Looking to impress your guests or indulge in a delicious seafood treat? This Baked Stuffed Littleneck Clams recipe is just what you need. These tender clams are topped with a mouthwatering mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic, fresh herbs, and crispy bacon, all baked to golden perfection. With a hint of lemon zest and a mild touch of spice, these stuffed clams offer a delightful balance of flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether serving them as an appetizer or a light meal, this recipe will surely be a hit at your next gathering.
Ingredients:
- 24 littleneck clams, scrubbed and rinsed
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 4 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions: Baked Stuffed Littleneck Clams
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Clams:
- Place the clams in a large pot with about 1/2 inch of water at the bottom.
- Cover the pot and bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the clams just until they open, about 5-7 minutes. Discard any clams that do not open.
- Remove the clams from the pot and let them cool slightly. Once cool, carefully remove the top shell and loosen the clam from the bottom shell, keeping the clam in the half-shell.
- Make the Stuffing:
- Combine the breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and crumbled bacon in a medium bowl.
- Drizzle the olive oil and melted butter over the mixture and stir until the stuffing is well combined and slightly moist.
- Season the mixture with red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Stuff the Clams:
- Arrange the clam shells on a baking sheet.
- Spoon the breadcrumb mixture onto each clam, pressing lightly to adhere the stuffing to the clam meat.
- Make sure each clam is generously covered with the stuffing mixture.
- Bake the Clams:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
- Bake the clams for about 12-15 minutes or until the stuffing is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve:
- Remove the clams from the oven and transfer them to a serving platter.
- Serve the baked stuffed clams warm, with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
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Enjoy!
These baked stuffed clams make for a delightful appetizer or a light meal. The mild spiciness, combined with the savory stuffing ingredients like bacon and Parmesan, creates a balanced and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress.
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