Clams Casino Dip Recipe

This easy spin on clams casino turns the classic into a creamy, party-perfect dip.

By
Morgan Eisenberg
Morgan Eisenberg is a contributing writer at Serious Eats.
Morgan Eisenberg
Morgan Eisenberg is a creative blogger at Host the Toast. She has an absolute obsession over all things edible.
Learn about Serious Eats' Editorial Process
Updated February 26, 2025
20190113-clams-casino-dip-morgan-eisenberg
Morgan Eisenberg

Why It Works

  • Canned clams make for quick preparation and plenty of clam flavor.
  • The clam juice adds extra clam flavor throughout the dip while thinning it slightly to a more dippable consistency.
  • Toasting panko breadcrumbs in bacon fat adds another layer of flavor.

Retro as the recipe may be, clams casino has always been one of our favorite special-occasion hors d'oeuvres. This twist on the classic brings the dish back into the limelight in the form of a quick and easy dip that will bring a smile to any shellfish-loving crowd.

Recipe Details

Clams Casino Dip Recipe

Prep 10 mins
Cook 10 mins
Active 20 mins
Total 20 mins
Serves 8 servings
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Ingredients

  • 6 ounces (170 g; about 6 slices) bacon, coarsely chopped

  • 1/2 cup (3/4 ounce; 25 g) panko breadcrumbs

  • 1/4 cup (5 g) flat-leaf parsley leaves and tender stems, finely chopped, divided, plus whole parsley leaves for garnish

  • 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese

  • 1 cup (8 ounces; 225 g) sour cream

  • 2 cans (6.5 ounces each) minced clams, juice drained and reserved

  • Juice of 1 lemon

  • 2 medium cloves garlic, minced

  • 4 scallions, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced

  • 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes

  • Crackers, crostini, chips, and/or celery, to serve

Directions

  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook bacon, stirring, until crisp and fat has rendered, about 7 minutes. Transfer bacon to paper towel–lined plate to cool. Drain all but 1 tablespoon of rendered bacon fat. Return pan to heat.

  2. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over hot bacon grease and cook, stirring frequently, until golden, about 3 minutes. Scrape into bowl to cool.

  3. Crumble bacon. Add half of crumbled bacon and 2 tablespoons parsley to breadcrumbs; toss to combine. Set aside.

  4. In large bowl, mash cream cheese with fork and mix in sour cream until well-combined. Add 2 tablespoons of reserved clam juice and juice of 1 lemon. Stir in minced clams, garlic, scallions, red pepper flakes, remaining bacon, and remaining 2 tablespoons parsley, until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

  5. Transfer dip to serving bowl and top with panko mixture. Top with a few whole leaves of parsley, to garnish, and serve with crackers, crostini, chips, and/or celery, for dipping.

Special equipment

Skillet

Make-Ahead and Storage

The dip can be made up to 1 day ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container; sprinkle breadcrumbs on top just before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
283 Calories
19g Fat
10g Carbs
18g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Amount per serving
Calories 283
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 19g 25%
Saturated Fat 10g 49%
Cholesterol 85mg 28%
Sodium 843mg 37%
Total Carbohydrate 10g 4%
Dietary Fiber 1g 2%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 18g
Vitamin C 21mg 105%
Calcium 117mg 9%
Iron 2mg 10%
Potassium 475mg 10%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

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