Easy Clam Dip

Seafood lovers flip over this extra creamy Clam Dip! Easy-to-make dip and requires just 10-minutes of prep. Serve with your favorite chips at your next gathering.

Easy Clam Dip Recipe

A classic appetizer that is always welcome at any neighborhood gatherings, game day parties, and holiday family get-togethers.

Tried and true recipes that everyone gobbles up and asks for the recipe. I like to have a handful of “go-to” recipes that I pull out at these occasions and this creamy dip is one of those.

Made with pantry staples, easy to put together in just a few minutes, and full of flavor, this is one of those recipes you will want to add to your pasty menu.

Fan of seafood like my husband is? There are a ton of seafood appetizers out there like this one. A few of my favorites are my Tuna Dip, Shrimp Rotel Dip, Smoked Salmon Dip, and Maryland Hot Crab Dip. You will find something here for everyone!

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Ingredients Needed

Clams – Canned minced clams work the best. Dice whole clams if that’s all you can find.

Clam juice – Canned clams come in juice. Or grab some bottle clam juice at the store.

Mayonnaise – Duke’s mayo is the creamiest in my opinion. Substitute plain Greek yogurt or sour cream.

Sour cream – Full fat, reduced fat, or fat free works just fine. Substitute thick, plain Greek yogurt instead.

Ranch seasoning – Homemade ranch dressing mix or substitute Old Bay seasoning.

Spices – A mix of celery salt, sugar, and onion powder.

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How to make Clam Dip

First: In a medium bowl, mix all ingredients except the clams and juice.

Second:  Drain clams and reserve the juice. Add minced clams and mix until combined.

Third: Add a few splashes of reserved clam juice to the mixture and stir until desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning.

Fourth: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. When ready to serve the dip, garnish with fresh chives and enjoy with your favorite cracker.

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

How to serve clam dip

This dip tastes best when you chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to mix together. To get this classic dip from the bowl to your mouth, I love it to serve it with potato chips, kettle chips, tortilla chips, and these oyster crackers seasoned with ranch.

How long does it last?

Store any leftover dip in the fridge in an airtight container for 4 days. Give a quick stir before serving again.

Can I freeze it?

I do not recommend freezing clam dip as the sour cream and mayonnaise will change texture and consistency when defrosted.

Luckily, this dip can be made 4 days ahead of time which makes this the perfect meal prep appetizer.

What are the best clams for clam dip?

The best clams for clam dip are minced canned clams. If you’d prefer to have larger chunks of clams in your dip, opt to buy chopped clams instead of the recommended minced.

Do canned clams need to be cooked?

No additional cooking needs to occur as the canning process cooks the clams. Canned clams are shelf-stable, which means they are ready to use whenever you are.

The best clams for clam dip are minced canned clams. If you’d prefer to have larger chunks of clams in your dip, opt to buy chopped clams instead of the recommended minced.

Love to make dips with sour cream? I do because of the creamy texture and tangy flavor! Check out all my favorite Sour Cream Dip Recipes!

Tapas Tips & Tricks

• Make dip at least 30-minutes ahead of time and store in the fridge as this gives the flavors a chance to mix together for a delicious dip.
• If you are bringing this dip to an event where some guests aren’t fond of fish, place clams in a food processor with a teaaspoon of the juice and pulse until the flesh is so tiny it will be undetectable in the dip!
• Lactose intolerant? Use Lactaid sour cream of cottage cheese instead.
• For a little kick, add in a few splashes of your favorite hot sauce. I like Tabasco sauce myself.
• If you don’t have chives, feel free to use sliced green onion.
• For some heat add a 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
• Feel free to swap in canned smoked fish, canned chopped oysters, or canned shrimp.
• More clam flavor? Double the amount of chopped clams.
• Add in a couple teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce for a deeper savory flavor.
• If you want to use fresh clams, you will need to prep them before adding to the dip.
• A squeeze of fresh lemon juice is great too!

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This delicious clam dip recipe is perfect party appetizer for your next neighborhood gathering, game-day event, or weekend snack. This easy dip feeds a crowd and is oh-so-delicious there, won’t be any leftovers by the time your guests are finished!

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