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Creamy Canned Clams 🦪✨

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Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Total time: 35 minutes

Servings: 4 to 6 servings

Intensity: Easy / Beginner-Friendly

Transform an ordinary pantry staple into an extraordinary, gourmet appetizer with this Creamy Canned Clams recipe. Baked directly in individual cleaned clam tins or a small rustic baking dish, this decadent hot dip combines tender minced ocean clams with rich cream cheese, garlic, Parmesan, and a golden, bubbly cheese crust.

Served alongside crisp, buttery crackers, this recipe is a brilliant party pleaser, a cozy game-day snack, or an effortless seafood starter that feels remarkably luxurious. Best of all, it requires very little active prep time and relies mostly on shelf-stable pantry items that you can keep on hand for sudden cravings or unexpected guests.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Pantry-Friendly: Utilizes canned clams, making it an affordable and convenient gourmet dish you can whip up anytime.

  • Incredibly Rich & Savory: Loaded with cream cheese, melted mozzarella, garlic, and fresh herbs for a deeply satisfying flavor profile.

  • Unique Presentation: Baking and serving the dip directly in individual cans adds a fun, rustic touch that always impresses.

  • Lightning Fast: Ready from pantry shelf to table in just 35 minutes.

Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowl and rubber spatula

  • Cleaned and emptied shallow tin cans (or a small 1-quart oven-safe baking dish)

  • Baking sheet

  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

The Core Seafood & Base

  • 2 cans (6.5 oz each) minced or chopped ocean clams, thoroughly drained (reserve 2 tablespoons of the clam juice)

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

The Cheeses & Toppings

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

  • Salty butter crackers or water crackers, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Tins

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. If using individual serving presentation, take clean, empty, wide-rimmed metal tins or a small baking dish and place them on a sturdy baking sheet for easy transfer in and out of the oven.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Clam Base

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a spatula until completely smooth and creamy.

  2. Stir in the minced garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and the reserved 2 tablespoons of clam juice. Mix until fully incorporated.

  3. Gently fold in the drained minced clams and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 3: Fill and Top

  1. Spoon the creamy clam mixture evenly into your prepared individual tins or baking dish, smoothing out the tops.

  2. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese generously over the surface of each portion.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

  1. Transfer the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbling hot around the edges, and lightly golden brown on top.

  2. For an extra toasted cheese finish, turn your oven broiler on for the final 1 to 2 minutes—watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

  1. Remove from the oven and let cool for 3 to 5 minutes so the creamy filling sets slightly.

  2. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while piping hot, accompanied by plenty of crisp crackers for dipping and spreading.

Chef’s Tips for Success

  • Drain the Clams Well: Make sure to strain your canned clams thoroughly to remove excess liquid, ensuring your dip stays thick, rich, and creamy rather than watery.

  • Tin Safety: If using original food cans for presentation, ensure they have completely smooth interior edges and are thoroughly washed and sanitized before use. Alternatively, a small cast-iron skillet or individual ramekins work wonderfully.

  • Spice It Up: If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the cream cheese mixture.

Nutrition Information

Serving size: 1/4th of recipe (approx. 1/4 of total dip)

  • Calories: 310 kcal

  • Total Carbohydrates: 5.2 g

    • Dietary Fiber: 0.3 g

    • Sugars: 1.8 g

  • Protein: 18.5 g

  • Total Fat: 23.8 g

    • Saturated Fat: 13.2 g

  • Sodium: 520 mg

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