Baked Stuffed Clams Recipe (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Chef Dennis Littley

5 from 81 votes

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Growing up at the Jersey Shore one of my favorite appetizers was Baked Stuffed Clams. Somehow they got the name of Deviled Clams which helped their popularity at shore restaurants.

Seafood appetizers were always popular during my restaurant days at the Jersey Shore and my version of Baked Stuffed Clams was always a clear winner when it came to appetizers.

Baked Stuffed Clams Recipe (1)

The biggest difference between baked stuffed clams and clams casino is the amount of bread crumbs that are used to make the stuffing. Other than that and a little added extra heat (optional) the ingredients are the same,

Table of Contents:

Ingredients to make Baked Stuffed Clams

Baked Stuffed Clams Recipe (2)

Let’s start by gathering the ingredients we need to make Baked Stuffed Clams. In Chef Speak this is called the Mise en Place which translates into Everything in its Place.

Not only does setting your ingredients up ahead of time speed the cooking process, but it also helps ensure you have everything you need to make the dish.

How to make Baked Stuffed Clams

Baked Stuffed Clams Recipe (3)

The first step in making Baked Stuffed Clams is prepping the clams. That means thoroughly rinsing the clams in cold running water. This process usually takes about 5 minutes to make sure you’ve gotten as much of the residue off the clams as possible.

After cleaning the clams, you’re ready to steam them open. Over high heat In a medium to large pot add 1 tablespoon olive oil and ½ cup water. Add the clams to the pot and cover, allowing the clams to cook for 6-10 minutes or until the shells have all opened.

Baked Stuffed Clams Recipe (4)

Once the clams have steamed open, you can remove the clams from the pot to let them cool until you can comfortably handle them.

Remove the clam meat from the clams (not the clam foot which is attached to the shell) and chop into small pieces.

**Save the clam broth that you don’t need for this recipe for later use in soups or sauces.

Baked Stuffed Clams Recipe (5)

Pick 12 of the best clam shells for stuffing. Break apart the clamshells from their hinges removing the foot from the shell. Rinse the shells in cold running water until clean. Set aside until needed.

How to make the stuffing for the clams

Baked Stuffed Clams Recipe (6)

In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the bacon, onion and peppers; saute for 2 minutes then add the garlic and continue to saute for another minute.

Baked Stuffed Clams Recipe (7)

Remove the pan from the heat and add the minced clams, bread crumbs, parsley, lemon juice, seasonings, and clam juice.

Baked Stuffed Clams Recipe (8)

Stir until the stuffing mixture is completely moistened. The stuffing should be moist but not soggy. Add more clam juice if too dry or more bread crumbs if too wet.

Baked Stuffed Clams Recipe (9)

Stuff the clam shells with the deviled clam mixture and place them on a baking sheet.

*You can freeze the deviled clams at this point on the baking sheet. Then store them in an airtight container until you want to bake them.

Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes at 375 degrees F. Or until the tops start to brown.

Baked Stuffed Clams Recipe (10)

Serve the baked stuffed clams with lemon wedges and enjoy!

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Baked Stuffed Clams Recipe (15)

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5 from 81 votes

Baked Stuffed Clams

If you love seafood and wish you could cook like your favorite restaurant you're going to love my Baked Stuffed Clams! It's easy to make and my restaurant-style appetizer is sure to amaze your friends and family!

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time35 minutes mins

Total Time50 minutes mins

Course: Appetiser, Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Servings: 12

Calories: 102kcal

Ingredients

  • 24 middle-neck clams or top-neck clams rinsed well to remove sand and grit
  • 3 tablespoons onion fine dice
  • 3 tablespoons bell peppers finely diced
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 2 slices bacon finely chopped
  • ¼ cup butter ½ stick
  • 2 tablespoons parsley finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs plain
  • ¼ cup clam juice liquid from steaming the clams- more if needed
  • ¼ cup Romano cheese grated
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • ¼ black pepper
  • ¼ crushed red pepper
  • 12-14 clam half-shells well rinsed, foot removed

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

  • Rinse clams in cold running water changing out the water frequently until the water starts to run clear. Remove all sand and grit.

    *Discard any clams that are not closed or that won't close when you tap them on the counter. These clams are dead and should not be consumed.

  • Over high heat In a medium to large pot add 1 tablespoon olive oil and ½ cup water. Add thoroughly washed clams to the pot and cover. Allow to cook for 6-10 minutes or until the shells have all opened.

  • Remove the clams from the pot and let them cool until you can comfortably handle them.

    **Save the clam broth that you don't need for this recipe for later use in soups or sauces.

  • Remove the clam meat from the clams (not the clam foot which is attached to the shell) and chop into small pieces.

  • Pick the best clam shells for stuffing, gathering enough for the amount of clams you're making. Break apart the clamshells from their hinges removing the foot from the shell. Rinse the shells in cold running water until clean. Set aside until needed.

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F

  • In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the bacon, onion and peppers, saute for 2 minutes then add the garlic and continue to saute for another minute.

  • Turn off the heat and add the minced clams, bread crumbs, parsley, lemon juice, seasonings and clam juice.

  • Stir until the stuffing mixture is completely moistened. The stuffing should be moist but not soggy. Add more clam juice if too dry or more bread crumbs if too wet.

  • Stuff clam shells with stuffing and place on a baking sheet.

  • Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes at 375 degrees F. Or until the tops start to brown.

  • Serve with lemon wedges and co*cktail sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 102kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 159mg | Potassium: 42mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 276IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 1mg

Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @askChefDennis or tag #askChefDennis!

About Chef Dennis

Chef Dennis Littley is a classically trained chef with over 40 years of experience working in the food service industry. In his second career as a food blogger he has made it his mission to demistify cooking by sharing his time-tested recipes, knowledge, and chef tips to help you create easy-to-make restaurant-quality meals in your home kitchen. Let Chef Dennis help you bring the joy of cooking into your home.For more details, check out his About page.

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  1. Barbara Magee

    Baked Stuffed Clams Recipe (17)
    Just made them but used frozen clams that I had handy and had to use. They turned out very good but I will definitely use fresh the next time. I love deviled clams, and had them at the Crab Trap in OC, NJ, where I love to eat them. You can’t get them in Maryland where I live, so I must make them myself! The only thing I was confused about was that you have bacon listed in the ingredients but I did not see it in the recipe. So I cooked the bacon with the veggies. Love your recipes, especially your Tiramisu! Thank you, Barbara

    Reply

    • Chef Dennis Littley

      hi Barbara
      thanks for catching that and yes the bacon was sauteed with the onions and peppers. I’m actually very familiar with the Crab Trap having lived in the area since the sixties.
      Thanks for trying my recipes!
      Dennis

      Reply

    • Capt. Dan

      Crab Trap is awesome ! But it’s in Somers Point, not OC

      Reply

  2. Regina Sacca

    Used this recipe for Christmas Eve Feast of Seven Fishes and it was a big hit! Thanks!

    Reply

  3. Charles roberts

    Baked Stuffed Clams Recipe (18)
    I’m gonna use your recipe , but may I suggest a pinch or two of thyme cause it goes good with clams ,also use Mexican oregano it’s more potent and aromatic . Try my suggestion and tell me what you think

    Reply

  4. katrina Kroeplin

    umm yes please, these look amazing. now i’m hungry lol.

    Reply

  5. Eileen Kelly

    Baked Stuffed Clams Recipe (19)
    My family loved these clams. we are blessed to live on the bay and get clams often. I need to change things up and get new recipes and this was perfection. The clams are tender and flavor packed

    Reply

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Baked Stuffed Clams Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What goes good with stuffed clams? ›

When serving the stuffed clams, I like to accompany them with some lemon and garnish them with parsley. Put them alongside your shrimp co*cktail and serve them with some Sauvignon Blanc. There is nothing like seafood and white wine. Some people choose to use a spoon, but I eat baked clams right off the shell.

How long do you cook frozen stuffed clams? ›

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and sizzling. If frozen, bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes, or until warmed through.

What is the internal temperature of stuffed clams? ›

Cook to 160 degrees F internal product temperature. Conventional oven: Remove clams from tray and place on a baking sheet into a preheated 450 degrees F oven; cook for 30 minutes. On the grill: Wrap clams in a foil pouch; leave the top open for a crispy top or closed for softer, moister dams.

Are baked clams healthy? ›

Iron-Rich for Energy and Vitality

Clams are an excellent source of heme iron, the type of iron found in animal products that the body absorbs more efficiently. Including clams in your diet can help prevent iron deficiency and boost your energy levels.

What do clams eat with? ›

Filter feeding is accomplished by capturing food particles that enter the bivalve shell through water currents or active pumping by the animal. Particles are trapped by gill filaments that contain small hair-like protrusions called “cilia”. The cilia then move the food to the mouth to be digested by the animal.

What is the best season for clams? ›

Clams. Wild clams are available year-round, though they're at their best from September through April. They spawn during the summer months, which can produce a more watery texture. Atlantic hard-shell clams, aka quahogs: Available year-round, but mainly April through September, peaking in early summer.

Do you need to defrost frozen clams before cooking? ›

Thaw frozen clams in the refrigerator before using, and never refreeze them. While About.com is not always the best, in this case their information passes the gut test. Frozen clams certainly would be killed, and so wouldn't open upon steaming.

Are frozen clams already cooked? ›

The live clams are cleaned, graded and vacuum packed. Next, the clams are cooked inside the bag then quick frozen. All the natural juice is retained in the bag with the clams.

Is it OK to cook frozen clams? ›

How to cook frozen clams in the shell. Simply reheat the frozen clams for about 8-10 minutes. You can boil or steam them inside the bag, steam them out of the bag, or even sauté them directly on the grill. Similar to cooking mussels, preparing frozen clams is a quick process.

How do you know when clams are fully cooked? ›

How to tell when they're cooked? The shells will open wide. Cooking time depends on the size of the shellfish and can be anywhere from 4 to 10 minutes. After cooking: shells should be open, toss those that aren't in the garbage.

What happens if you overcook clams? ›

Steam the clams.

Cover and let cook over medium heat until they open up (This will take anywhere from 7 to 10 minutes). Clams will let you know when they're ready; their shells will simply open. Watch for that and do not overcook them or they're turn too chewy and rubbery.

Can you reuse stuffed clam shells? ›

Yes. Many restaurants for instance salvage used clam shells to make more baked stuffed clams.

Is clams good for high blood pressure? ›

One key to reversing high blood pressure is to include more potassium in your diet. If you'd like something with less sugar than bananas, then clams are the way to go for optimal potassium levels.

Can diabetics eat baked clams? ›

The ADA's list of the best proteins for a diabetes-friendly diet includes: Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, sardines, albacore tuna, mackerel, and rainbow trout. Shellfish, including clams, crab, imitation shellfish, lobster, oysters, scallops, and shrimp.

When should you not cook clams? ›

If the clam shows no movement when you tap it, or if it stays shut and you can easily open it, these are signs that it is no longer alive and should be thrown away. They should be kept in the fridge only for a short period of time, no more than two days, and cooking them the day you get them is best.

Are stuffed clams good? ›

Stuffed clams are great any time of year. They can be prepared for a warm-weather dinner alongside a simple salad or as an appetizer to complement a holiday dinner like the Feast of Seven Fishes. They can be made on the grill during summer or inside in the oven during colder months.

How do you heat store bought stuffed clams? ›

Oven: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly brush the stuffed clams with olive oil or melted butter. Bake clams for about 15 minutes or until lightly browned and thoroughly heated. Microwave: Cook 2 to 3 minutes on High.

How do you eat clams fine dining? ›

Table manners for eating clams. Hold the shell with the fingers of one hand and a shellfish fork (or smallest fork provided) with the other hand. Spear the clam with the fork, dip it into the sauce, and eat it in one bite. Alternatively, take a bit of sauce on your fork and then drop it onto the clam.

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