Stuffed Baked Clams
Creamy, savory stuffed baked clams feature minced clams, aromatic herbs, and a cheesy breadcrumb topping, perfect for seafood lovers and elegant appetizers or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Saute diced onions and minced garlic in olive oil until tender.
- Drain the canned minced clams, reserving the clam liquid.
- Mix the drained clams, sautéed onions and garlic, bread crumbs, grated Romano cheese, salt, pepper, oregano, and parsley.
- Add enough reserved clam liquid to the mixture to make it moist.
- Place the mixture into individual clam shells or a baking dish.
- Dot the top with butter and sprinkle with additional grated Romano cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating chopped fresh herbs like parsley or oregano into the clam mixture. If you don't have Romano cheese, Parmesan can be a suitable substitute. To save time, use pre-made breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers if that's what you have on hand. Adjust the amount of garlic to your taste preference.
Serving Suggestions
Stuffed baked clams are perfect as an appetizer or a main dish. Serve them alongside a fresh green salad or crusty bread to soak up any juices. They pair beautifully with New England Seafood Chowder for a complete seafood meal, or as part of a platter with Marj'S Quick Crab Appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed clams can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make them rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Baked Clams contains roughly 279 calories, with 8g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is a good source of protein (17% of the Daily Value), calcium (12% of the Daily Value), and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 781mg per serving (34% 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 steam them open and chop the meat before mixing. You'll also need to reserve some of the steaming liquid to moisten the stuffing. This will add a fresher taste to the dish.
How do I know when the clams are done baking?
The clams are done when the tops are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. This usually takes about 20 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Can I make the stuffing ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the clam filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to fill the clam shells and bake them right before serving to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
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).