Jeanette'S Hot Clam Dip
Jeanette's Hot Clam Dip is a rich, savory appetizer featuring tender chopped clams, aromatic garlic, and herbs, blended with buttery bread crumbs and a hint of spice. Perfect for parties or gatherings, it pairs wonderfully with crackers and bread for a crowd-pleasing starter.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a frypan.
- Saute the minced onion and garlic until softened.
- Add the chopped clams and lemon juice, then bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat and add bread crumbs, parsley flakes, oregano, white wine, Tabasco sauce, and grated cheese.
- Mix well and transfer to a pie plate.
- Sprinkle grated cheese on top.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 25 minutes.
- Serve spread on Ritz crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dip, consider adding a splash of heavy cream along with the other ingredients. If you don't have flavored bread crumbs, you can use regular ones mixed with Italian seasoning. To enhance the dish, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat or substitute clams with shrimp for a different seafood experience. This dip is great for parties, similar to Crawfish Jambalaya in its crowd-pleasing appeal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hot clam dip with an assortment of crackers, such as Ritz, or even fresh vegetable sticks for dipping. It pairs beautifully with Lemon Broiled Fish for a seafood-themed meal. You can also consider adding a simple salad on the side to balance the richness of the dip and create a more complete dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dip in a baking dish and warm it in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, to prevent it from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jeanette'S Hot Clam Dip contains roughly 199 calories, with 6g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (68% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value), and calcium (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 733mg per serving (32% 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. Simply follow the recipe up to the baking step, cover it well, and refrigerate. When you're ready to serve, bake it as directed. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even tastier!
What can I use instead of clams?
If you're not a fan of clams, you can substitute them with canned shrimp or crab meat. Adjust the seasonings slightly to complement the seafood you choose. This dip can also work well with tuna for a different twist, reminiscent of Tuna Rocks.
Can I freeze the clam dip?
Freezing is not recommended for this dip as it may change the texture of the clams and cause the breadcrumbs to become mushy. However, if you have to freeze it, ensure it's in an airtight container and consume it within a month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
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).