The Ultimate Clams Casino Recipe: A Coastal Delight in Every Bite

Clams casino, a quintessential dish originating from the shores of Rhode Island, encapsulates the essence of coastal cuisine. This delectable appetizer tantalizes taste buds with its savory filling enveloped in crispy bacon and a buttery Ritz cracker crumb topping. Whether you're entertaining guests or simply indulging in a seafood treat, this recipe will elevate your culinary experience to new heights.

Ingredients You'll Need:

For the Clams:

• 2 dozen fresh littleneck clams, scrubbed and rinsed
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

For the Filling:

• 1/2 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup chopped pimentos
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup chili sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

For the Topping:

• 1 sleeve (14 crackers) Ritz crackers, crushed
• 1/4 cup melted butter

Instructions:

Prepare the Clams:

1. Steam the Clams: Place the clams in a large steamer basket over 1 inch of water in a large pot. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Steam for 5-7 minutes, or until the clams open.
2. Remove the Clams: Use tongs to remove the clams from the steamer basket and place them on a baking sheet. Discard any unopened clams.
3. Remove the Clams from the Shells: Using a small knife, carefully remove the clams from their shells and place them in a bowl.

Make the Filling:

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
2. Add the Pimentos: Stir in the pimentos.
3. Combine the Remaining Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked vegetables, bacon, breadcrumbs, melted butter, ketchup, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and thyme. Mix well until evenly combined.

Assemble the Clams Casino:

1. Fill the Clam Shells: Place a small amount of the filling into each clam shell.
2. Sprinkle with Crushed Crackers: Sprinkle the crushed Ritz crackers over the filling.
3. Drizzle with Melted Butter: Drizzle with melted butter.

Bake the Clams Casino:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake the Clams: Bake the clams casino for 5-7 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the clams are hot and bubbly.

Tips and Tricks:

• Use Fresh Clams: For the best flavor, use fresh littleneck clams. They should be closed tightly before steaming.
• Don't Overcook the Clams: Overcooking the clams will make them tough and rubbery. Steam them just until they open.
• Get Creative with the Filling: You can customize the filling to your liking by adding or omitting different ingredients. Some popular variations include adding chopped shrimp, crumbled sausage, or grated Parmesan cheese.
• Serve Immediately: Clams casino is best served hot and fresh from the oven.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Using Frozen Clams: Frozen clams will not have the same flavor and texture as fresh clams.
• Overcrowding the Baking Sheet: Don't overcrowd the baking sheet when baking the clams casino. This will prevent them from cooking evenly.
• Not Removing the Clams from the Shells: Make sure to remove the clams from their shells before filling and baking. This will make them easier to eat.

Nutritional Information:

According to the USDA, one serving of clams casino (4 clams) contains approximately:

Tables:

Table 1: Clam Nutrition Facts

Table 2: Serving Sizes and Calories

Table 3: Recipe Variations

Conclusion:

Clams casino is a culinary masterpiece that embodies the flavors of the coastal regions. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or craving a seafood treat, this recipe will surely impress your taste buds. With its crispy bacon, savory filling, and buttery cracker topping, every bite is a symphony of flavors that will transport you to the seaside. So, gather your ingredients and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more.