It had been a long since I’d indulged in Clams Casino or even thought about them. I had forgotten just how delicious they could be and how much I loved them.
Sometimes I think the world tends to forget about Classic Restaurant Dishes. As they become less trendy and chefs color outside the lines with their new creations, old favorites are forgotten.
And that my friends is why I’m sharing one of my all-time appetizers with you. They’re really easy to make and will have you looking like a superstar in the kitchen!
What is the difference between Clams Casino and Clams Oreganta.
The much simpler version of Oreganata contains bread crumbs and seasonings. The upscale Clams Casino adds bacon, peppers, and onions creating a symphony of flavors.
Let’s start by gathering the ingredients we need to make Clams Casino. This is called a Mise en Place (everything in its place). Missing from the ingredients are bread crumbs and butter.
The first step is to saute the chopped bacon in butter. I know it sounds crazy but it’s delicious and necessary.
After the bacon has cooked for about 5 minutes, add in the diced peppers and onions. I used a mixture of sweet peppers but feel free to use all one color.
After the mixture has cooked over medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes add in the seasonings.
Mix the seasonings into the mixture. Mix well.
Pour the mixture into a bowl and place in the refrigerator. Don’t freak out about the butter, as the mixture chills you’re going to stir it adding the butter proportionally throughout the mixture not just on the top.
Let the mixture chill for at least an hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
The mixture can be made up days in advance. It will hold well in the refrigerator.
Do I need to clean the clams before opening?
Before opening the clams place them in a bowl and allow cold water to run over them for about 5 minutes. Dump the water out every now and then to make sure it is as clean as possible.
How do I open the Clams?
Unless they are intended for Clams on a half shell, I have a secret method to make life much easier. Place the clams into the freezer for at least an hour or overnight. When removed from the freezer you’ll find the clams are opened slightly. And that means no clam knife, no accidental cuts and no trips to the hospital for stitches.
Of course, if you’re a purist feel free to use a clam knife. But I promise not to tell anyone if you use my secret method.
Using a small knife and place the blade in the corner of the shell and twist it to pop the shell open a little more, once it’s opened up, use the knife to go above and below the clam freeing it completely from the upper shell. Now twist off the top and discarded it, give the clam a quick rinse if necessary and use the knife to make sure the clam is loose from the bottom of the shell as well.
The easier you make it to slurp the clam off entirely into your mouth the more clams you will be able to eat.
After all the clams are opened, using a tablespoon (or your hands) add a large spoonful of the casino mixture on top of the clam. Press it in firmly using the spoon or your hand.
Chef Dennis Tip:
*When purchasing any seafood, clams especially, look for a safe food source. If the clams are open prior to freezing or opening with a clam knife, discard them.
Clams Casino are not difficult to make and the few extra steps involved are definitely worth the effort. After tasting your first one I’m sure you’ll agree!
Recipe FAQ’s:
Clams Casino will freeze very nicely. After stuffing them, place the sheet pan in the freezer allowing the clams to freeze. After the clams casino have frozen solid place them in a container or ziplock bag for storage. The clams casino will hold up frozen for 4-6 weeks.
**Cooking the frozen clams won’t take too much longer. Place them in a 375- degree oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are bubbly and nicely browned.
Unless they are intended for clams on a half shell, I have a secret method to make life much easier. Place the clams into the freezer for at least an hour or overnight. When removed from the freezer you’ll find the clams are opened slightly. And that means no clam knife, no accidental cuts and no trips to the hospital for stitches.
No, if clams, mussels or oysters are open when you buy them, that means they are dead and not safe to consume. Sometimes they will open slightly and if you tap them a few times they’ll close, but if they remain open, discard them, DO NOT COOK or CONSUME THEM.
C.Rosa
Casino has been one of my favorites and never thought of making them at home until I saw this recipe and they came out better than some local restaurants thank you chef for this easy to make recipe and so delicious.
Also thank you for the advice on freezing the clams work perfectly👍👍
Chef Dennis Littley
I’m very happy to hear you made my favorite clam appetizer, and also that you found them easy to make. I hope you find more recipes on my site to try.
Tom Shuford
Just read your recipes for oysters Rockefeller and clams casino. I can’t wait to try them. Quite interested in the stuffed mushrooms also.
Look forward to your other recipes as well. Thank you for your efforts.
john
I made them the first time about a month ago, about 4 dozen, shucked fresh, baked 2 dozen immediately, wrapped the rest in plastic wrap and froze. Took them out and baked them 2 nights ago, great both ways. Now yesterday I made another batch of 6 dozen. half fresh shucked. The second half I thought I would freeze the clams per your recipe and
then prepare them. Well I froze them for half a day, frozen solid. Tried to pry open, would not, frozen solid. I then ran each one under cold water on the shell for a minute and it popped right open. Next problem, each clam was encased in an iceberg which left no place to put the stuffing. I then let them defrost enough so that I had some place to put the stuffing, did that and refroze them for later use. Could you explain how you use the frozen clams? I have not yet compared the “pre-frozen with fresh shucked yet but the shucked frozen then baked vs the shucked and baked are comparable. Great recipe
Coralia Varga
Great recipe for a dinner party. They look so inviting! Thank you for sharing, I can’t wait to try
Loreto Nardelli
Hey Chef Dennis
I totally agree with you on old classics being forgotten. These are great delicious recipes and I am a believer of never forgetting where we came from. I love the tip on opening the clams, great tip! These look delicious loved that you sauteed the bacon in butter. Totally understand!
Thanks for sharing this classic!
Tammy
It has been too long since I’ve had clams casino. These look SO delicious! I can’t wait until lockdown is over so I can makes these…yumm!!!
Denise
I have heard of clams casino, but never have I tried them. Your recipe makes it look easy to make, I am going to try them!
Debra
Thanks for sharing the interesting info on the different clam dishes. This one sounds like a winner!
Amy
oooo I love clams! Perfect starter for a dinner party!
Karen
Omg, clams casino are dear to my heart. There’re so good with the bacon and breadcrumbs. And they were supposedly created in my home state, Rhode Island!
Gloria
Now this would be the hit of the bbq party. What a fun and delicious dish. I know my guests would devour these.
Çitra's Home Diary
The ingredients you use sounds good to try. I love clams and any shell fish.. Can’t wait to try.