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Baked Clam Dip with Mozzarella

Baked Clam Dip with Mozzarella: Your New Favorite Appetizer

Baked Clam Dip with Mozzarella blends savory clams and creamy mozzarella, perfect for any gathering.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Dip
  • 8 oz Mozzarella Shred from a block for better melting; pre-shredded can be used.
  • 1 cup Chopped Onion Yellow or white onion works best for a milder flavor.
  • 2 tbsp Salted Butter Can use unsalted butter, but add salt to taste.
  • 2 cans Canned Chopped Clams Fresh clams can be used but ensure they are cooked and chopped prior.
  • 1/2 cup Bottled Clam Juice If unavailable, seafood stock may work but will alter flavor slightly.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Pecorino Romano can be used for a sharper taste.
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice Use fresh lemon for best taste.
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Fresh garlic can be used; adjust to taste.
  • 1 tbsp Hot Sauce Adjust quantity or omit based on heat preference.
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper Freshly cracked pepper recommended for a more robust flavor.
For the Topping
  • 1 cup Plain Bread Crumbs Homemade is preferable for freshness; seasoned crumbs require less seasoning.
  • 1 tbsp Dried Basil
  • 1 tbsp Extra Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1 tsp Paprika Smoked paprika can be used for a different flavor profile.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • sauté pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking Dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Shred the mozzarella cheese from a block, setting aside a generous portion for later use.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine plain bread crumbs with dried basil, extra garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
  4. Melt salted butter in a sauté pan over medium heat, then add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes.
  5. In the baking dish, combine the canned chopped clams, bottled clam juice, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, hot sauce, black pepper, lemon juice, and sautéed onions.
  6. Spread the clam mixture in the baking dish, top with reserved mozzarella and breadcrumb mixture, and bake for 15-20 minutes.
  7. Allow the Baked Clam Dip to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 14gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Rinse canned clams before using to minimize excess sodium. Fresh clams provide a brighter flavor. For best melting texture, shred mozzarella from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese.

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