This creamy clam dip is a perfect party appetizer. It comes together quickly and is a perfect make ahead snack.
Flavorful cream cheese based clam dip has been a favorite in my family for more decades than I’ve been around. It has vintage roots but is perfectly at home on a modern spread with plenty of chips and vegetables for dipping. A huge double batch is whipped up every time we all get together.
According to the experts at Wikipedia, the recipe for clam dip was first televised in the 1950s. It is said that all of New York City was sold out of canned clams within 24 hours.
I think it’s safe to say it made an impression. I know it definitely made a mark on my family because we’re still eating it almost 70 years later.
At this stage in the game we rarely measure, we just add the basic ingredients until it feels right. It may be slightly different each time but it’s always yummy.
This time I slowed down and measured so I could share it with you. Of course you should taste as you go and adjust to your preferences.
As with most chilled dips, the flavor comes together over time. So whip it up a few hours ahead of the party and all you have to do when it’s time is pull it out and grab some chips and veggies.
Great dipper options for creamy clam dip
- Ruffled chips
- Baby carrots
- Cherry tomatoes
- Raw broccoli florets
- Raw cauliflower
Email Me The Link
I'll email this post to you, so you can easily find it later. Plus you’ll get new recipes from me every week!
Possible Additions to the Recipe
Stir in a little extra lemon juice
Add a little Old Bay
Give it extra hot sauce
More Great Creamy Dip Recipes
If you love creamy dips for chips and veggies, you may also like homemade caramelized onion dip. It features yummy golden brown onions in a sour cream and cream cheese base.
For a southwestern flavor profile, try making creamy fiesta ranch dip. It is fabulous with tortilla chips or veggies.
Deviled egg dip tastes just like its namesake, but it is easier to make. It is great with cucumber slices, crackers, or chips.
Or make a warm seafood appetizer with Cajun shrimp dip. It has a little bit of spice in a warm cheesy base.
Check out my full collections of dips and spreads for even more inspiration!
Creamy Clam Dip
Equipment
- Libbey Small Glass Bowls with Lids
- Glass Mixing Bowls, Set of 10
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 8 ounce can clams reserve the juice
- 16 ounces softened cream cheese*
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- a dash or two of hot sauce
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Drain the can of clams, but do not discard the juice. Set it aside for later.8 ounce can clams
- Mix together the clam chunks, garlic, cream cheese, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt and pepper.2 teaspoons minced garlic, 16 ounces softened cream cheese*, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, a dash or two of hot sauce, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Add a little of the reserved clam juice and mix in. Continue to add a bit at a time until you get a nice dipping consistency. A few Tablespoons usually do it for me.
- Adjust seasoning to you liking, the refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
Email Me The Link
I’ll email this post to you, so you can easily find it later. Plus you’ll get new recipes from me every week!
Did you try this recipe?
Don’t forget to leave a rating below and make sure to follow on Pinterest and Instagram for more!
Get social!
Recipes in your inbox
Thank you!
This sounds a lot like my family's recipe for clam dip, except I have no idea of the proportions for ours because I never measure (and no one else does either!). It's great to see it written out!
We don't usually measure either, but I did this time so I could share the recipe. My whole extended family loves clam dip!
I'll definitely try this dip! It looks delicious and like something my aunt used to make. Thank you for posting it!
It is likely similar! This recipe (or slight variations of it) has been around for ages and was really popular.
This dip looks so good and great app for a party!
It really is!
You had me at creamy. Looks delicious! Dip lover I am, I’m always in the market for new dip ideas! xo
This one gets my family excited every time it comes out!