Clams Casino

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. Bake: 15 min.

Makes

1 dozen

Updated: Sep. 12, 2023
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

Ingredients

  • 1 pound rock or kosher salt
  • 1 dozen fresh cherrystone clams
  • 1/3 cup soft bread crumbs
  • 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley, divided
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 450°. Spread salt into an oven-safe metal serving platter or a 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Shuck clams, reserving bottom shells; drain liquid (save for another use). Arrange clams in salt-lined pan.
  2. Combine the bread crumbs, 2 tablespoons parsley, oil, garlic, cayenne and pepper; spoon over clams.
  3. Bake 15-18 minutes or until clams are firm and bread crumb mixture is crisp and golden brown. Sprinkle with remaining parsley. Serve immediately.
Clams Casino Tips

Can you use other kinds of clams for clams casino?

Pismo, littlenecks or steamer clams are all good substitutes that are similar in size to cherrystone clams, like the recipe calls for. If all else fails, ask the person working the seafood counter.

How do you properly clean clams?

Make sure to discard any clams that are cracked or don't close when tapped. Scrub the outside of the shells under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Some recipes may suggest you soak the clams in heavily salted water to remove sand.

Do you have to line the pan with salt before baking clams casino?

Lining the pan with salt helps the clams stay level when baking—you want to keep those flavorful clam juices in the shell and not on your sheet pan! It also helps conduct heat more evenly, so the clams cook at the same rate. If you don't have salt, you can also use crumbled aluminum foil.

How do you serve clams casino?

Serve clams casino with lemon slices and bubbly! If you liked this recipe, try more of our favorite clam recipes, plus more seafood recipes if you can't get enough.

–Rashanda Cobbins, Taste of Home Food Editor

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 34 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 16mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.