This creamy, crowd-pleasing clam dip comes together in just 5 minutes, making it the perfect last-minute appetizer for any gathering. Rich and satisfying, it needs just a quick hour of refrigeration to let the flavors meld into pure seafood bliss.
With only 135 calories per serving, you can indulge in this protein-packed dip without the guilt. Serve it with crispy crackers or fresh vegetables for an irresistible starter that’ll have your guests asking for the recipe.
Fresh Clam Dip Ingredients
- Cream Cheese: 8 oz, softened at room temperature for easy mixing
- Sour Cream: 1/4 cup to create smooth, creamy texture
- Garlic: 1 clove minced, adds savory depth
- Parsley: 1/4 teaspoon dried or 1 teaspoon fresh, for color and freshness
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1/2 teaspoon for umami flavor
- Hot Sauce: Just a dash, adjustable to taste
- Minced Clams: 6.5 oz can, drained but reserve juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Base Preparation: Beat cream cheese until completely smooth and fluffy
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Mix in sour cream, minced garlic, parsley, Worcestershire, and hot sauce
- Add Clams: Gently fold in the drained minced clams
- Adjust Consistency: Add reserved clam juice gradually until reaching desired texture
- Chill: Refrigerate for 1-2 hours to let flavors meld together
- Final Touch: Taste and adjust seasonings before serving with chips or crackers
- Storage: Keep refrigerated in covered container for 3-5 days
Storage Tips
While this dip stays fresh for 3-5 days in the fridge, store it in an airtight container and give it a good stir before serving. If you notice any liquid separation, that’s totally normal – just mix it back in! The dip might thicken up a bit over time, so keep that reserved clam juice handy to adjust the consistency when needed.
Make It Your Own
Want to switch things up? Try adding finely chopped onions for extra crunch, or swap the parsley for fresh dill. If you like it spicier, add more hot sauce or mix in some cracked black pepper. For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream – it’ll still taste amazing!
Serving Ideas
This creamy clam dip loves all kinds of dippers! Beyond chips and crackers, try it with crisp cucumber rounds, celery sticks, or toasted baguette slices. For a fun party spread, serve it in a bread bowl with various veggies and crackers arranged around it. It’s perfect for game day snacking or casual get-togethers!
Quick Tips
Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened for the smoothest texture – just leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing. When adding the clam juice, go slowly and mix well between additions. This way, you’ll get exactly the consistency you want without making it too thin.
Clam Dip
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley flakes or 1 teaspoon fresh chopped parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
- 1 dash Tabasco or favorite hot sauce
- 1 6.5 oz can minced clams drained but juice reserved
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Stir in sour cream, garlic, parsley, Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce.
- Stir in drained clams.
- Add reserved clam juice from the canned clams to thin the dip to desired consistency.
- Chill for 1-2 hours before serving.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve with potato chips or crackers.
