Long Island Clam Spread
A creamy, savory clam spread with a hint of garlic and parsley, perfect for spreading on crackers or bread for an appetizer or snack. Rich with chopped clams and butter, it offers a delightful oceanic flavor that appeals to seafood lovers and party guests alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute diced onion in butter until transparent.
- Remove from heat and add one can of chopped clams, with its liquid from the other can drained.
- Stir in crushed Ritz crackers, garlic powder, parsley flakes, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce (if using), and sour cream (if using).
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 25 minutes.
- Serve on seasoned crackers or rye bread thins.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding more sour cream or even a bit of cream cheese. If you don't have Ritz crackers, crushed saltines or even panko breadcrumbs can work as substitutes. Adjust the garlic powder to your taste, and feel free to incorporate fresh garlic for more flavor. This spread can also be served as a dip with seasoned crackers or pretzels.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this clam spread on seasoned crackers or rye bread thins for a delightful appetizer. It pairs well with a light salad or a refreshing vegetable platter. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a hearty soup or browse more seafood recipes to complement your menu. Guests will love the combination of flavors!
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the spread in an oven-safe dish and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Long Island Clam Spread contains roughly 1602 calories, with 28g protein, 198g carbohydrates, and 80g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (61% of the Daily Value), protein (55% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1978mg per serving (86% 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 use fresh clams instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh clams, but you'll need to clean and steam them first. Use about 1 cup of chopped steamed clams to replace the canned ones. This will add a fresher flavor, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or even crushed gluten-free bread. Make sure to check the labels on the Worcestershire sauce and any other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free as well.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the mixture. You could also finely chop jalapeños or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick while preparing the spread.
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).