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    Home » Appetizers

    Baked Clam Dip with Mozzarella

    Published: Oct 2, 2022 · Modified: Nov 28, 2023 by Mamma C · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    pin for clams casino dip

    This Baked Clam Dip features the flavors of clams casino! With buttery onions, Italian bread crumbs, Parmesan and mozzarella, it's always a hit! Make this canned clam appetizer for the holidays or when you need a delicious seafood dip.

    dipping carrot into cheesy clam dip

    I have to introduce you to my family's favorite appetizer, hands down. This Baked Clam Dip stole our hearts nearly two decades ago, and we can't picture life without it.

    You're going to want to save this "clams casino dip" recipe, as it's sometimes called.

    That's because it features buttery onions, Italian bread crumbs, Parmesan and mozzarella. If you're looking for a fabulous hot clam dip without cream cheese, you've come to the right place!

    And if you need more ideas, don't miss these 65 Italian Appetizer Recipes!

    Recipe ingredients

    Although traditional clams casino calls for bacon, this dip works better without it. We don't want it too salty.

    clams, butter, onions, Parmesan, bread crumbs, clam juice, seasonings

    Clams: We're using canned, chopped clams for a convenient, economical option. If you want to use fresh clams, you can make Beer-Steamed Littleneck Clams and chop the clam meat before using it in this recipe.

    Clam Juice: We’re using this in place of the liquid from the canned clams. Bottled clam juice has less salt and no additives (check the label.) Look for it near the canned clams at the grocery store.

    Bread Crumbs: Start with plain bread crumbs (storebought or homemade) and turn them into Italian bread crumbs by adding garlic powder, dried basil, salt and pepper.

    Mozzarella: The cheese melts better if you start with a chunk of mozzarella and shred it yourself. But, I've made it in the past with pre-shredded mozzarella.

    If you've only got store-bought Italian bread crumbs (already mixed), you won't need to add all of the seasonings.

    How to make it

    See the card at the end of this post for the full recipe, but here's an overview.

    onions cooking, bowl of clams and ingredients, melted butter added, mixed dip
    1. Cook the onions in melted butter.
    2. Add the clams, clam juice, bread crumbs, cheeses, lemon juice and seasonings to a pie dish (affiliate link) and stir to combine.
    3. Add the buttery, cooked onions to the pie dish.
    4. Stir to combine and spread the dip evenly. Sprinkle with mozzarella and paprika.
    5. Bake for 15-20 minutes.
    baked dip with red pepper strips on the side

    Recipe tips

    • Draining and rinsing canned clams gets rid of excess sodium and unwanted chemicals. Bottled clam juice is a great replacement.
    • For parties, you can double the recipe and bake it in a 9x13 pan. Or, prep two pie dishes of this and bake one while leaving the other covered in the refrigerator. When the first pan is almost getting low, you can bake the second one to serve when it’s hot.

    What to serve with it

    This Baked Clam Dip with Mozzarella works perfectly as a starter for clam bakes, Thanksgiving or an Italian Christmas Eve dinner. It's also been our go-to New Year's Eve appetizer for years.

    Serve it with raw carrot sticks, red pepper strips (my favorite!), crostini (toasted baguette slices) or lightly salted crackers. You don't want anything too salty with it.

    But...I have to tell you a secret. This warm clam dip makes the best Friday night meal! I make a double batch and plop that pan smack in the middle of our table with all of our dipping accessories.

    It makes my hubby...wait for it...happy as a clam!! Haha!!

    Frequently asked questions

    How do you store baked clam dip?

    Once it's cooled off, cover and refrigerate any leftover dip in the refrigerator for up to three days. It reheats well in the microwave.

    Can you make this ahead of time?

    Once you open a can of clams, it should be used within three days. You can prep the dip a day ahead without baking it. When you're ready to bake it, let the pan sit out on the counter for 30 minutes, then bake as directed.

    Can you freeze the clam dip before it's baked?

    I haven't tried it, but that should work. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking it as directed.

    More recipes like this

    • White Clam Appetizer Pizza
    • White Wine Clam Sauce for Pasta
    • Creamy New England Clam Chowder
    • Creamy Smoked Salmon Pasta
    • Gluten-Free Crab Cakes
    • Baked Pesto Salmon

    Enjoy!

    If you try this Baked Clam Dip, please leave a comment and a rating!

    baked clam dip

    Baked Clam Dip

    Baked Clam Dip features the flavors of clams casino! With buttery onions, Italian bread crumbs, Parmesan and mozzarella, this seafood appetizer is always a hit!
    4.69 from 22 votes
    Print Pin Rate Save Go to Collections
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: Italian-American
    Prep Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8 as an appetizer
    Calories: 191kcal
    Author: Mamma C

    Ingredients

    Clams Mixture

    • 4 ounces mozzarella, shredded (divided use; reserve 3 tablespoons to sprinkle on top)
    • ⅓ cup chopped onion (from one small onion)
    • 6 tablespoons salted butter
    • 2 6.5-ounce cans chopped clams (drained & rinsed)
    • 1 cup bottled clam juice (shake bottle before pouring)
    • ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (from one lemon)
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
    • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

    Italian Bread Crumbs (See notes if using store-bought.)

    • ⅔ cup plain bread crumbs
    • ¼ teaspoon dried basil
    • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • ⅛ teaspoon salt

    Topping

    • 3 tablespoons shredded mozzarella
    • ¼ teaspoon paprika
    US Customary - Metric
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Shred or grate the mozzarella and add it to a pie dish or deep dish baker. Set aside three tablespoons of the mozzarella for later. Grate the Parmesan, if needed.
    • Prepare the Italian bread crumb mixture right in the pie dish. Add the bread crumbs and seasonings and stir to combine.
    • Peel and finely chop the onion. Melt the butter in a 10-inch skillet or a small sauce pan over medium heat. Add the onions to the pan and cook them until soft, at least five minutes, stirring occasionally.
    • While the onions are cooking, add the clams, clam juice, Parmesan, garlic powder, hot sauce, black pepper and lemon juice to the pie dish with the mozzarella and bread crumb mixture. Stir to combine.
    • Add the cooked onions and butter to the pie dish and stir to combine with the rest of the dip. Use the back of your spoon to smooth the dip evenly in the pan.
    • Sprinkle the remaining three tablespoons of mozzarella on top, followed by ¼ teaspoon paprika. (You can pinch the paprika between your fingers to sprinkle it on evenly.)
    • Bake the dip for 15-20 minutes, uncovered, until bubbly and heated through. Let the dip cool for at least 5 minutes. Serve with carrot sticks, red pepper strips, toasted pita wedges, crostini, Melba Toast or lightly salted club crackers. It's best not to use anything salty.
    • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days. The Baked Clam Dip reheats well in the microwave.

    Notes

    • Draining and rinsing the canned clams gets rid of excess sodium and unwanted chemicals. Bottled clam juice has less salt and no additives (check the label.) The juice should be located near the canned clams in the grocery store.
    • If using store-bought Italian bread crumbs, you don't need to add the seasonings listed in the bread crumbs section of this recipe.
    • You can double this recipe and bake it in a 9x13 pan, if you wish.
    Make-Ahead Options
    • Once you open a can of clams, it should be used within three days. You can prep the dip a day ahead without baking it. When you're ready to bake it, let the pan sit out on the counter for 30 minutes, then bake as directed.
    • I haven't tried freezing the unbaked clam dip, but that should work. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and thick foil. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then bake uncovered, as directed.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 191kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 38mg | Sodium: 458mg | Potassium: 88mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 472IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 133mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Mention @cookingwithmammac or tag #CookingWithMammaC!

    (Recipe Source: Inspired by a hot clam dip recipe posted in an online forum years ago. Originally published here on September 17, 2014 and updated now with new photos, additional information and an improved recipe.)

    Don't miss my Pasta & Sauces E-Cookbook! Please SUBSCRIBE and follow me on PINTEREST, FACEBOOK, and INSTAGRAM!

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    Comments

    1. Heather says

      July 19, 2023 at 6:21 pm

      Can you use white wine instead of clam juice?

      Reply
      • Mamma C says

        July 21, 2023 at 6:51 am

        Hi Heather - A cup of wine might be too overpowering here. I haven't tried it. Please let me know if you do.

        Reply
    2. Cathy says

      December 09, 2019 at 8:37 pm

      Can this be frozen before baking?

      Reply
      • Mamma C says

        December 10, 2019 at 10:08 am

        Hi Cathy - I've never tried that, but I'm guessing it would work. Let me know if you try it!

        Reply
    3. Ruth Winig says

      May 10, 2018 at 11:31 am

      Hi there. I want to make this dip and wondering if I can do so ahead of time. If so, how many days ahead of time? One or two? Thanks - it looks delicious!

      Reply
      • Mamma C says

        May 10, 2018 at 12:21 pm

        Hi Ruth - Once you open a can of clams, it should be used within three days. So, I'd prep the dip a day ahead (without baking it), bake it the day you serve it, allowing for leftovers the day after you serve it.

        Reply
    4. Adrianne says

      February 02, 2018 at 4:56 pm

      The movie was Mermaids with Cher as a single mother!

      Reply
      • Mamma C says

        February 02, 2018 at 6:10 pm

        Yes!!! I'm glad you knew what I was talking about, Adrianne! I really need to see that again.

        Reply
    5. Nichole says

      September 24, 2016 at 8:38 am

      Hello! I've made this before and it is amazing!! Even my picky 3 and 6 yo boys love it! I am doubling it today and need it in a crockpot. Do I bake it in the oven first, then transfer? Or can I do it all on the crockpot? Thanks!!

      Reply
      • Mamma C says

        September 24, 2016 at 9:11 am

        I'm so glad your family loves this dip, Nichole! I've never tried it in a slow cooker. I think either way would probably work, but you'd have to experiment with how long to cook it on low in the slow cooker before switching it to the "warm" setting. I'd love to hear back if you try it.

        Reply
    6. Norm C says

      May 14, 2016 at 1:05 pm

      Would love to try. Could you possibly use fresh chopped clams from a seafood market? We use them for making several recipes including regular clams casino

      Reply
      • Mamma C says

        May 14, 2016 at 1:24 pm

        I think that would be delicious, Norm. I don't have easy access to fresh clams, so that's why I use the canned. Just make sure the fresh clams are cooked before adding them to the recipe.

        Reply
    7. Annie @Maebells says

      September 24, 2014 at 1:14 pm

      5 stars
      I am a huge fan of appetizers for dinner!! It is so much more fun! I have never used clam juice before, this looks like a great way to get introduced to it!

      Reply
      • Mamma C says

        September 24, 2014 at 2:30 pm

        Annie, I've found that bottled clam juice is a great way to control the sodium level. Also, when I stopped eating many processed foods, I noticed an aftertaste from the juice in the canned clams. My tastebuds can now spot chemicals a mile away! I hope you enjoy the dip.

        Reply
        • Mia Zaper says

          October 06, 2014 at 4:01 pm

          5 stars
          This was a great recipe. I made it for a get together this past weekend without practicing in advance. It was wonderful. Thank you Andrea.

          Reply
          • Mamma C says

            October 06, 2014 at 4:25 pm

            Mia, I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed the dip! Thanks for letting me know.

    8. Angie O says

      September 22, 2014 at 9:13 pm

      You have to be thinking of the movie Mermaids! Moonstruck, close your thinking about Cher movies 🙂
      The dip sounds awesome!
      My great grandma was called sweet mama C, I better sub to your blog!

      Reply
      • Mamma C says

        September 22, 2014 at 9:44 pm

        Angie, thank you so much for letting me know it was Mermaids!! This has been driving me crazy! See, you've figured out how my mind works -- we could be Charades partners! And I love your great grandma's name. 🙂

        Reply
    9. Cheryl "Cheffie Cooks" Wiser says

      September 18, 2014 at 10:08 pm

      Hi Andrea, I love appetizers for dinner. Or Tapas (small dishes) this sounds delicious-e-o-so (I made that word up just for you!!!). Best, Cheryl.

      Reply
      • Mamma C says

        September 18, 2014 at 10:20 pm

        Perfectamundo, Cheryl! And "tapas" sounds much more refined. Next time, I'll be sure to ask my family to join me for tapas. 🙂

        Reply
    4.69 from 22 votes (20 ratings without comment)

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    Hi, I'm Andrea, also known as Mamma C. I've been sharing family-tested recipes from my Italian-American kitchen for a decade! I hope you'll visit often!

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