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Clams Casino With Bacon and Bell Pepper

Photo of clams casino on a circular platter with wine glasses and a plate of empty clam shells—perfect finger foods for...
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Prop Styling by Megan Hedgpeth, Food Styling by Liza Jernow

A vinegary red bell pepper mixture cuts through the richness of the bacon for a bite that's salty, smoky, and sweet.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    25 minutes

  • Yield

    6 servings

Ingredients

4

slices bacon (about 4 ounces)

2

medium shallots

1

red bell pepper

1–2

cups coarse kosher salt, plus more

2

teaspoons white wine vinegar

1

/2 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)

3

tablespoons olive oil

2

tablespoons chopped parsley

2

dozen littleneck clams, scrubbed, shucked, left on the half shell

Need to make a substitution?

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Arrange a rack in center of oven; preheat to 500°F. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until golden and crisp, 5–7 minutes. Transfer bacon to paper towels, reserving fat in skillet. Let cool, then break into 1/2" pieces.

    Step 2

    Purée shallots and bell pepper in a food processor until finely chopped. Add shallot mixture to bacon fat; season with 1/4 tsp. salt. Cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add vinegar and cook, stirring, until liquid is evaporated and mixture begins to look dry, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.

    Step 3

    Toss panko with oil and parsley in a small bowl; season lightly with salt. Spread a layer of salt on a rimmed baking sheet and arrange clams over to keep steady. Top each clam with a level 1/2 tsp. shallot mixture (you may have extra), then top with bacon and breadcrumb mixture. Roast until breadcrumbs are lightly toasted and clams are just cooked through, 6–8 minutes.