One of my absolute favorite family recipes is my Granddaddy’s old fashioned clam dip, and I am so excited to share it with you today. We had this classic clam dip at most family get-togethers while I was growing up, and he and my Grandma always made sure to make a double batch if they knew I was going to be there (with a special portion of garlic clam dip just for me to take home). This rich and creamy clam dip is a garlic lover’s dream. We always joked that no one would notice your garlic breath if everyone was eating the dip. It must have been unfortunate for the one person at the party who didn’t like garlic, because they would have to endure the garlic breath of everyone else!
Our family always just referred to this as “clam dip,” but I decided to call it “Garlic Lover’s Clam Dip” as garlic is such a key component, and a prominent flavor in the dip. As the recipe name implies, this is a fantastic recipe if you love garlic. That being said, if you don’t like garlic, this classic clam dip recipe is probably not for you.
Old fashioned clam dip recipes like this were huge in the mid-century time period, and I’m so glad Granddaddy kept this retro recipe alive in our family.
This Garlic Lover’s Clam Dip can be served immediately or chilled to serve later (which will bring out more of the garlic flavor after it sits). Tip: It is important to save the extra liquid from the canned clams if you plan to chill and serve the dip later, as the garlic clam dip will thicken in the fridge. Stirring in some of the reserved clam juice before serving will bring it back to a nice thickness for dipping.
Classic clam dip is best with some Classic Lay’s or Ruffles chips for dipping. However, it would also be good with some Triscuits or other salty crackers, or even some vegetables if you’re trying to enjoy this garlic clam dip with less carbs.
Here’s the recipe. Don’t forget to pin this garlic clam dip recipe if you’re a garlic lover!
Garlic Lover's Clam Dip
One of my absolute favorite family recipes is my Granddaddy’s clam dip. We had it at most family get-togethers while I was growing up, and he and my Grandma always made sure to make a double batch if they knew I was going to be there (with a special portion just for me to take home). This rich and creamy old fashioned clam dip is a garlic lover’s dream.
Ingredients
- 1 package cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (Best Foods or Hellmann's)
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 6 oz. can chopped clams, juice reserved
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced (depending on the size of the cloves)
- Garlic salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Drain clam juice into a measuring cup or small container, and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, and enough of the clam juice for the dip to reach your desired consistency (it shouldn't be too thick that it will break your chips). Reserve the rest of the clam juice.
- Mix in chopped clams and fresh garlic.
- Mix in garlic salt (to taste).
- The dip can be served immediately, or chilled in the refrigerator to serve later. As the dip will thicken in the fridge, stir in some of the reserved clam juice before serving to bring it back to a nice thickness for dipping.
- Serve with Classic Lay's or Ruffles potato chips.
More appetizer recipe ideas like this old fashioned clam dip:
- Crock Pot Party Meatballs
- Brown Sugar BBQ Mini Sausages
- Pear Bacon Queso Bites
- Air Fryer Fried Pickles with Sriracha Mayo
- Air Fryer Ranch Zucchini Chips
- Tater Tot Mini Cheeseburger Bites
- Coach Nik’s Guacamole
- Instant Pot Feta, Spinach, and Artichoke Dip
- Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
- Quick and Easy Low-Carb Party Appetizers
[…] Photo by Fab Everyday, find her similar recipe HERE […]