Hosting (or attending) an all-American clambake this summer? We've got the mains, appetizers, sides and desserts that you need to accompany this seafood celebration.
35 Recipes to Make for a Classic American Clambake
Updated on Aug. 08, 2023
1/35
Clambake Packets
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve long been a fan of things prepared in a foil packet—we’ll make them quite a bit when out on the boat or camping. This one, with fresh seafood, sausage, corn on the cob and potatoes, just tastes like summer on the shore. —Laura Davis, Chincoteague, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 packet: 526 calories, 28g fat (7g saturated fat), 197mg cholesterol, 894mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 37g protein.
Don’t miss the ultimate guide for hosting a clambake anywhere!
2/35
Dad’s Famous Stuffies
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The third of July is almost as important as July Fourth in my family. We make these stuffed clams on the third every year, and it's an event in and of itself! —Karen Barros, Bristol, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
3 stuffed clams: 296 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 1188mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
3/35
Buttery Horseradish Corn on the Cob
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a July Fourth barbecue, I whipped up a butter and horseradish topping for grilled corn. People actually formed a line to get seconds. —Trish Loewen, Bakersfield, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 ear of corn: 203 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 732mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
4/35
Grilled Clam Bake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With clams and crab legs, this grilled entree looks impressive but is quite easy to prepare on the grill. The addition of corn and potatoes makes it a meal in one.—Lisa Reuter, Hilliard, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 574 calories, 33g fat (8g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 580mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 28g protein.
5/35
Creamy Macaroni Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When we grill, my mother asks me to make this creamy macaroni salad. To make it extra creamy, I like to keep a small amount of dressing separate and stir it in just before serving. —Carly Curtin, Ellicott City, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 160 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 320mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
6/35
Cherry Pudding Cake
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A cross between a cake and a cobbler, this cherry dessert is awesome. Add it to your list of trusty potluck recipes, because this one is sure to go fast. —Brenda Parker, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 296 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 147mg sodium, 65g carbohydrate (48g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
7/35
Oysters Rockefeller
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I are oyster farmers, and this classic Oysters Rockefeller dish always delights our guests. It's deliciously simple! —Beth Walton, Eastham, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 oyster: 79 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 133mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
8/35
Zesty Marinated Shrimp
Total Time
10 min
Servings
about 4-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These easy shrimp look impressive on a buffet table and taste even better! The zesty sauce has a wonderful spicy citrus flavor. I especially like this recipe because I can prepare it ahead of time. —Mary Jane Guest, Alamosa, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 shrimp: 28 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 36mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
9/35
Macaroon-Topped Rhubarb Cobbler
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Crumbled macaroons are a surprising addition to this cobbler’s topping. We love that you can make the sweet treat in a baking dish or a cast-iron skillet.
—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 368 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 45mg sodium, 62g carbohydrate (55g sugars, 5g fiber), 3g protein.
10/35
Lobster Roll Recipe
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
Mayonnaise infused with dill and lemon lends refreshing flavor to these super sandwiches. Try pan-toasting the buns in butter for something extra special. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 354 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 133mg cholesterol, 887mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein.
11/35
Garden Tomato Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For as long as I can remember, Mom made a salad of tomatoes and cucumbers. Now I make it whenever beautiful tomatoes are in reach. —Shannon Arthur, Upper Arlington, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 92 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 155mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
12/35
Dill Bloody Marys
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With a nice level of pepper, and just enough dill from the pickle, these Bloody Marys are sure to please. To make Contrary Marys simply leave out the vodka. —Jay Ferkovich, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 224 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 1613mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
13/35
Herbed Potato Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Calcium-rich cheese, and potatoes and peppers packed with vitamin C make this picnic-and-potluck favorite something to smile about! —Judy Grebetz, Racine, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 142 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 371mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch.
14/35
Lemony Shrimp & Tomatoes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 kabobs (1/2 cup sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe for my family because they love grilled shrimp. I love it because it's quick, delicious and good for us. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob with 2 tablespoons sauce: 147 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 140mg cholesterol, 475mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
15/35
Broccoli Slaw
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's my favorite twist on broccoli salad. It's so easy to make and has an irresistible tangy crunch. —Konny Thomas, Citrus Heights, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 225 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 325mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
16/35
Crab Boil
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This pot is a fun way to feed a crowd for a tailgate. You can serve it two ways: Drain the cooking liquid and pour out the pot on a paper-lined table so folks can dig in, or serve it as a stew in its liquid over hot rice. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 420 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 143mg cholesterol, 2206mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 40g protein.
17/35
Crab-Stuffed Avocado
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These boats are wonderful with tortilla chips, beans or rice. You can also cover them, pack them on ice, and take them to a picnic or potluck. Straight from the oven or cold, they're always delicious. —Frances Benthin, Scio, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 filled avocado half: 325 calories, 28g fat (6g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 427mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 6g fiber), 13g protein.
18/35
Down East Blueberry Buckle
Total Time
45 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This buckle won a contest at my daughter’s college. The prize was four lobsters, but the real reward was the smile on our daughter’s face. —Dianne van der Veen, Plymouth, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 354 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 277mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
19/35
New England Iced Tea
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
While growing up in Massachusetts, my family spent summers at our cottage. These cocktails for the adults were a regional variation on Long Island iced tea, and they always showed up at clambakes on the beach. —Ann Liebergen, Brookfield, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 493 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (44g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
20/35
Grilled Firecracker Potato Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I can eat potato salad like crazy. A little spice is nice, so I use cayenne and paprika in this grilled salad that comes with its own fireworks. —Ashley Armstrong, Kingsland, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 265 calories, 20g fat (3g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 398mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
21/35
Steamed Mussels with Peppers
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Use the French bread to soak up the deliciously seasoned broth. If you like food zippy, add the jalapeno seeds. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
12 each: 293 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 931mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.
22/35
Traditional New England Clam Chowder
Total Time
55 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I left a cruise ship with a great souvenir...the recipe for this splendid chowder! It's a traditional soup that stands the test of time.
—Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 138 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 175mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
23/35
Tangy Poppy Seed Fruit Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a fruit salad that’s delightful, we combine berries and citrus with a honey-lime dressing flecked with poppy seeds. —Carrie Howell, Lehi, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 117 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 3mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 5g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fruit.
24/35
Lauren's Bouillabaisse
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings (5 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This golden-colored soup is brimming with an assortment of seafood and is paired with savory, colorful sourdough toast with spread.— Lauren Covas, New Brunswick, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups with 2 teaspoons spread on 1/2 slice of bread: 239 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 684mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
25/35
Creamy Coleslaw
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For me, this is the best coleslaw recipe because a package of shredded cabbage and carrots really cuts down on prep time. This coleslaw recipe is great for potlucks or to serve to your family on a busy weeknight. —Renee Endress, Galva, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 256 calories, 23g fat (5g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 398mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
26/35
Crab Cakes with Chesapeake Bay Mayo
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
I placed my personal stamp on my Aunt Ellie's crab cake recipe by changing up some of her ingredients. They're served with a tart and tangy creamy sauce. You can serve them on an appetizer spread or as a terrific first-course at a formal dinner.—Michelle Critchell, Moon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 174 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 287mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
27/35
Blackberry Beer Cocktail
Total Time
10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This refreshing hard lemonade has a mild alcohol flavor; the beer adds just enough fizz to dance on your tongue as you sip. Sorry, adults only! —Ginger Sullivan, Cutler Bay, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 151 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
28/35
Sweet & Sour Squash Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This salad goes over really well with all ages, and it's a good way to get kids to eat summer squash. —Opal Shipman Levelland, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 241 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 703mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
29/35
Clams Casino
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Your guests will be impressed with our version of this classic upscale appetizer. Cayenne pepper nicely seasons the bread crumb topping. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 34 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 16mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
30/35
Half Baked Potatoes
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These well-seasoned baked potatoes are a fun alternative to plain baked potatoes. It's easy to help yourself to just the amount you want, too, since the potato halves are scored into sections. — Barbara Wheeler, Sparks Glencoe, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
2 potato halves: 336 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 68mg sodium, 65g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 8g fiber), 8g protein.
31/35
Chesapeake Crab Dip
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2-1/4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Many of the Maryland Green School students work to improve the health of our local treasure, the Chesapeake Bay. Crab stars in this creamy dip that highlights the importance of their efforts. —Carol Brzezinski, Marriottsville, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
3 tablespoons (calculated without crackers): 166 calories, 12g fat (8g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 307mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 12g protein.
32/35
Green Bean Potato Salad
Total Time
35 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For family reunions, my mom would make everybody's favorite green bean and potato salad. Now I'm the one who brings it. —Connie Dicavoli, Shawnee, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 183 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 245mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 fat, 1 starch.
33/35
Clam Chowder
Total Time
55 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the best clam chowder recipe ever! In the Pacific Northwest, we dig our own razor clams and I grind them for the chowder. Since these aren't readily available everywhere, the canned clams are perfectly acceptable. —Sandy Larson, Port Angeles, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 280 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 805mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat.
34/35
Crumb-Topped Clams
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
In my family, it wouldn't be Christmas Eve without baked clams. However, they make a special bite for any occasion and are easy to make and always a hit. —Annmarie Lucente, Monroe, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 clam: 31 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 35mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
35/35
Apple Cornbread Crisp
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With hearty ingredients and quick prep time, this warm apple crisp makes a delicious, wholesome dessert for any fall night. It reminds me of the recipe my grandmother would serve after our big family seafood dinners. It's absolutely wonderful topped with ice cream. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 421 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 413mg sodium, 70g carbohydrate (43g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein.
