South Jersey-style Clams Casino

South Jersey-style Clams Casino Recipe | Delicious Clam Appetizer

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

South Jersey-style Clams Casino is a delicious and savory dish that combines fresh clams with bacon, bell peppers, and melted cheddar cheese. This recipe is perfect for seafood lovers looking for a flavorful and satisfying appetizer or main course.

History

Clams Casino is believed to have originated in Rhode Island in the early 20th century. The dish was traditionally made with clams on the half shell, topped with breadcrumbs, bacon, and various seasonings. Over time, different variations of the recipe have emerged, including the South Jersey-style version which incorporates bell peppers and cheddar cheese.

Ingredients

48 littleneck clams
1 large bell pepper, diced
1 package (8 oz / 227 g) of shredded cheddar cheese
1 lb (454 g) bacon, sliced and diced
1 stick of melted butter

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Scrub the clams under cold running water until they are clean.
Steam the clams in a large pot until they open. Remove one shell from each clam.
Place the clams on a baking sheet, with the half shell intact. Dab each clam with half a teaspoon of butter.
In a large skillet, fry the diced bell pepper and bacon together until they are well done. Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease. Crumble the bacon and place some bacon and pepper on each clam. Cover with shredded cheese.
Bake in the oven for about 3 – 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

Variations

Substitute the bacon with pancetta or prosciutto for a different flavor profile.
Add diced tomatoes or jalapenos for a spicy kick.
Use different types of cheese such as mozzarella or gouda for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to scrub the clams thoroughly to remove any sand or debris before cooking.

- Steam the clams just until they open to prevent them from becoming tough and rubbery.

- Crumble the bacon and bell peppers finely to ensure even distribution on each clam.

- Use high-quality cheddar cheese for a rich and creamy flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve South Jersey-style Clams Casino as an appetizer with a side of crusty bread or a light salad. It can also be enjoyed as a main course with a side of steamed vegetables or rice.

Cooking Techniques

Steaming the clams until they open ensures that they are cooked through and tender. Frying the bacon and bell peppers together adds a smoky and savory flavor to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are unable to find littleneck clams, you can use other varieties such as Manila or razor clams. You can also substitute the cheddar cheese with Swiss or provolone.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the clams up to the baking step ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. This allows for easy and quick assembly when you are ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve South Jersey-style Clams Casino on a large platter garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives. You can also sprinkle some paprika or breadcrumbs on top for added color and texture.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair South Jersey-style Clams Casino with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. A light beer or sparkling water with lemon would also complement the dish well.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover clams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the clams on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of South Jersey-style Clams Casino contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of South Jersey-style Clams Casino contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of South Jersey-style Clams Casino contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of South Jersey-style Clams Casino contains approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Clams are a good source of vitamin B12, iron, and selenium, which are essential for maintaining healthy blood cells and immune function.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (clams) and dairy (cheddar cheese), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

South Jersey-style Clams Casino is a rich and flavorful dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is a great source of essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious option for seafood lovers.

Summary

South Jersey-style Clams Casino is a classic seafood dish that is easy to prepare and full of flavor. With a combination of fresh clams, crispy bacon, bell peppers, and melted cheddar cheese, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy this dish as an appetizer or main course for a delicious and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for South Jersey-style Clams Casino. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl growing up in a small coastal town in New Jersey. My family had always loved seafood, and we were fortunate to have access to some of the freshest clams in the area.

One summer day, my mother invited some of our neighbors over for a clam bake. As the clams cooked over an open fire, one of our neighbors, Mrs. Jenkins, began to prepare a dish that I had never seen before. She called it Clams Casino, and as she explained the ingredients and the cooking process, I was captivated by the idea of combining clams with bacon, breadcrumbs, and herbs.

Mrs. Jenkins was kind enough to share her recipe with me, and from that day on, Clams Casino became a staple in our family's seafood repertoire. Over the years, I have experimented with different variations of the recipe, adding my own personal touches and adapting it to suit my family's tastes. The result is a dish that has become a beloved favorite among my loved ones.

To make South Jersey-style Clams Casino, you will need the following ingredients:

- 24 fresh clams, scrubbed clean

- 12 slices of bacon, chopped

- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

- 2 cloves of garlic, minced

- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

- 1/4 cup white wine

- 1/4 cup melted butter

- Salt and pepper to taste

Begin by preheating your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it is crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.

In the same skillet, add the breadcrumbs and cook them in the bacon fat until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.

Next, place the clams on a baking sheet and top each one with a spoonful of the breadcrumb mixture. Drizzle a little white wine and melted butter over each clam, then sprinkle them with the cooked bacon.

Bake the clams in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the clams are cooked through. Serve the clams hot, garnished with a fresh sprig of parsley.

The first time I made South Jersey-style Clams Casino for my family, they were blown away by the flavors and textures of the dish. The briny sweetness of the clams paired perfectly with the smoky saltiness of the bacon and the crunchy breadcrumbs. It was a match made in seafood heaven.

Since then, I have made South Jersey-style Clams Casino for many special occasions, from family gatherings to holiday feasts. It has become a tradition in our home, a dish that brings us together and reminds us of the simple joys of good food and good company.

I am grateful to Mrs. Jenkins for introducing me to this delicious recipe, and I am proud to carry on the tradition of South Jersey-style Clams Casino in my own kitchen. It is a dish that holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of the culinary adventures and discoveries that have enriched my life over the years. And I hope that one day, my grandchildren will be inspired by the magic of this recipe, just as I was all those years ago.