Savory Clam Balls
Savory clam balls are flavorful, tender bites with a hint of spice and herbs, perfect as an appetizer or party finger food for seafood lovers and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour both cans of clams, plus the liquid from one of the cans, into a large mixing bowl.
- Crush crackers with a rolling pin or blender, but not too fine.
- Add crushed crackers and seasonings to the clams. Add melted butter and mix very thoroughly.
- The mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape when formed into little balls.
- If it is too liquidy, open the second box of crackers, crush, and add a few at a time.
- Shape the mixture into 3/4-inch balls.
- Put the balls on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 325°F for 12 or 15 minutes.
- Place on a hot tray and serve with fancy toothpicks.
- Make the day before and refrigerate overnight in a covered container.
- This allows the seasonings to blend.
Tips & Substitutions
For even more flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or fresh herbs like dill to the mixture. If you don't have Uneeda crackers, any plain saltine or oyster crackers can be a good substitute. Adjust the heat from hot pepper sauce according to your preference. Make sure to mix thoroughly to ensure even seasoning throughout the clam balls.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these savory clam balls as a delightful appetizer at your next gathering. They pair beautifully with a tangy dipping sauce or cocktail sauce. For a complete spread, consider offering them alongside other appetizers like Yvonne'S Crabmeat Canapes or Seasoned Crackers And Pretzels to create a seafood-themed platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the clam balls on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes, ensuring they maintain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Savory Clam Balls contains roughly 104 calories, with 2g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 613mg per serving (27% 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! Just make sure to steam them open and chop them finely before adding to the mixture. You'll need about 1 to 1.5 pounds of fresh clams to match the volume of the canned clams. Remember to reserve some cooking liquid for adding moisture to the mixture.
How can I make these clam balls gluten-free?
To make these clam balls gluten-free, substitute the Uneeda crackers with gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs. Ensure that all other ingredients, like Worcestershire sauce, are also gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the recipe.
Can I freeze the clam balls before baking?
Absolutely! Shape the clam mixture into balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be baked from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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).