Ingredients
- 2 tbsp (28g) ghee (clarified butter) or fat of your choice
- 1 medium green bell pepper, seeded, deribbed, and finely diced (approx. 5.3 oz / 150g)
- 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and finely diced (approx. 5.3 oz / 150g)
- 4 oz (113g) pimento, finely diced
- 2 fl oz (60ml) dry white wine (or substitute chicken or fish broth)
- 36 (3 dozen) littleneck clams, cleaned and shucked
- 6 to 8 bacon strips (approx. 6 oz / 170g), cut into 1 to 2 inch (2.5 to 5 cm) pieces
Instructions
- Melt 2 tbsp (28g) of ghee in a small saucepan placed over medium heat.
- Add the diced green bell pepper, yellow onion, and 4 oz (113g) of pimentos to the saucepan and sauté for approximately 7 minutes, or until the onions become translucent.
- Stir in 2 fl oz (60ml) of dry white wine and let the mixture simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until the majority of the liquid has cooked off.
- Position the top oven rack so that it sits approximately 6 inches (15 cm) away from the heating element and preheat your broiler to high.
- Arrange the 36 shucked clams evenly on a baking sheet to prepare for assembly.
- Spoon 1 to 2 tsp (5 to 10ml) of the vegetable mixture onto each clam, ensuring the meat is covered, then top each with a piece of bacon (use larger pieces for larger clams as the bacon will shrink).
- Broil the Paleo Clams Casino for 5 to 10 minutes, monitoring closely until the bacon is crispy but not burnt, and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
Estimates per serving (approx. 6 clams)
- Calories: 170 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
Pro Tips for Success
- The Freezer Trick: If you are shucking the clams yourself, pop them in the freezer for about 15–20 minutes before starting. The cold makes the muscles relax, making the shells significantly easier to pop open with your knife.
- Keep Them Steady: To prevent your beautiful Paleo Clams Casino from tipping over and spilling that delicious juice, nestle the shells into a bed of coarse rock salt or crumpled aluminum foil on your baking sheet before broiling.
- Watch the Salt: Between the natural brininess of the clams and the cured bacon, this dish is naturally salty. Avoid adding extra salt to the veggie mixture; just a crack of black pepper is usually enough.
- Bacon Crispiness: If you prefer extra crispy bacon, you can partially cook the bacon pieces in a pan for 2–3 minutes before placing them on the clams. This ensures they are perfectly crunchy without overcooking the delicate clam meat under the broiler.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these Paleo Clams Casino ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the clams with the vegetable mixture and raw bacon up to 4 hours in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to broil. This makes them an excellent healthy party snack for entertaining.
Is this recipe suitable for a Keto diet? Absolutely. By replacing breadcrumbs with bacon and vegetables, this becomes a fantastic Keto clams casino recipe. It is naturally low in carbs and high in healthy fats, fitting perfectly into ketogenic macros.
What is the best type of clam to use? Littlenecks are the gold standard for this recipe because they are small, tender, and sweet. If you cannot find them, Cherrystone clams are a decent substitute, though they are larger and slightly chewier.
Can I use frozen clams instead of fresh? While fresh littleneck clams offer the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen clams on the half-shell if fresh aren't available. Just ensure they are fully thawed and drained of excess water before topping them to avoid a watery result.
Conclusion
I hope you give this Paleo Clams Casino recipe a try for your next gathering! It truly is the ultimate grain-free seafood appetizer that manages to feel indulgent while keeping your nutrition on track. Whether you are looking for Whole30 friendly appetizers, a savory Keto clams casino option, or just simple baked clams with bacon, this dish delivers on all fronts. Don't forget, if you want more easy paleo appetizers or dairy-free seafood recipes, check out the rest of the blog for more inspiration. Enjoy your healthy feast!
