Creamy Clam Dip – packed with juicy clams and irresistibly delicious flavor. This family recipe is easy to make and always a party favorite!
Let’s talk clams. Do you love ’em? Hate ’em? Have no idea either way?
I, for one, lived half my life never having even tried them. So when I went to Arizona with my boyfriend for his parent’s 50th wedding anniversary, and we HAD to make clam dip for the party, I had no idea what to expect.
What I DID know? It was an old family recipe – one his grandma always made – and one he was basically obsessed with. And couldn’t wait for me to try. Also? That it HAD to be eaten with potato chips.
Well… long story short… he added waaayyyy too many clams to it (turns out there’s a limit) and it wasn’t quite what anyone remembered it to be. So I went home from Arizona and remade it (his Grandma’s way) and let’s just say I’m pretty sure she would be proud.
This dip is creamy and flavorful and packed with just the right amount of clams. Not to mention, it’s ready in just 5 minutes and truly IS a party favorite.
what you’ll need for this recipe
Cream cheese – I used 8 ounces softened plain cream cheese as the base of this dip.
Mayo – I added 2 Tablespoons mayo to give it additional flavor and extra creaminess.
Clams – I used 2 cans (6.5 ounces each) chopped clams for delicious flavor and a meaty texture.
Green onion – I used 2 green onions, chopped.
Seasonings – I added 1/2 Tablespoon lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon tabasco sauce, 1/2 teaspoon worcestershire sauce, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.
how to make the best clam dip
Combine & mix. In a medium mixing bowl, combine all ingredients (reserving some green onion for garnish.) Mix well.
Garnish & serve. Transfer to a small serving bowl. Garnish with fresh pepper and reserved green onions. Serve with potato chips or any of your favorite dippers.
Recipe Variations
- Substitute sour cream for the mayo
- Omit the mayo for a strictly cream cheese based dip
- Use any of your favorite hot sauce brands in place of Tabasco
- Add additional seasonings, such as regular or smoked paprika, mustard powder, or dried parsley
- Add your favorite fresh herbs
- Use fresh minced garlic in place of garlic powder
- Add more or less clams to taste
storage tips
Leftover clam dip should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eaten within 3-4 days.
More Cream Cheese Dips to Try
Got cream cheese? It’s the perfect base for so many party dips… like these favorites!
Clam Dip
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 2 cans chopped clams 6.5 ounce
- 2 Tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 green onions chopped
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon tabasco sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a medium mixing bowl, reserving some green onions for garnish.
- Use a hand mixer to mix well.
- Transfer to a small serving bowl and garnish with reserved green onions. Serve with potato chips, crackers, veggies, or any of your favorite dippers.
Notes
Recipe Variations
- Substitute sour cream for the mayo
- Omit the mayo for a strictly cream cheese based dip
- Use any of your favorite hot sauce brands in place of Tabasco
- Add additional seasonings, such as regular or smoked paprika, mustard powder, or dried parsley
- Add your favorite fresh herbs
- Use fresh minced garlic in place of garlic powder
- Add more or less clams to taste
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