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Creamy Clam Dip

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This creamy clam dip is a perfect party appetizer. It comes together quickly and is a perfect make ahead snack.

bowl of creamy cream cheese clam dip with chip being dipped in baby carrots and cherry tomatoes in the background.

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.

looking down on tray with bowl of creamy clam dip, baby carrots, potato chips and cherry tomatoes

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.

bowl of cream cheese, clams and seasoning for making creamy clam dip.

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.

looking across a glass dish of creamy clam dip with vegetable and chip dippers in background.

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
ruffled potato chip freshly dipped in creamy clam dip.

Yummy variations on this clam dip recipe

Stir in a little extra lemon juice
Add a little Old Bay
Give it extra hot sauce

Yield: 12 Servings

Creamy Clam Dip

bowl of creamy cream cheese clam dip with chip being dipped in baby carrots and cherry tomatoes in the background.

This creamy clam dip is a perfect party appetizer. It comes together quickly and is a perfect make ahead snack.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 8 ounce can clams, reserve the juice
  • 16 ounces softened cream cheese*
  • 2-3 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 2-3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • a dash or two of hot sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Drain the can of clams, but do not discard the juice. Set it aside for later.
  2. Mix together the clam chunks, garlic, cream cheese, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt and pepper.
  3. 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.  About 1/4 cup usually does it for me. 
  4. Adjust seasoning to you liking, the refrigerate until ready to serve. 

Notes

*I usually use either all full fat cream cheese or half full fat and half neufchatel (or reduced fat) cream cheese

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 172Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 48mgSodium: 193mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 0gSugar: 4gProtein: 7g

All nutritional information is estimated and will depend on the exact ingredients you use.

Did you make this recipe?

I'd love to see it! Share a picture on Instagram or Pinterest and tag me @carleecooks to let me know how it went!

This creamy clam dip is a perfect party appetizer. It comes together quickly and is a perfect make ahead snack.

Thanks for sharing!

Tags

Carlee

Saturday 14th of September 2019

Thank you!

Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen

Thursday 5th of September 2019

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!

Carlee

Monday 9th of September 2019

We don't usually measure either, but I did this time so I could share the recipe. My whole extended family loves clam dip!

Southern Home Express

Thursday 5th of September 2019

I'll definitely try this dip! It looks delicious and like something my aunt used to make. Thank you for posting it!

Carlee

Monday 9th of September 2019

It is likely similar! This recipe (or slight variations of it) has been around for ages and was really popular.

Julie's Creative Lifestyle

Wednesday 4th of September 2019

This dip looks so good and great app for a party!

Carlee

Monday 9th of September 2019

It really is!

Andrea Nine

Wednesday 4th of September 2019

You had me at creamy. Looks delicious! Dip lover I am, I’m always in the market for new dip ideas! xo

Carlee

Monday 9th of September 2019

This one gets my family excited every time it comes out!

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