Best Italian Baked Stuffed Clams Oreganata Recipe (2024)

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Best Italian Baked Stuffed Clams Oreganata Recipe – There’s nothing quite like a plate of warm and delicious Italian baked stuffed clams to transport your taste buds to the coastal towns of Italy. Perfectly cooked clams, brimming with a flavorful mixture of crispy breadcrumbs, oregano, fresh parsley, and aromatic garlic.

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The combination of textures and flavors is irresistible, leaving you craving more with every bite! Perfect appetizer any time of the year.

Simple Ingredients

• Clams: Fresh clams are the star ingredient of this recipe. They are a type of shellfish that are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. When baked, they become tender and flavorful, making them a delicious addition to any dish.
• Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs are used to make the stuffing for the clams. They are made from bread that has been ground into small pieces and are used to add texture and flavor to the dish. This recipe uses plain breadcrumbs, but seasoned breadcrumbs can also be used for added flavor. You can also use Panko bread crumbs for added texture.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a fresh and herbaceous taste to the stuffing mixture. It is a versatile herb used in many Italian dishes and is rich in vitamins and minerals.
• Garlic cloves: Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the stuffing mixture. It is a staple ingredient in many Italian dishes and is known for its health benefits, including boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation.
• Oregano: Dried oregano adds a rich and earthy flavor to the stuffing mixture. It is a popular herb in Italian cuisine known for its antioxidant properties.
• Salt and pepper: Salt and pepper are used to season the stuffing mixture and enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Olive oil moistens the stuffing mixture and adds a rich and fruity flavor to the dish.
• Lemon juice and lemon wedges: Lemon wedges are served on the side of the dish and are used to add a bright and tangy flavor to the clams.
• Pecorino cheese is a hard Italian cheese made from sheep’s milk. Adding pecorino cheese to this recipe enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish and complements the other ingredients perfectly.

See the recipe card for quantities.

Best Clams for making Baked Clams Recipe

The best clams to use for Italian Baked Stuffed Clams Recipe (Oreganata) are hard-shell clams like littleneck, cherrystone, or quahog clams. These clams have a firm, meaty texture and a briny, salty flavor that works well with the stuffing mixture. You can find these at your local grocery store fish counter or ask your fishmonger.

As for the size, it’s best to use small to medium-sized clams, about 1-2 inches in diameter. Littleneck clams are a popular choice for this dish, as they are small and have a tender texture that pairs well with the breadcrumb stuffing. Cherrystone clams are slightly larger and have a meatier texture, while quahog clams are the largest and have a firmer texture that may be best suited for grilling or steaming.

When selecting clams, make sure they are fresh and alive. Look for clams that are tightly closed or that close immediately when tapped. Avoid clams that are already open or that have broken or cracked shells. Once you have your fresh clams, you can shuck them and use them for the recipe.

How to Make Best Italian Baked Stuffed Clams Recipe Step-by-Step Photos

Preheat the oven to 375°F.
In a large bowl filled with water, scrub and clean clams.

Open the clams and loosen the muscle underneath the clam meat.

Discard the top shell and leave the clam and its juice in the bottom shell.

Place clams in a single layer in a baking dish, casserole dish, or lined baking sheet.

Combine the breadcrumbs, cheese, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Add the olive oil and lemon juice and stir until the mixture is evenly moistened.

Spoon about 2-3 teaspoons of clam juice over each one. It’s fine if the juice spills over.

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the breadcrumb mixture onto the top of each clam, packing it down with your fingers.

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Bake for 15-18 minutes until the breadcrumbs are golden brown, and the clams are cooked. Do not bake.
Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.

Variations to Clams Oreganata

Here are some recipe variations for Italian Baked Stuffed Clams Oreganata:

1. Use different herbs: add herbs like oregano, thyme, rosemary, or parsley to add different flavors.
2. Add chopped vegetables: You can add finely chopped vegetables like onions, garlic, or bell peppers to the stuffing mixture for added flavor and texture.
3. Use different types of bread: Instead of using plain breadcrumbs, you can experiment with different types of bread, like sourdough or focaccia, to add extra flavor.
4. Add bacon or pancetta: For a richer, smoky flavor, you can add chopped bacon or pancetta to the stuffing mixture.
5. Use different types of cheese: While pecorino cheese is traditional, you can experiment with other types of cheese like Parmigiano, Romano, or even goat cheese to add different flavors.
6. Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the stuffing mixture for a spicy kick.
7. Top with breadcrumbs and butter: Instead of mixing the breadcrumbs into the stuffing mixture, you can sprinkle them over the top of the stuffed clams and small cubes of butter for a crispy, buttery topping.

Remember to adjust the recipe and cooking time accordingly when making these variations. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and ingredients to find your perfect Italian Baked Stuffed Clams (Oreganata) version!

Equipment

• Sharp Knife
• Baking Dish

How to Store Leftovers

If you have leftover Italian Baked Stuffed Clams Recipe (Oreganata), here are some tips on how to store them properly:

1. Allow the clams to cool down to room temperature before storing them.
2. Transfer the leftover clams to an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
3. Store the leftover clams in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
4. To reheat the leftover clams, place them on a baking sheet and heat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Note: It is not recommended to freeze the leftover clams, as the texture and flavor may be compromised upon thawing and reheating. It’s best to enjoy them fresh or within a day or two of making them.

FAQs

Looking for other recipes? Try these:

What to Serve with Stuffed Clams Oreganata

These are my favorite dishes to serve with clams oreganata:

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