Clams Casino Recipe (Easy Baked Clams with Bacon)

Ingredients for Clams Casino

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this restaurant-style Clams Casino recipe at home.

• Fresh Clams – I like using littleneck or cherrystone clams. Littlenecks are smaller and perfect for bite-sized appetizers, while cherrystones have slightly larger shells that hold more stuffing.
• Bacon – Thick-cut bacon adds that classic smoky, savory flavor. Regular bacon works, too, and you can swap in pancetta for something a little different.
• Onion – Finely chopped onion adds sweetness and flavor to the stuffing. Shallots make a great substitute.
• Red Bell Pepper – Adds a little sweetness and color. Yellow or orange bell pepper works just as well.
• Garlic – Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor, but jarred minced garlic will work in a pinch.
• Panko Breadcrumbs – My favorite for a light, crispy stuffing. Regular breadcrumbs work, but the texture will be a little more compact.
• Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan adds savory flavor. Pecorino Romano is another good option, although it’s saltier.
• Italian Seasoning – A simple way to add classic Italian herb flavor. You can also use a combination of dried oregano, basil, and thyme or my homemade italian seasoning.
• Lemon Zest – Adds a fresh, bright flavor that balances the richness of the bacon. Fresh lemon is best.
• Fresh Parsley – A little freshness and color. Flat-leaf parsley is my favorite.
• Olive Oil – A drizzle over the stuffed clams helps the topping turn golden and crispy.
• Salt and Pepper – Season to taste, keeping in mind that clams, bacon, and Parmesan already contribute salt.

For the complete ingredient list and measurements, scroll down to the recipe card.

How to Make Clams Casino

This easy Clams Casino recipe comes together in a few simple steps. The secret is cooking the clams just until they open, then mixing the chopped clam meat into the flavorful stuffing.

1. Prepare the clams. Scrub the clams under cold running water to remove any sand or grit. Arrange on a rimmed baking sheet and cook in the oven until the shells open. Discard any that don’t open after adequate cooking.
2. Chop the clams. Once cool enough to handle, remove the clam meat and roughly chop it. Save 24 shell halves for stuffing.
3. Cook the bacon and vegetables. Cook the chopped bacon until almost crisp, then remove it from the skillet. Add the onion and bell pepper to the bacon drippings and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic and Italian seasoning.
4. Make the stuffing. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chopped clams, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and parsley. Season to taste.
5. Stuff the shells. Spoon the clam stuffing into the reserved shells, top each with a piece of bacon, and drizzle lightly with olive oil.
6. Bake and serve. Bake until the filling is heated through and the tops are golden brown. Finish with a little extra parsley and Parmesan, if desired, and serve warm with lemon wedges.

The complete instructions, including oven temperatures and baking times, are in the recipe card below.

More Easy Seafood Recipes

If you love seafood appetizers as much as I do, you’ll definitely want to try a few more of my favorites!

• Baked Shrimp Scampi – Buttery, garlicky shrimp baked with a golden breadcrumb topping. So easy and perfect for entertaining!
• Easy Lobster Bisque – Rich, creamy, and surprisingly simple to make at home.
• New England Clam Chowder – A creamy, comforting classic loaded with tender clams and potatoes.
• Baked Lobster Tails – An elegant seafood dinner that’s easier to make than you’d think.
• Cajun Seafood Boil – A fun, flavor-packed seafood feast with shrimp, crab, clams, and a delicious buttery sauce.
• Grilled Seafood Paella – A showstopping seafood dinner that’s perfect for a special occasion.

If you try this Clams Casino recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment and a star rating below. Your feedback helps other readers, too!