Clam Casino Spread
When you have people over for dinner, it’s always nice to serve them an appetizer prior to the main course and the same goes for when your friends or family stop by in the afternoon or evening… something to munch on, right!
Throughout my “foody” years, I’ve made a ton of dip and spread recipes. I always try to do something different each time: from Muhammara, Roasted Red Pepper Hummus to Pumpernickel Spinach Dip, Jalapeño Bacon Cheese Dip, Beer Cheese Dip which can be turned into a spread, and so on including this tasty featured one… Clam Casino Spread!
This is a tasty spin on an old classic which is the famous Clams Casino served in their half shells. Both recipes are easy to make. What makes the Clam Casino Spread more appealing is it’s less fancy… something you want to serve during a casual setting. Although the ingredients are similar, there’s still a variation between them.
Bacon is one of the common ingredients and I prefer using my oven method. Why? Because there’s no mess! If you prefer cooking the slices on the stove top, by all means, go ahead. When cooked (either method), discard most of the fat but keep about 1 tablespoon to sauté the veggies. When it’s time to serve, try to keep some crumbled bacon for garnish…
As with any respectable spread, cheese is a big component. In this recipe, I use one package of light cream cheese. Many recipes out there call for 2… I prefer to stick to one and add some sour cream. It makes the spread more “spreadable”.
Served with crackers of your choice (I like water crackers), pretzels, tortilla chips or even vegetable sticks, this Clam Casino Spread is a crowd pleaser! It’s the perfect dish to serve at your next dinner party or other gatherings with your friends. Not only easy to make, it can be made ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator until needed…
Bon Appétit!
Check out these other delicious appetizer recipes…
– Zucchini Sticks
– Spicy Beef Nacho Supreme
– Potato Skins
– Sweet Chili Chicken Bites
– Pepper Jack Cheese Sticks
– Italian-Style Bruschetta
– Grilled Jalapeño Poppers
and for even more appetizer recipes, click on this link… Recipe Category • Appetizers
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Clam Casino Spread
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Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled tips & tricks
- 1 tbsp. bacon fat
- 2 cans (142 g./5 oz. each) clams, minced and juice reserved from 1 can (about 2/3 cup)
- 1/3 cup red onions, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup red peppers, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup poblano peppers, finely chopped
- 2 large cloves garlic, pressed
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste (I always use mixed peppercorns)
- ground Himalayan sea salt, to taste
- 1/4 cup Panko® breadcrumbs
- 1 package (8 oz.) light cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup light sour cream
- 1 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice tips & tricks
- 1 tsp. hot sauce such as Cholula
- 1/2 tbsp. fresh chopped parsley, for garnish tips & tricks
Directions
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, add bacon fat.
- When hot, add onions and peppers; sauté for 2 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add the clams and stir constantly for 1 minute.
- Add the reserved clam juice, season with black pepper and salt and increase the heat to medium-high; cook until the liquid is almost evaporated, about 3 minutes.
- Add breadcrumbs, stir well and cook for 1 minute.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and allow to cool off for 35 to 45 minutes.
- In a large bowl, add cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, hot sauce, cooled clam mixture and crumbled bacon reserving some for garnish.
- Stir well, cover with cling film making sure it touches the surface and transfer to the fridge for 2 hours.
- When it’s time to serve, we’ll transfer the spread to a serving bowl and sprinkle on some fresh chopped parsley and crumbled bacon.
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