Clam Dip With Cream Cheese and Mayonnaise

By
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
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Updated on 09/26/21
Clam dip

Diana Rattray

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 10 mins
Servings: 12 servings

If you're looking for a tasty appetizer to take along to a party or gathering, this clam dip is an excellent choice. Canned minced clams, a variety of seasonings, and a combination of cream cheese and mayonnaise make the dip a snap to prepare.

Potato chips or sturdier taco chips or crackers are wonderful for dipping or serve it along with a tray of fresh and colorful raw vegetables. Celery and carrots sticks, cauliflower and broccoli florets, and bell pepper strips are just a few of the possibilities.

The recipe makes about 3 cups of dip, and it is easily scaled up or down for a crowd. For a family snack or movie night, cut the ingredients down by half, or double everything for a big bash.

Ingredients

  • 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese

  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise

  • 1 clove garlic, crushed and finely minced

  • 2 (6.5-ounce) cans clams, drained and minced

  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

  • Dash ground cayenne (or hot sauce)

  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. In a medium bowl with an electric mixer, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, and garlic; beat until smooth. Fold in drained minced clams along with remaining seasonings. Transfer dip mixture to a serving bowl or container.

  3. Cover container and refrigerate clam dip for about 2 hours, or until it is thoroughly chilled.

  4. Serve chilled dip with chips, crackers, or freshly sliced vegetables.

Tips

  • If taking the dip along to a party or cookout, make sure it is well chilled and packed in an insulated container or cooler for traveling. Food must not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour if the temperature if 90 F or above). Ideally, nestle the bowl in ice if it will be out for a longer period of time so the dip will maintain a temperature of 40 F or below.
  • Store homemade dip in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.

Recipe Variations

  • Add a bit of color to your dip with fresh chopped parsley or chives.
  • If you don't care for raw garlic in dishes, swap it out with about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, or make it with one or two roasted garlic cloves.
  • Mix the dip up with other seafood items. Try substituting 1 can of minced clams with some chopped smoked oysters or chopped canned shrimp.
  • Give the dip a "kick" with one or two tablespoons of prepared horseradish.
  • For an attractive presentation, garnish the dip with chopped green onions or parsley.
  • Add about 1 tablespoon of grated onion to the dip.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
272 Calories
24g Fat
4g Carbs
10g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Amount per serving
Calories 272
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 24g 31%
Saturated Fat 9g 47%
Cholesterol 65mg 22%
Sodium 624mg 27%
Total Carbohydrate 4g 1%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 10g
Vitamin C 7mg 35%
Calcium 67mg 5%
Iron 1mg 5%
Potassium 253mg 5%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)