Here’s a classic and elegant Italian-American appetizer: Baked Little Neck Clams Oreganata. This dish features tender clams topped with a savory, herby breadcrumb mixture — broiled until golden and served with lemon wedges. It’s simple, coastal, and absolutely delicious.
🐚 Baked Little Neck Clams Oreganata
🕐 Prep Time: 20 minutes
🍳 Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
🍽️ Serves: 4–6 (as an appetizer)
Ingredients:
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24 fresh littleneck clams, scrubbed clean
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1/2 cup plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs
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2 cloves garlic, finely minced
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
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1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
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1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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2 tablespoons grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan
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2–3 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
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Juice of 1/2 lemon
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1/4 cup dry white wine (for steaming, optional)
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Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
1. Steam open the clams (Optional but preferred for easier shucking):
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Add wine (or water) to a pot with a tight-fitting lid.
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Add cleaned clams and steam over medium-high heat just until they start to open (about 4–5 minutes).
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Remove clams as they open. Let cool slightly, then separate and discard top shell, leaving meat in the bottom shell.
🔪 Alternatively, serve them raw and carefully shuck them without steaming, if you’re comfortable doing so.
2. Make the oreganata topping:
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In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, oregano, red pepper flakes, cheese, lemon juice, and enough olive oil to moisten the mixture (like wet sand).
3. Top the clams:
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Place the half-shell clams on a baking sheet (you can nestle them on a bed of kosher salt or foil to keep them upright).
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Spoon a small mound of the breadcrumb mixture over each clam.
4. Bake or broil:
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Bake at 450°F (232°C) for about 10 minutes until crumbs are golden
— OR — -
Broil on high for 3–5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
5. Finish and serve:
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Drizzle with a little more olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon.
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Serve immediately with lemon wedges and crusty bread to mop up any juices.
💡 Tips:
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Want extra richness? Add a touch of melted butter to the breadcrumb mix.
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Prefer crispier crumbs? Toast the breadcrumbs in a skillet before assembling.
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You can prep everything in advance and bake just before serving.