Hot Clam Dip(Serve With Crackers)
A warm, cheesy clam dip with garlic, herbs, and melted mozzarella, perfect for entertaining or snacking with crackers and bread crumbs for a savory treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sauté chopped onion in butter until translucent.
- In a separate bowl, mix bread crumbs, diced mozzarella, lemon juice, and minced clams with juice.
- Add garlic powder, parsley, and oregano to the sautéed onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Combine the cooked onion mixture with the clam mixture and stir well.
- Pour the mixture into a casserole dish.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes until browned on top.
- Serve hot with crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dip, consider adding a splash of cream cheese or sour cream to the clam mixture. If you don't have mozzarella, cheddar can be a great substitute for a sharper flavor. Adjust the spices according to your preference, and feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. This dip is also fantastic when paired with bread instead of crackers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Hot Clam Dip warm with an assortment of crackers for dipping. It also pairs nicely with fresh vegetable sticks for a lighter option. For an impressive spread, consider including it alongside other seafood recipes like Crab-Rice Salad or Shrimp Toast(Great For Unexpected Guests) for a delightful appetizer table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 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. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Clam Dip(Serve With Crackers) contains roughly 465 calories, with 15g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (208% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (153% of the Daily Value), and calcium (135% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 43g 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, but ensure they are thoroughly cleaned and cooked before adding them to the dip. You'll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly since fresh clams require longer to cook properly. Make sure to retain the clam juice for the mixture for added flavor.
What can I serve with the dip?
In addition to crackers, consider serving the dip with toasted baguette slices or pita chips. Fresh veggies like celery, carrots, and bell peppers also make great dippers. For a more elaborate spread, pair it with other appetizers like Christmas Shrimp Dip or even a light salad.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply pour it into a casserole dish and bake as instructed. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making the dip even tastier.
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).