Name: Clam Dip
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 cup sour cream ((can use light, if desired)); One 7.5-ounce can minced clams; 1 tablespoon reserved clam juice; 1 tablespoon chopped parsley; 2 teaspoons onion powder; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; ¾ teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice; ⅛ teaspoon salt; Tabasco sauce, (to taste); freshly ground black pepper, (to taste)

This easy Clam Dip is the best old fashioned clam dip recipe. It’s a recipe that’s been around for decades! And it’s the perfect dip recipe for game day, a summer BBQ, Father’s Day or any day. The first time I made this was years ago for a family reunion and it was among the favorite things on our buffet table!

clam dip in bowl with potato chips

This creamy dip is such an easy dip to throw together, and it gets devoured by all. It’s better when made a few hours ahead- when the flavors have had a chance to blend together to create the maximum, delicious clam flavor before serving. If you are looking for a delicious dip then this creamy clam recipe is the one for you. It will literally take you less than 15 minutes to make, and you’ll find that everyone you’re serving it to will be gobbling it up!

ingredients displayed for making clam dip

Ingredients needed:

sour cream
canned minced clams
clam juice
fresh parsley
onion powder
Worcestershire sauce
freshly squeezed lemon juice
salt
Tabasco sauce
black pepper

two photos showing how to make clam dip

How to make Clam Dip:

The complete, printable recipe is at the end of this post.

Drain clams. Save some of the clam juice. You’ll use that clam juice to mix into the dip to add some more clam flavor.

In a medium bowl, combine all of the ingredients together well. Add up to a tablespoon of the reserved clam juice, and mix it into the dip. Add hot sauce a few drops at a time, until the desired flavor is achieved. Sprinkle black pepper on top. Cover and chill your clam dip until ready to serve.

clam dip in bowl surrounded by chips

What kind of clams do you use for clam dip?

For this clam dip recipe, all you need are canned clams. Fresh clams are not needed! Just buy a can of chopped canned clams, squeeze the liquid out of it, and use them in this recipe. They’re perfect! If you happen to live in a place where fresh clams are easy to find, use those! Chop them up and save some of the clam juice in the same manner as using the canned clams.

clam dip in bowl with chips

Serve clam dip with the best sturdy potato chips (like kettle chips), tortilla chips, baguette slices, bell pepper strips, other fresh cut vegetables, buttery crackers or your favorite cracker. I think potato chips are the best pairing, but people seem to like to have a variety of options for dipping.

hand dipping chip into clam dip

Store leftovers in an airtight container. This delicious clam dip will be good stored in the refrigerator for a few days.

Suggested changes and substitutions:

Substitute Greek yogurt or low fat sour cream for the full fat sour cream.
Sprinkle chopped green onions or chopped fresh chives on top.
Add a little lemon zest to the dip.
Add a little garlic powder or raw garlic to the dip.
Use fresh whole clams and chop them.
Mix in some cayenne red pepper for a little more spice.

clam dip in dish with chips with tabasco drizzled on top

To make things pretty when serving, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top and a few drops of Tabasco sauce. That’s all optional of course, but I’m all about presentation when entertaining! Enjoy!