Are you craving a delicious and easy appetizer that's sure to impress your guests? Look no further than this creamy clam dip! This recipe is perfect for parties, game nights, or a cozy night in. It’s a fantastic example of homemade cooking that's both quick and satisfying, offering a burst of fresh flavors that everyone will adore. Get ready to experience the best clam dip recipe you've ever tasted! This healthy twist on a classic will become your go-to quick dinner idea or party snack.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 (6.5 ounce) can minced clams, drained
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions, for garnish
- Crackers or vegetables, for serving
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, drained clams, mayonnaise, milk (or cream), lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
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Mix Thoroughly: Use a hand mixer or a whisk to blend all the ingredients until they are completely smooth and creamy. If you prefer a chunkier dip, you can simply mix gently with a spoon.
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Chill (Optional): For best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the dip for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Garnish and Serve: Once chilled (or immediately if you're short on time!), garnish the dip with the chopped green onions. Serve with your favorite crackers, vegetable sticks, or toasted baguette slices.
Tips for the Best Clam Dip:
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened for easy mixing. You can soften it quickly by microwaving it for short bursts, or leaving it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing can make the dip watery. Mix until just combined.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dip and adjust the seasonings to your preference. You might want to add more lemon juice for extra zing or a pinch of salt if needed.
- Get Creative with Garnishes: Feel free to experiment with different garnishes! Chopped fresh parsley, dill, or even a sprinkle of paprika would be delicious additions.
Variations:
- Spicy Clam Dip: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper 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 a smoky, salty flavor.
- Creamy Dill Clam Dip: Add 1-2 tablespoons of fresh dill for a vibrant, herbaceous twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on serving size and additions)
- Fat: Approximately 12-15g
- Protein: Approximately 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 8-10g
This easy recipe is perfect for those seeking delicious dishes without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a wonderful example of simple cooking that yields big results. Enjoy this crowd-pleasing appetizer, and don't hesitate to share your experience in the comments below! We’d love to hear how you customized this recipe and what you served it with!