Classic Clams Casino

Ingredients

• 24 fresh clams, scrubbed and cleaned 24 fresh clams, scrubbed and cleaned
• 1/2 cup (120g) breadcrumbs 1/2 cup (120g) breadcrumbs
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (30g) finely chopped red bell pepper 1/4 cup (30g) finely chopped red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup (30g) finely chopped green bell pepper 1/4 cup (30g) finely chopped green bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons (10g) chopped fresh parsley 2 tablespoons (10g) chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons (10g) grated Parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons (10g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 245 kcal / 1026 KJ
• Fat: 14g (Saturated Fat: 3g)
• Carbohydrates: 15g (Sugars: 1g)
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, crumbled bacon, minced garlic, chopped bell peppers, olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. 3.
   Shuck the clams, discarding the top shell, and place them on a baking sheet.
4. 4.
   Spoon a generous amount of the breadcrumb mixture onto each clam, pressing it gently to adhere.
5. 5.
   Bake the clams in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
6. 6.
   Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Clams — Ensure that the clams are fresh and properly cleaned before shucking. Discard any clams that do not open during cooking.
• Bacon — Cook the bacon until crispy before crumbling it for the breadcrumb mixture. This adds a smoky flavor to the dish.
• Breadcrumbs — Use fresh breadcrumbs for the best texture. You can make them by processing stale bread in a food processor until finely ground.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Serve the Clams Casino with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor.
• If you prefer a crispier topping, broil the clams for the last 1-2 minutes of baking.
• If you're unable to find fresh clams, you can use canned clams as a substitute.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices in the breadcrumb mixture to customize the flavors to your liking.

Serving advice

Serve the Clams Casino as an appetizer, accompanied by lemon wedges for squeezing over the clams. Arrange them on a platter and garnish with fresh parsley for an elegant presentation.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, serve the Clams Casino on a bed of rock salt or crushed ice. This not only adds visual appeal but also helps to keep the clams chilled.