Baked Clams Casino with Crispy Bacon

Baked Clams Casino with Crispy Bacon is a classic seafood appetizer that delivers big flavor in every bite. This beloved dish features tender clams topped with a savory mix of breadcrumbs, herbs, bell peppers, and smoky bacon, then baked until golden and sizzling. It’s a timeless favorite that’s easy to prepare yet elegant enough to impress guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Clams Casino is a tried-and-true appetizer that balances salty, briny, and smoky flavors beautifully. Here’s why it’s always a crowd-pleaser:

• Classic, retro-style dish with timeless appeal
• Perfect balance of seafood, herbs, and crispy bacon
• Quick and easy to make ahead and bake when ready
• Elegant starter for holidays, dinner parties, or date nights
• A great way to introduce shellfish to new seafood lovers

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Fresh littleneck clams, scrubbed clean
• Bacon, chopped
• Unsalted butter
• Shallots or onions, finely chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Red bell pepper, finely chopped
• Parsley, finely chopped
• Breadcrumbs (preferably seasoned)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper
• Paprika (optional, for color)

directions

1. Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
2. Rinse clams under cold water and discard any that are open and don’t close when tapped.
3. In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside, reserving a bit of the fat.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté shallots, garlic, and bell pepper until soft.
5. Stir in breadcrumbs, parsley, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix until combined and remove from heat.
6. Steam clams in a covered pan with a bit of water or wine just until they open (about 5–7 minutes). Discard any unopened clams.
7. Remove the top shell of each clam and loosen the meat in the half-shell.
8. Spoon a bit of the breadcrumb mixture over each clam, then top with crumbled bacon and a sprinkle of Parmesan if using.
9. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes until golden and sizzling.
10. Serve hot with lemon wedges.

Servings and timing

Serves 4–6 as an appetizer
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for heat.
• Herb-forward: Use fresh thyme or oregano for more aromatic flavor.
• Cheesy: Mix mozzarella or Gruyère into the breadcrumb topping for a gooey twist.
• No bacon: Omit bacon for a pescatarian version and use buttered breadcrumbs for extra richness.
• Grilled version: Cook on a grill in a cast iron skillet or over indirect heat for a smoky flavor.

storage/reheating

Clams Casino is best served fresh, but you can prep the topping and steam the clams in advance.
Store assembled but unbaked clams in the fridge, covered, for up to 24 hours.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery clams.

FAQs

What kind of clams should I use?

Littleneck clams are ideal for Clams Casino because of their small size and sweet, tender meat.

Can I prepare these in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the clams with the topping and refrigerate them unbaked for up to a day in advance.

Do I have to steam the clams first?

Yes, steaming ensures the clams open safely and helps avoid undercooked shellfish.

Can I use canned clams?

Not for this dish. Fresh clams in the shell are essential for authentic presentation and flavor.

What if a clam doesn’t open after steaming?

Discard it. Clams that don’t open when steamed are likely not safe to eat.

Is bacon essential for Clams Casino?

It’s traditional, but you can skip it or replace it with a vegetarian alternative if preferred.

What can I serve with Clams Casino?

Serve with lemon wedges, crusty bread, or a light green salad.

Can I use panko breadcrumbs?

Yes, panko will give a crunchier texture—mix with herbs and butter for extra flavor.

How do I clean fresh clams?

Scrub the shells under cold running water and soak them in salted water for 20 minutes to purge any sand.

Can I freeze Clams Casino?

Freezing is not recommended as it may affect the texture of the clams and topping.

Conclusion

Baked Clams Casino with Crispy Bacon is a seafood classic that delivers bold, savory flavor in a bite-sized package. Easy to prepare and impressive to serve, it’s perfect for holiday gatherings, romantic dinners, or any occasion that calls for a delicious and memorable starter. Serve them hot and watch them disappear fast.

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