Teresa's Recipes
Clams Casino
Clams Casino is a delightful Rhode Island classic that tantalizes the taste buds with its combination of fresh clams, savory bacon, and a buttery breadcrumb topping. This beloved appetizer, often served at festive gatherings, evokes the flavors of coastal New England with every bite. Experience the crunch of breadcrumbs mingling with the briny sweetness of clams, perfectly offset by the smoky notes of bacon. Traditionally believed to have originated in the late 19th century, this dish is named after the Casino Theatre in Newport, where it first gained popularity. It's a dish that brings a touch of seaside nostalgia to your dining table, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in!
Ingredients
- 12 large, cleaned and scrubbed Fresh clams
- 4 slices, chopped Bacon
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup, finely diced Green bell pepper
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 cup, preferably Italian-style Bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons, chopped Fresh parsley
- 1, cut into wedges for serving Lemon
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Appetizer
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 14g
- Protein: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Sugar: 1g
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- In a medium skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, chop into small pieces.
- In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced green bell pepper and minced garlic, sautéing until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the bread crumbs, mixing until they are evenly coated with butter. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and fold in the chopped bacon.
- Arrange the cleaned clams on a baking sheet, ensuring they are in a stable position. Spoon the breadcrumb mixture generously over each clam, pressing down slightly to secure the topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the clams are fully cooked and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Tips
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
- You can substitute the green bell pepper with red or yellow bell peppers for a sweeter flavor.
- If you prefer a more decadent topping, mix in some grated Parmesan cheese with the breadcrumbs.