Are you craving a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious seafood dinner? Look no further! This stuffed baked clams recipe is the perfect solution for a weeknight meal or a special occasion appetizer. These succulent clams, brimming with a savory breadcrumb stuffing, are surprisingly simple to make and guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Get ready to experience a burst of fresh, briny flavor in every bite! This recipe is perfect for those searching for easy recipes, healthy meals, or quick dinner ideas. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its best.
Ingredients:
- 2 dozen fresh littleneck clams, scrubbed and rinsed thoroughly
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a little heat
Instructions:
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Prepare the Clams: Carefully scrub the clams under cold running water to remove any sand or debris. Discard any clams that are open and don't close when tapped. This is crucial for food safety.
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Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the clams in a large oven-safe baking dish.
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Make the Stuffing: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, parsley, chives, garlic, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. If using, add the red pepper flakes now. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
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Stuff the Clams: Spoon the breadcrumb mixture generously into each clam, ensuring they are well filled but not overflowing.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the clams are opened and the stuffing is golden brown and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them to avoid over-baking.
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Serve Immediately: Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and serve the stuffed clams immediately. These are best enjoyed fresh from the oven!
Tips for the Best Stuffed Clams:
- Fresh is Best: Using fresh clams is key to achieving the best flavor. Don't substitute frozen clams for this recipe.
- Don't Overstuff: Overfilling the clams can prevent them from opening properly during baking.
- Check for Doneness: Clams that don't open during baking should be discarded.
- Garnish: A sprinkle of extra parsley or a lemon wedge makes a beautiful garnish.
Variations:
- Spicy Clams: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the stuffing for a spicier kick.
- Bacon Clams: Crumble cooked bacon into the stuffing for added smoky flavor.
- Cheesy Clams: Increase the amount of Parmesan cheese or add other cheeses like Asiago or Romano.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on ingredients and portion size) Protein: Approximately 8-10g Fat: Approximately 10-12g Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This delicious and easy stuffed baked clams recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. The homemade cooking process is simple and rewarding, yielding a dish that's both impressive and satisfying. Enjoy!