Zesty Clam and Herb Dip

Name: Zesty Clam and Herb Dip
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 cans (6.5 oz each) minced clams, drained; 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley; 1/4 cup finely chopped chives; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1/2 tsp lemon zest; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp ground black pepper; Salt to taste; Chopped fresh dill for garnish

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook:

🍽 Serves: 6

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Meet the Zesty Clam and Herb Dip, your new go-to appetizer for when you want to impress with minimal effort. This creamy and flavorful dip combines the briny goodness of clams with bright, fresh herbs, making it perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients for Zesty Clam and Herb Dip

Cream cheese is the creamy base that holds everything together, providing richness and a smooth texture. Sour cream adds a tangy note that complements the sweet and salty clams. Minced clams bring their unique ocean flavor, elevating the dip from ordinary to extraordinary. Fresh parsley and chives add a burst of color and a fresh, herby taste that brightens the whole dish. Lemon juice and lemon zest contribute a zesty kick, enhancing the freshness of the dip. Garlic powder and onion powder provide subtle depth and savory undertones. Finally, a touch of ground black pepper and salt rounds out the flavors, while a sprinkle of fresh dill on top adds a final flourish.

Tips & Tricks

For a smoother dip, let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before mixing.
Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright, zesty flavor.
If you prefer a spicier dip, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This dip pairs wonderfully with crunchy vegetable sticks like celery, bell peppers, and carrots. It's also great with crackers or slices of crusty baguette. For a truly indulgent experience, try it with crispy potato chips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh clams instead of canned?: Absolutely! Just make sure to steam them first and chop them finely before adding to the dip.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?: Yes, it actually tastes better if made a few hours in advance. Just keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
How long will leftovers last in the fridge?: The dip should stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Zesty Clam and Herb Dip Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl and a sturdy spatula. Toss in the cream cheese and sour cream, then mix them together until you have a smooth, creamy base. Take your time with this step—it's the foundation of your dip.

Next, it's time to introduce the star of the show: the minced clams. Gently fold them into the creamy mixture, making sure they’re evenly distributed. Then add in the finely chopped parsley and chives, which will give the dip that fresh, herbaceous kick.

Now, squeeze in the lemon juice and sprinkle the lemon zest over everything. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. Give it a taste and add salt as needed.

Transfer the dip to a serving bowl, cover it, and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Before serving, don't forget the final touch. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh dill for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Perfect balance of creamy texture and fresh flavors.
Quick and easy to prepare, making it great for last-minute gatherings.
Uses simple, readily available ingredients.
Can be made ahead, giving you more time to enjoy your party.

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese

1/2 cup sour cream

2 cans (6.5 oz each) minced clams, drained

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley

1/4 cup finely chopped chives

1 tbsp lemon juice

1/2 tsp lemon zest

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Salt to taste

Chopped fresh dill for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.

2. Gently fold in the minced clams, parsley, chives, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.

3. Season with salt to taste and adjust any other seasonings if needed.

4. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

5. Before serving, garnish with fresh dill.

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