The Rhode Island classic: littleneck clams on the half shell topped with crisp bacon, sweet peppers, garlic and buttery crumbs, broiled until golden. Makes 24, serves 4 to 6 as an appetizer.
No added sugar
Contains: milk, shellfish, wheat. Based on the ingredients as written; check package labels, which can change.
Clams casino is a Rhode Island favorite that appears on nearly every menu there. The best-known story credits Julius Keller, a maitre d' at the Narragansett Pier Casino, a seaside resort, who said he created the dish for a society hostess, Mrs. Paran Stevens, and named it for the place. Food historians have found holes in his account, so take it as the legend it is.
Whatever its origin, it is a party favorite: clams on the half shell under a savory topping of bacon, peppers and buttered crumbs, broiled until sizzling.
Open the clams. Put the clams and 1/2 cup water in a large pot, cover and steam over high heat just until the shells open, 4 to 6 minutes. Discard any that stay closed. When cool enough to handle, twist off the top shells and loosen each clam in its bottom shell.
Crisp the bacon. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Lift it out, leaving the fat in the pan.
Cook the peppers. Add the butter, peppers, shallot and garlic to the pan and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Off the heat, stir in the panko, Parmesan, parsley and bacon.
Top. Heat the broiler. Spread rock salt on a rimmed baking sheet and nestle the clams in it so they sit level. Spoon the topping over the clams.
Broil. Broil 5 to 6 inches from the heat for 3 to 5 minutes, until golden and sizzling. Serve hot with lemon wedges.
Tips
Buy clams the day you cook them, keep them cold and uncovered, and discard any with cracked shells or that do not close when tapped.
The topping can be made a day ahead and refrigerated; the clams can be steamed and topped a few hours ahead.
Oysters work the same way.
Questions about this recipe
Where did clams casino come from?
The usual story credits Julius Keller, a maitre d' at the Narragansett Pier Casino in Rhode Island, who said he created it for Mrs. Paran Stevens. Historians question the details, but the dish remains a Rhode Island classic.
What kind of clams are best for clams casino?
Littlenecks, the smallest hard-shell clams, are tender and the right size for one or two bites. Cherrystones are larger and need a minute or two longer.
