This creamy clam dip recipe is a blend of cream cheese, sour cream, clams, herbs and seasonings. A quick and easy appetizer option that pairs perfectly with chips and crackers.
When I’m looking for appetizer recipes that are unique and unexpected, I choose options such as dill pickle dip, bacon wrapped smokies, buffalo cauliflower and this simple yet satisfying clam dip.
If you’re a seafood fan, you’ll love this clam dip. It has the perfect blend of flavors, and it only takes a few minutes to put together.
Table of Contents
Clam Dip Ingredients
To make this recipe, you will need cream cheese, sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, a can of clams, Worcestershire sauce, chives, salt and black pepper.
How Do You Make Clam Dip?
Place the cream cheese, sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, chives, salt and pepper in a bowl. Mix to combine. Drain the can of clams, and reserve some of the juice from the can. Gently fold the clams into the dip, then add some of the clam juice to thin the dip to the consistency you like. Cover the bowl and chill for at least one hour. When you’re ready to serve the dip, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. You can also add garnishes such as chives and lemon slices. Serve with crackers or potato chips and enjoy.
Tips For The Perfect Dip
- This recipe works perfectly with canned clams. There’s no need to use steamed clams unless you really prefer the flavor of fresh clams.
- Clam dip will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I don’t recommend freezing this dip due to the dairy content.
- Fresh chives have the best flavor. If you don’t have fresh chives on hand, you can use green onions instead.
- Serve your dip with crackers, potato chips, pretzels and fresh vegetables.
Quick Tip
Make sure your cream cheese is soft so that you don’t end up with lumps in your dip. I microwave the cream cheese in 15 second increments until soft to speed up the process.
Recipe FAQs
Canned clams are perfect in clam dip, and they are also an important ingredient in New England clam chowder and Manhattan clam chowder. A can of clams is also great in a creamy pasta dish.
Clam dip consists of cream cheese, canned clams, and seasonings such as fresh or dried herbs and spices. It may also contain lemon, garlic, Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce.
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Flavor Variations
While this recipe is fabulous as is, you can change some of the ingredients to suit your tastes.
- Seafood: You can use other types of seafood in this dip such as smoked salmon, cooked bay shrimp, smoked oysters or crab meat.
- Herbs & Spices: No chives on hand? Swap them out for parsley or fresh dill. You can also add other spices to the dip such as garlic powder, onion powder or Old Bay seasoning.
- Toppings: Finish your clam dip with some cooked crumbled bacon, smoked paprika, cracked black pepper or even french fried onions.
Everyone adores this clam dip. It’s always the first thing to go at a party or potluck!
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Clam Dip
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- salt and pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped chives
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 6½ ounce can chopped clams
- lemon slices and chives for garnish optional
Instructions
- Place the cream cheese, sour cream, salt, pepper, lemon zest, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce and chives in a bowl. Stir until smooth.
- Drain the clams, and reserve 1 tablespoon of the liquid from the can.
- Add the drained clams to the bowl and gently fold until incorporated. Add clam juice as needed to thin the dip to your desired consistency.
- Cover the bowl and chill the dip for at least one hour. Before you serve the dip, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Garnish with lemon slices and chives if desired, then serve with crackers or chips.
Notes
- I liked to use chopped clams for a chunkier dip, but you can use minced clams if you prefer.
- Make sure your cream cheese is very soft so that you don’t end up with lumps in your dip. I often microwave the cream cheese in 15 second increments until soft to speed up the process.
- This dip will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes before serving.
