Clams Casino is a classic seafood dish that’s both elegant and delicious. Fresh clams are topped with a savory mixture of breadcrumbs, bacon, bell peppers, and herbs, then baked until golden and crispy.
Serve these clams hot, right out of the oven. They make a perfect appetizer or a luxurious side dish. Garnish with a sprinkle of parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of freshness.
Pair Clams Casino with a crisp white wine or a light beer. They also go well with a simple green salad or a bowl of creamy chowder.
A little tip: Use fresh clams for the best flavor, and be sure to clean them well. If you prefer, you can prepare the topping in advance and assemble just before baking.
Enjoy the rich, savory taste of Clams Casino, and impress your guests with this timeless seafood favorite!
Clams Casino
Equipment
- 1 baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Small saucepan
- Sharp knife
Ingredients
- 8 large clams - cleaned and scrubbed
- 4 slices of bacon - diced
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1 clove garlic - minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges - for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and arrange the clams on top. This will help capture any juices that may escape during cooking.
- In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped red bell pepper, yellow onion, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked bacon back into the pan with the vegetables. Season with salt and pepper and mix well.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the bread crumbs and mix until coated in butter.
- Add the grated parmesan and parsley to the bread crumb mixture and stir well.
- Spoon the vegetable and bacon mixture onto each clam. Top with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, until the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- Serve the Clams Casino with lemon wedges on the side.