Peppy Clam Shells
Creamy clam shells topped with crunchy cracker crumbs and savory cheese, perfect for seafood lovers and elegant gatherings with rich, flavorful, and satisfying bites.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- dash of hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup crushed round crackers (12 crackers) ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon butter ⓘ
Instructions
- In a medium skillet, cook onion, celery, and green pepper in 4 tablespoons butter until tender but not brown.
- Stir in flour, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and hot pepper sauce.
- Add 1/4 cup cracker crumbs; mix well. Stir in undrained clams; cook until mixture thickens.
- Divide the clam mixture among 4 large baking shells.
- Combine the remaining cracker crumbs and 1 tablespoon butter; sprinkle on top of each filled shell.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider adding a splash of cream or a bit of cream cheese. If you don’t have round crackers, crushed saltines or even breadcrumbs can work well as substitutes. Adjust the level of heat by varying the amount of hot pepper sauce according to your taste. For a bit of zing, you could also add a teaspoon of lemon juice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Peppy Clam Shells as a delightful appetizer or main dish, paired with a fresh green salad or some roasted vegetables. A side of garlic bread complements the dish beautifully, allowing you to enjoy every bit of the creamy filling. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside a light pasta dish or your favorite seafood recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the clam shells in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it may result in a rubbery texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peppy Clam Shells contains roughly 281 calories, with 10g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1941mg per serving (84% 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 Peppy Clam Shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the clam mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. Just fill the shells and bake them when you're ready to serve. This makes it a great option for entertaining or busy weeknights.
What types of clams can I use for this recipe?
You can use canned clams, which are convenient and readily available. Look for chopped or minced clams for a smoother texture. Fresh clams can be used as well, just ensure they are properly cleaned and cooked before adding to the mixture.
How can I make this dish more filling?
To make Peppy Clam Shells more substantial, consider adding cooked rice or quinoa to the mixture. This not only adds bulk but also provides a nice texture contrast. Alternatively, serve the shells over a bed of pasta or alongside a hearty soup.
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).