Hot Clam Cheese Dip
A creamy, cheesy clam dip with green chilies and a hint of spice, perfect for parties and seafood lovers seeking a flavorful, hot appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. grated sharp Cheddar cheese
- 3 green onions, chopped fine ⓘ
- 2 canned green chili peppers, seeds removed and chopped fine ⓘ
- 1/2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- few drops of Tabasco ⓘ
- 1 tsp. prepared horseradish ⓘ
- 1 (7 oz.) can minced clams, drained (reserve broth) ⓘ
- 1 can ripe olives, drained ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can button mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1 can cream-style corn ⓘ
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. arrowroot ⓘ
Instructions
- Use a double boiler or chafing dish for preparation.
- Blend all ingredients except arrowroot, cornstarch, and clam juice until well mixed.
- Over low heat, when the cheese has melted, blend arrowroot and cornstarch with the clam juice to form a mixture.
- Add the clam juice mixture to the blended ingredients.
- Stir and cook until the mixture thickens.
- Serve hot as a dip.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of cream cheese or sour cream. If you want a milder flavor, you can substitute the sharp Cheddar with a medium or mild variety. To enhance the flavor, try adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder. If you're a fan of seafood recipes, adding some cooked crab meat can elevate this dip even further.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Hot Clam Cheese Dip with a variety of dippers such as tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks for a well-rounded appetizer. It pairs beautifully with Crab-Stuffed Avocados for a complete seafood-themed gathering. For a fun twist, consider topping it with some chopped fresh herbs before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the dip on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, to prevent it from becoming too hot and separating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Clam Cheese Dip contains roughly 669 calories, with 28g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (62% of the Daily Value), protein (56% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1178mg per serving (51% 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 make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dip in advance. Mix all the ingredients and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, simply reheat and stir well before serving.
Can I use fresh clams instead of canned?
Absolutely! If using fresh clams, ensure they are cleaned and cooked before adding them to the dip. You'll want to reserve the clam juice from cooking to maintain the flavor.
What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
If you need a substitute for Worcestershire sauce, try using soy sauce mixed with a splash of vinegar or a bit of hot sauce for a similar flavor profile. It will add depth to the dip without overwhelming it.
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).