Huntington Bay Dip
Huntington Bay Dip is a savory seafood appetizer featuring minced clams, garlic, herbs, and cheese, perfect for entertaining or casual gatherings with crackers or chips.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion, salt, and oregano in olive oil until golden brown.
- Mix the bread crumb mixture with the minced clams and their juice.
- Add chopped parsley and grated Romano cheese to the clam mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a shallow casserole dish or several small, shallow pans.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 30 to 35 minutes until dark brown.
- Serve the dip with saltines or club crackers. Can be frozen before cooking if prepared ahead.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half the olive oil with melted butter. If you're short on clams, canned tuna or crab can be a suitable alternative in this dip. To enhance the dish, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smokiness. Make sure to toast the breadcrumbs until they're golden for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dip warm with a side of Saltines or club crackers for a delightful crunch. It pairs beautifully with Seafood Cracker Dip and can be offered alongside fresh veggie sticks for a colorful platter. For a more substantial spread, consider serving it with a chilled white wine or a crisp salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the dip in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the dip rubbery. It can also be frozen before cooking and baked later.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Huntington Bay Dip contains roughly 820 calories, with 23g protein, 123g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (144% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (77% of the Daily Value), and calcium (58% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 752mg per serving (33% 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 the dip a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When you're ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Is there a way to make this dip spicier?
Absolutely! You can add a diced jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for some heat. Alternatively, mixing in a few dashes of hot sauce can also elevate the flavor profile without overpowering the dish.
What can I use instead of Romano cheese?
If you don't have Romano cheese on hand, Parmesan cheese is a great substitute, providing a similar salty and nutty flavor. For a creamier texture, consider using cream cheese mixed with a bit of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
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).