Italian Seafood > Baked Clams

Baked Clams with Herbs and Garlic Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 24 small clams, scrubbed clean
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving

Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Clam knife or small sharp knife

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, and garlic.

3. Add the olive oil and mix well to combine.

4. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Using a clam knife or small sharp knife, carefully open each clam and remove the meat from the shell. Discard the top shell and place the clam meat in the bottom shell.

6. Spoon a small amount of the breadcrumb mixture onto each clam.

7. Place the clams on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the clams are cooked through.

8. Serve hot with lemon wedges.


- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F (190°C)
Serving size:
- This recipe makes 24 baked clams, serving size is 4 clams per person.

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 170
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 11g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- You can substitute Romano cheese for Parmesan cheese.
- You can use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs, but reduce the amount by half.

Variations:
- Add chopped bacon or pancetta to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
- Substitute the herbs with your favorite herbs such as thyme, oregano, or rosemary.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to scrub the clams clean before opening them.
- Use a small spoon to carefully remove the clam meat from the shell.
- Don't overstuff the clams with the breadcrumb mixture, as they will expand while cooking.

Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover baked clams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the baked clams, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the baked clams on a platter with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for garnish.

Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or basil leaves
- Lemon wedges

Pairings:
- Serve the baked clams with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the breadcrumbs are not browning evenly, move the baking sheet to a higher rack in the oven.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to discard any clams that do not open during cooking.
- Always wash your hands and utensils thoroughly before and after handling raw seafood.

Food history:
- Clams have been a popular seafood for centuries, and were a staple food for Native American tribes along the East Coast of the United States.

Flavor profiles:
- The baked clams are savory and garlicky, with a crispy breadcrumb topping and a briny flavor from the clams.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the baked clams as an appetizer or as part of a seafood feast.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: N/A

Taste: Savory, Herbal, Garlicky, Tangy, Briny