Are you craving a delicious appetizer that's both easy to make and incredibly flavorful? Look no further than this creamy clam dip recipe! Perfect for parties, game nights, or a simple weeknight snack, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. It's one of those easy recipes that delivers big on taste, making it a staple in my healthy meals repertoire. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this homemade cooking masterpiece!
Ingredients:
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (6.5 ounce) can minced clams, undrained
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Ritz crackers or your favorite chips, for serving
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Mix until smooth and creamy. This is a crucial step for achieving that perfect, luscious texture.
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Add the Clam Mixture: Gently stir in the undrained minced clams, mayonnaise, lemon juice, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. The liquid from the clams adds moisture and flavor, so don't drain them!
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Season to Taste: Add salt to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your preference. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away!
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Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is key to achieving the best flavor profile. Serve chilled with Ritz crackers, oyster crackers, or your favorite tortilla chips.
Tips for the Best Clam Dip:
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is completely softened for easy mixing. You can soften it quickly by microwaving it for short intervals, or leaving it at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Don't Overmix: Once all the ingredients are combined, gently mix until just combined. Overmixing can make the dip watery.
- Adjust to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you love garlic, add a little more garlic powder. If you prefer a tangier dip, add a bit more lemon juice.
Variations:
- Spicy Clam Dip: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Bacon Clam Dip: Crumble some cooked bacon and stir it into the dip for added flavor and texture. This is a great way to elevate this simple recipe!
- Green Onion Clam Dip: Add 2 tablespoons of chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 12-15g
- Saturated Fat: 7-9g
- Cholesterol: 20-30mg
- Sodium: 300-400mg
- Carbohydrates: 5-7g
- Protein: 4-6g
This clam dip is a fantastic quick dinner idea or appetizer for any occasion. The combination of creamy textures and briny clam flavor makes this a truly delicious and easy-to-make dish. It's a perfect example of how homemade cooking can create delicious dishes without a lot of fuss. Enjoy!