Fish & Seafood

Favorite Clam Recipes

Whether in a dip, chowder, or crispy cake, clams are a favorite New England seafood that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some of our favorite clam recipes.

A tray of steamed clams in their shells next to disposable cups on a table.

Steamers with broth and hot butter.

Photo Credit: Aimee Seavey
Clams are well known as the delicious main ingredient in a classic New England seafood dish: clam chowder. But that chowder certainly doesn’t come in just one form; instead, it ranges from a creamy dairy base to a red tomato base to even a clear broth. It all depends on your preference and, sometimes, where you are in New England. Clams aren’t good for just chowder, though — far from it! Other tasty options include crispy fried clam cakes, hearty stuffed clams, and simple steamed clams. Read on for some of our favorite clam recipes from the Yankee archives (including three variations on chowder).

FAVORITE CLAM RECIPES

Classic New England Clam Chowder

If salt pork, potatoes, and onions define traditional New England clam chowder, then this one is a classic (save for the use of bacon instead of salt pork).
Favorite Clam Recipes
Classic New England Clam Chowder | Favorite Clam Recipes
Photo Credit : Kristin Teig

Crispy Homemade Clam Cakes

We love this recipe because it turns out terrifically crispy clam cakes that are fluffy but not greasy.
Favorite Clam Recipes
Crispy Homemade Clam Cakes | Favorite Clam Recipes
Photo Credit : Amy Traverso

New England Steamed Clams

One of the region’s best dishes is steamed clams, made all the more desirable here by a butter and broth combination.
Favorite Clam Recipes
New England Steamed Clams | Favorite Clam Recipes
Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey

Clear Broth Clam Chowder

The rich broth of this Rhode Island clam chowder is loaded with potatoes, bacon, and either cherrystones or quahogs.
Favorite Clam Recipes
Clear Broth Clam Chowder | Favorite Clam Recipes
Photo Credit : Kristin Teig

New England Clam Dip

This easy clam dip recipe tastes so much fresher than any prepackaged version you can pick up at the grocery store.

Favorite Clam Recipes
New England Clam Dip | Favorite Clam Recipes
Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey

Clam Chowder with Spicy Sausage

This recipe for Manhattan clam chowder with spicy sausage is the perfect antidote to a chilly day — and a reminder that New Englanders are sticklers for quality chowder, regardless of the style.
Favorite Clam Recipes
Clam Chowder with Spicy Sausage | Favorite Clam Recipes
Photo Credit : Kristin Teig

Stuffed Clams

Also known as “stuffies,” these stuffed clams flavored with onion, celery, and green pepper are a signature Rhode Island dish.
Favorite Clam Recipes
Stuffed Clams | Favorite Clam Recipes
Photo Credit : Aimee Tucker
Which clam recipes are your favorite?

SEE MORE: 10 Best Clam Shacks in New England The Clam Shack | Kennebunk, Maine 10 Best Fried Clams in Maine Fried Clams | Bellies vs. Strips

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  1. My father used to marinate raw steamers if we had too many. I couldn’t eat raw clams, but I loved those. I suspect that, after shucking them, he would just throw them into some white vinegar.

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