Clam Dressing
Clam Dressing is a savory, flavorful stuffing featuring tender chopped clams, stale bread, onion, celery, and sage. Perfect for seafood lovers or holiday meals, it offers a moist, aromatic taste with a delightful seafood twist that complements poultry or fish dishes beautifully.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the chopped clams, stale bread, diced onion, diced celery, and sage in a mixing bowl.
- Add sage to taste and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for 30 to 40 minutes until golden and heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful dressing, consider adding some minced garlic or fresh herbs like parsley. If you don't have stale bread, you can dry fresh bread in the oven for a few minutes. Adjust the amount of sage to your liking, or substitute with thyme for a different flavor profile. This dish can also be made gluten-free by using gluten-free bread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the clam dressing as a savory side dish for roasted chicken or fish, enhancing your meal with its unique flavor. It pairs beautifully with dishes like Creole Seafood Gumbo or Catfish Court Bouillon. Consider adding a fresh salad or steamed vegetables to round out your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover clam dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a baking dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Clam Dressing contains roughly 642 calories, with 9g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is a good source of protein (17% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (17% of the Daily Value), and iron (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 808mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned clams instead of fresh?
Yes, canned clams are a convenient substitute. Drain and rinse them before chopping to remove excess salt. Keep in mind that the flavor might be slightly different, but they will still work well in this dressing.
What type of bread is best for this recipe?
Stale white bread or sourdough works best for clam dressing as they absorb moisture without becoming soggy. However, you can experiment with whole grain or rye bread if you prefer a different texture and flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it before serving. This makes it a perfect option for gatherings or when serving Party Hors D'Oeuvres.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).