep a close eye when broiling to avoid burning.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Substitute pancetta for bacon for a slightly different flavor.
• Use regular breadcrumbs if panko is unavailable, though texture will be less crisp.
• Add a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Sprinkle with grated Parmesan before baking for a richer topping.
• Try chopped chives instead of parsley for a mild onion note.

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FAQs

Can I prepare Clams Casino ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the clams and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking.

What if some clams don’t open during steaming?
Discard them, as unopened clams are not safe to eat.

Can I use canned clams?
Fresh clams are strongly recommended for authentic flavor and texture.

How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve as an appetizer for seafood dinners.
• Pair with chilled white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
• Add a crisp green salad and crusty bread.
• Include alongside shrimp cocktail or oysters for a seafood platter.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic seafood appetizer with bold, savory flavor.
• Crispy bacon and buttery breadcrumbs create perfect texture contrast.
• Elegant presentation with minimal effort.
• Ideal for holidays, dinner parties, or special occasions.