• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Perfect Tide
  • Recipe Index
    • MEDITERRANEAN
    • SEAFOOD
      • Fish
        • Rock Fish & White Fish
        • Salmon
        • Tuna
      • Canned & Tinned
      • Shellfish
        • Crab
        • Mussels
        • Oysters
        • Razor Clams
        • Shrimp
        • Steamer Clams
      • PACIFIC COAST
    • Breakfast
    • Appetizers
    • Main Course
      • Mediterranean Main Dish
    • Sides
    • Desserts
    • Baked Goods
    • Drinks
    • Sauces & extras
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • About
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • Seafood How-To
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Index
    • Seafood How-To
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home

    Clam Dip (Baked or Cold)

    Last Updated: Dec 19, 2022 by Suzy Sakamoto · This post may contain affiliate links · 3 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Share on Facebook

    This Clam dip recipe is a MUST TRY for your next gathering! Make it cold, or as a baked clam dip and serve with chips, crackers, or cucumbers. It's easy to make and comes together in 10 minutes!

    baked clam dip with crackers and cucumbers

    This delicious baked clam recipe has so many perks, and it's so versatile! Like keeping it cold instead.

    As a busy outdoorsy family on the Pacific Coast, we love going razor clamming. Every time we brought home razor clams I got more and more creative with them, and this buffalo-style hot Clam Dip recipe is one of the many clam recipes that we love as a family.

    It can be enjoyed both cold and as a baked clam dip with your go-to chips or crackers.

    clam dip recipe in a white bowl with cucumbers and crackers around

    WHAT YOU NEED TO THIS RECIPE

    Grab a few pieces of everyday kitchen equipment, 10 or so minutes of your time, and all the ingredients listed below to make this delicious clam dip recipe!

    EQUIPMENT YOU'LL NEED

    1. Cutting board. I've had this style of cutting board for years and love having multiple lightweight options, for meals where I'm using veggies and seafood.
    2. A knife.
    3. Measuring cups and spoons.

    INGREDIENTS

    • 2 cups of clams. Use razor clams, steamers, canned clams, cockles, horse clams, or anything else that's local to you.
    • 3 tbsp clam juice, reserved from clams. Or use the juice that's leftover after cooking them.
    • 1 tbsp olive oil for cooking
    • ½ cup sour cream
    • 8 oz cream cheese softened
    • 3 tbsp parmesan cheese
    • 2 tsp hot sauce or to taste, Tapatio or Louisiana. I prefer not to use sriracha since it's spicier, and we're looking for the flavor more than anything.
    • 2 stalks green onion
    • 1 heaping tsp smoked paprika
    • ½ tsp Johnny's seasoning, salt sea salt is ok
    • green onion for garnish
    • crackers for serving!

    HOW TO MAKE CLAM DIP

    1. First, you'll need to gather all the equipment and the ingredients that we'll need.

    2. If the clams you're working with are raw, blanch or sauté them until just about cooked.

    blended ingredients in a food processor for clam dip recipe

    3. To the food processor, blend all the ingredients, except the clams.

    blended ingredients with razor clams in a food processor for clam dip recipe

    4. Add the cooked clams to the food processor.

    clam dip blended in food processor

    5. Blend just enough to chop the clams.

    FOR BAKED CLAM DIP

    Transfer the clam dip to an oven-safe dish and bake at 350F until warmed through. About 30 minutes.

    SERVING SUGGESTIONS

    This clam dip is so delicious both cold and warm with tortilla chips! It's a great way to get a ton of protein in with less guilt.

    Mix leftovers in eggs for a delicious omelet.

    Roll your own homemade spring rolls with this dip.

    Add to Macaroni with extra cheddar cheese.

    STORAGE SUGGESTIONS

    Once cooked, Pacific razor clams can last up to 2 days. However, we typically eat them the day of and the day after at most.

    Browse our many other amazing razor clam recipes to elevate your razor clam cooking this harvesting season!

    CAN YOU MAKE BAKED CLAM DIP IN ADVANCE?

    Yes! I typically make this recipe around lunchtime to enjoy for dinner. Then bake just before serving.

    WHAT PART OF A RAZOR CLAM TO USE FOR THIS RECIPE

    razor clam anatomy

    Here is a diagram that I put together to show the anatomy of Pacific Razor Clam.

    This is a quick way to understand what to use in this recipe if you're working with these clams.

    For this razor clam dip recipe, I use every part of the razor clam. However, if you are more partial to the digger, then this is the perfect recipe to use up the razor clam necks!

    The neck being tougher adds a little chew, and the digger is as soft as it gets.

    WHAT PART OF A RAZOR CLAM IS MOST DESIRABLE

    The neck of a razor clam is the toughest part and the digger is the softest part. Besides being softer of a bite, many find the digger of the Pacific razor clam to be most desirable because it's much more forgiving to cook than its counterpart.

    Aside from the digger, my other favorite part of a razor clam is the muscle. The muscle, which is sometimes overlooked or tossed, is exceptionally soft and buttery. The muscles remind me so much of a scallop.

    There are two muscles per clam and they are often thrown out due to improper cleaning.

    Read our guide on the Easiest Way to Clean Razor Clams to learn how to clean your clams correctly, you will be able to save these delicious pieces.

    HOW DO YOU DIG RAZOR CLAMS

    We have an entire section on our blog dedicated to this very topic!

    Pacific razor clams are along the Pacific coast, from Alaska down to California. In order to find razor clams, you will need a digging tool such as a clam gun (link here for an awesome one!) or clam shovel, along with a low tide. Depending on what state you are in, you will need to purchase a shellfish license and watch for approved clam tides. For more information, be sure to head to our Activities page, and go through our articles on everything you need to know before you go razor clamming on the Pacific coast. We have the best guides out there, specially made for families!

    HOW TO THAW FROZEN RAZOR CLAMS

    I typically place the frozen razor clams in the fridge overnight or the morning of to thaw. Razor clams thaw fairly quickly since they're thin.

    MORE CLAM RECIPES

    • Steamer clams with white wine olives shallots and peppers
      Steamer Clams in White Wine Sauce
    • razor clam spaghetti with white sauce sauce angel hair pasta mushrooms red peppers parsley garnish
      Razor Clam Spaghetti with Wine Sauce
    • razor clam ceviche recipe with cilantro lemon lime mint and tomatoes.
      The Best Razor Clam Ceviche Recipe
    • Razor clam Jalapeno Poppers
      The Best Jalapeno Poppers with Razor Clams
    • Facebook
    • Link to our Youtube Channel
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    If you enjoyed this recipe, let me know with a comment and a star rating below. Please share it on Facebook and save it to Pinterest for later!

    baked clam dip with crackers and cucumbers

    Clam Dip (Baked or Cold)

    This clam dip recipe always pleases our crowds and can be made either cold or baked! It's an easy seafood appetizer that will shine in every gathering! Grab cream cheese, clams (razor clams, steamers, or others), and your favorite hot sauce! Enjoy this cold or baked clam dip with your favorite cracker or chips!
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Recipe Share on Facebook Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 9 minutes mins
    Cook Time 1 minute min
    Total Time 10 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine Pacific Coast
    Servings 6 people
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 cups clams razor clams, steamer clams, cockle clams, or your preference
    • 3 tablespoon clam juice reserved from clams, see notes below
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
    • ½ cup sour cream
    • 8 oz cream cheese softened
    • 3 tablespoon parmesan cheese
    • 2 teaspoon hot sauce or to taste, tapatio or Louisiana
    • 2 stalk green onion
    • 1 heaping tsp smoked paprika
    • ½ teaspoon Johnny's seasoning salt sea salt is ok
    • 1 stalk green onion for garnish

    Instructions
     

    • In a food processor, add all the ingredients, except the clams and pulse just a couple of times to combine. It doesn't need to be completely mixed in at this point.
    • In a shallow pan on medium-high heat, drizzle oil and cook razor clams for about 10 seconds on each side. Reserve the juice from cooking the clams to add to the dip. Place each razor clam into the food processor as it's done cooking.
    • Pour in any leftover raw razor clam liquid into the pan and cook for a minute. (If no juice see note below)
    • Use the cooked razor clam juice to add to the food processor and blend until clams are finely chopped, not too much!
    • Scoop the dip into a serving bowl and set in the fridge to chill until ready to serve. Enjoy with plain tortilla chips.

    Baked Clam Dip

    • Place in an oven-safe bowl or baking dish. Bake on 350℉ until bubbly, about 30 minutes.

    Notes

    Recipe Notes:
    • If you don't have clam juice in your clam package: add ¼ cup of water to olive oil and bring to a boil, then cook the clams in it. Use the liquid from that in replacement.
     
    Be sure to post your dish on social media and tag us! on Facebook @perfecttideon Instagram @theperfecttide
    Keyword appetizers, best razor clam recipes, clam dip hot, Razor clam appetizer
    Loved this recipe?Give us a 5 star review & Share!

    OTHER SHELLFISH RECIPES

    • shrimp yakisoba with chopsticks
      Shrimp Yakisoba
    • seacuterie board with tinned fish shrimp smoked salmon and clam dip with veggies and crackers
      Seacuterie (Seafood Charcuterie Board)
    • 10 of the best dungeness crab recipes
      The BEST Dungeness Crab Recipes
    • crab melts on english muffins with tomato and cheese
      Crab Melt on English Muffins

    More Appetizers

    • blueberry toast with prosciutto and goat cheese and herbs
      Blueberry Toast
    • tuna dip in white plate with capers and parsley sprinkled on top
      Ultimate Tuna Dip
    • air fryer frozen fish fingers with tater tots and homemade tartar sauce in a ramekin
      Frozen Fish Fingers in Air Fryer With Sauce (Fish Sticks)
    • mutabal topped with olive oil diced tomatoes sumac and parsley with a spoon in the dip while the bowl is over black towel and cut lemon nearby
      Authentic Mutabal (Moutabal Dip)

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. James

      September 05, 2023 at 4:44 am

      5 stars
      Really good. Had with last seasons clams to make space for clamming this year.

      Reply
    2. Christy

      September 15, 2023 at 7:21 pm

      5 stars
      I wasn’t expecting such a great buffalo flavor. Absolutely amazing!

      Reply
      • Suzy Sakamoto

        September 16, 2023 at 6:33 am

        Out of all the clam dips I made (over 5) this was our absolute favorite creation! I'm so glad you like it!

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    suzy-seafood-mediterranean-food-blogger

    Hi, I'm Suzy! Welcome to my Pacific Coast kitchen!

    Here you will find authentic Mediterranean recipes and a variety of fresh seafood recipes that are easy to achieve, feature fresh ingredients, and are packed with flavor! We aim for a catch-and-cook lifestyle for our family, and my seafood recipes are tested, perfected, and easy to re-create! Subscribe to get them via email.

    More about me

    Popular

    • fish fillet cooked in air fryer with roasted air fries carrots and parsnips
      Easy Air Fryer Frozen Fish
    • Cajun Dungeness Crab Boil
    • cooked crab in a pot crab legs crab sections and whole crab cooked
      The Easiest Way to Cook Crab
    • crab melts on english muffins with tomato and cheese
      Crab Melt on English Muffins

    Seasonal

    • sugar and salt rim with dark red alcoholic drink fresh huckleberry margarita
      Fresh Huckleberry Margarita
    • seafood boil recipe with butter sauce on the table
      Seafood Boil
    • Baked whole rockfish canary rockfish with thyme, lemon slices in white baking dish
      Baked Whole Rockfish Recipe
    • razor clam spaghetti with white sauce sauce angel hair pasta mushrooms red peppers parsley garnish
      Razor Clam Spaghetti with Wine Sauce

    Footer

    ⬆️ back to top

    ABOUT

    • ABOUT
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    NEWSLETTER

    • SIGN UP FOR FREE RECIPES

    CONTACT

    • CONTACT
    • FACEBOOK
    • INSTAGRAM
    • PINTEREST

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright ©️ 2023 THEPERFECTTIDE