Hot Clam Dip
Hot Clam Dip is a creamy, savory appetizer featuring tender minced clams, aromatic herbs, and melted cheese, perfect for entertaining or casual gatherings. Its rich flavors and cheesy topping make it a crowd-pleaser, ideal for serving with crackers, bread, or vegetable sticks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the minced clams, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, chopped garlic, and lemon juice in a saucepan for 15 minutes.
- Add margarine, oregano, parsley, and a dash of cayenne pepper to the saucepan.
- Stir until the margarine melts and ingredients are well combined.
- Add bread crumbs to the mixture and stir.
- Pour the mixture into a small casserole dish.
- Top with grated Cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese to taste.
- Bake in a 300°F oven for 20 to 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dip, consider adding a bit of cream cheese or sour cream to the mixture before baking. If you don't have fresh parsley, dried parsley works well as a substitute. You can also use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, to give it a unique flavor. This dip pairs beautifully with Baked Tuna Sandwiches.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hot clam dip with an assortment of crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping. It also makes a great appetizer for gatherings or game day. For a complete meal, pair it with a light salad or browse more seafood recipes to complement your spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the dip in an oven-safe dish and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 10-15 minutes. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Clam Dip contains roughly 553 calories, with 21g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (208% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. It also contributes 58g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 fresh clams instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh clams! Just steam them until they open, then chop and incorporate them into the dip. Be sure to reserve some of the clam juice for added flavor. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as fresh clams may require less time to cook.
What can I substitute for margarine?
If you prefer not to use margarine, you can substitute it with butter or olive oil. Both options will enhance the flavor of the dip. Keep in mind that using butter will make the dip richer, while olive oil will give it a lighter taste.
Is there a way to make this dip healthier?
To make the dip healthier, consider using low-fat cheese and replacing half of the margarine with Greek yogurt for a creamy texture. You can also add more vegetables, like spinach or artichokes, to boost the nutritional value while maintaining flavor.
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).