Delicious Clam Balls Recipe for Your Taste Buds
Welcome, friends! If you are planning to host a party or simply want to treat your taste buds, then you’ve come to the right place. Today, I am excited to share with you my recipe for Irish Clam Balls – a perfect appetizer for any occasion.
This recipe is sure to transport you straight to Rhode Island with its crispy exterior and tender filling of minced clams, onions, and celery mixed with Pepperidge Farm stuffing. Trust me; these clam balls are the perfect blend of a crunchy and sumptuous treat that you won’t be able to resist.
As an Irish-American who has been throwing parties for years, I have seen it all. But these Irish Clam Balls never fail to be a crowd favorite. Just imagine your guests digging into these little delights while sipping on fresh cocktails or craft beer – ultimate bliss!
So let’s dive into this recipe and create a masterpiece that’s sure to elevate your party game!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I’m not here to sell you a shamrock-covered hat or a pint of Guinness; instead, I want to share with you an Irish-inspired dish that will make your taste buds dance with joy – the Irish’s Clam Balls. Trust me; once you try this recipe, you’ll be sold on it for life.
Why should you love this recipe? Let me count the ways. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. No special kitchen skills are required, and all of the ingredients are readily available at your local grocery store.
Secondly, it’s versatile. Whether you are looking for a tasty appetizer for your next party or a delicious main course for your family dinner, these clam balls can do it all. They are small enough to serve as finger food or large enough to serve as a meal.
Thirdly, they’re bursting with flavor. The minced clams bring a pleasant oceanic taste that balances well with the savory seasoning created by butter, onion, oregano, pepper, and celery. And let’s not forget about the crispy outer layer that adds another layer of texture to this dish.
Lastly, it’s a crowd-pleaser. After serving these clam balls to dozens of guests over the years, I can wholeheartedly say that they’ve never disappointed anyone. Rather, I often find myself giving out copies of the recipe at the end of each gathering.
In conclusion, there’s no reason not to love this Irish’s Clam Balls recipe. It’s easy to make, versatile in its use, packed with flavor and an undeniable crowd-pleaser.
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this delicious Irish’s Clam Balls recipe:
- 2 cans minced clams (1 can drained, 1 can with juice)
- 2 cups Pepperidge Farm stuffing cubes
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup minced onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 4 tsp lemon juice
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper, as needed
Substitutions and Variations are allowed in this recipe. You can use fresh clams instead of canned ones or add some baking powder for a fluffier texture. Feel free to make it your own!
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to make some amazing Irish Clam Balls! These savory balls are perfect as appetizers or a snack. They are also very easy to make and only require a few simple steps!
Step 1: Prepare the Clams
The first step is to drain the juice from two cans of chopped clams into a small bowl. Set aside the clams for now. You will need both the clam juice and the chopped clams later on.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Combine with Clam Juice
In a saucepan, melt two cups of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add in the clam juice you set aside earlier, along with 1/2 cup of minced clams juice to form minced clams. Heat this mixture until it is just hot enough to melt away any clumps that may have formed.
Step 3: Add Stuffing and Vegetables
In a large bowl, add 4 cups of Pepperidge Farm stuffing. Then, sauté 1/4 cup each of finely chopped onion and celery in another pan until they’re lightly caramelized. Add these sautéed vegetables to the stuffing in the large bowl.
Step 4: Mix Everything Together
Add the juice, vegetable and clam mixture to the bowl with stuffing. Then, add in the two cans of chopped clams you set aside earlier, as well as 1 teaspoon each of pepper, oregano and Worcestershire sauce.
Step 5: Form Balls and Bake
Mix everything together well using a large spoon or your hands until everything is incorporated thoroughly. Form your mixture into round shaped balls about one inch diameter. Place each ball on a greased cookie sheet leaving enough space between them so they don’t stick together while they cook.
Bake at 350 degrees F for approximately 15-20 minutes until golden brown in color.
Step 6: Serve Hot with Sauce
Finally, take out your delicious Irish’s Clam Balls out of the oven and let them cool for a little while before serving them warm on your table where your guests can enjoy them with Homemade Tartar Sauce or any sauce that you may prefer.
These easy-to-make Irish Clam Balls are sure to impress your guests with their taste and texture!
Substitutions and Variations
As with any recipe, you have the freedom to tailor it to your individual preferences. If you’re allergic to shellfish, you can use fresh clams or any type of seafood that you prefer. Likewise, if celery or onions aren’t your thing, you can substitute them for other vegetables such as carrots or green peppers.
Adding more spices and herbs like cumin, smoked paprika, or thyme can add an extra kick of flavor to these clam balls. If you want to make this recipe gluten-free, you can use gluten-free stuffing mix or cornmeal instead of Pepperidge Farm stuffing.
For a unique twist on the recipe, you can add chopped bacon or shrimp into the mixture. You could also create a variation by making clam fritters instead of balls. Use the same mixture and spoon in dollops rather than shaping them into balls.
If you want a little more heat in the recipe, consider adding some diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the mixture before forming the balls.
Finally, if you’re feeling adventurous, try serving your Irish Clam Balls with homemade tartar sauce or wasabi slaw instead of traditional cocktail sauce. The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing this recipe to suit your own taste preferences!
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve made these Irish Clam Balls, you will need to serve them hot and crispy. These delightful bites pair perfectly with a cold beer or a rich white wine. For an elevated experience, try serving them with homemade tartar sauce and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
If you’re serving these as part of a meal, I’d recommend pairing them with some freshly made clam chowder or seafood bisque. A baked potato or a warm bowl of rice would also make great accompaniments.
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, try making wasabi slaw or fritters to serve alongside these tasty balls. The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving and pairing these Irish Clam Balls – let your taste buds guide you!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now, let’s talk about how to make-ahead, store and reheat your Irish Clam Balls. These appetizers are perfect for entertaining because they can be prepped in advance and reheated just before serving.
To make-ahead, simply prepare the recipe as directed and form the clam balls. Once formed, you can cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. This means that you can spend more time mingling with guests and less time in the kitchen on the day of your event.
If you have any leftovers, you can also store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When it’s time to reheat, simply place the chilled clam balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake them at 350°F for ten to fifteen minutes or until heated through.
One thing to note is that you should not freeze the cooked Irish Clam Balls. Due to their delicate texture, freezing them can result in a loss of flavor and an unappetizing texture upon reheating.
Overall, the Irish Clam Balls Recipe is great as a make-ahead appetizer for parties or as a delicious snack whenever you get a craving for seafood. Just remember that they should only be stored in the refrigerator and not frozen!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that we have gone through the steps on how to create the Irish’s Clam Balls Recipe, let’s dive into some tricks and tips to make sure your dish comes out perfectly every time.
1. Drain the Clams Properly
It is essential not to exclude any liquid when draining them. The liquid has a strong clam aroma and taste that is required for an Irish Clam Ball recipe. When it comes to clams, you want every drop of juice to ensure maximum flavor.
2. Handle with Care when Mixing Ingredients
The stuffing needs gentle handling since it crumbles easily. Mix gently until all stuffing is moistened entirely without breaking them apart.
3. Chill the Mixture Before Forming the Balls
Once all the ingredients are mixed, let them cool in the refrigerator for about 30 mins, so they are easy to form into large balls.
4. Check for Consistency
You also want to ensure that after you’ve created balls, don’t feel too soft or loose; otherwise they’ll fall apart during frying or baking.
5. Cooking Time
It’s essential not to overcook your Irish Clam Balls; Timing is critical for this recipe. Set a timer for eight minutes if you opt for frying or fifteen minutes if Baked; your Grandslam is ready once it’s golden brown on both sides.
6. Pairing
The Irish Clam Balls go well with tartar sauce or as is alone. It can also be served as a side dish, appetizer, or snack.
7. Use fresh clams
Fresh clams always have better taste and texture than canned ones, but If fresh clams aren’t available in your local market, canned minced clams could substitute.
8. Make-ahead
Prepare the mixture up to two days ahead and store in the refrigerator until ready to shape and cook/clam ball making convenience.
These tips are simple yet crucial steps you need to follow for perfect Irish Clam Balls every time you prepare the recipe.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Irish’s Clam Balls Recipe is a perfect dish to serve at any party or gathering. With its crispy exterior and tender interior, it is sure to please any seafood lover. The substitution and variation options make it versatile and adaptable to any taste. It can be paired perfectly with a variety of sides and drinks.
The recipe is easy to follow, and with some tips for perfect results, even beginner home chefs can achieve delicious results. I highly recommend trying this recipe for your next special occasion or casual get-together.
So go ahead and whip up a batch of these irresistible clam balls, and watch your guests come back for more. You won’t be disappointed with this classic Rhode Island recipe that has stood the test of time, and now you have the knowledge to make it yourself at home.
Don’t forget to stock up on Pepperidge Farm stuffing, minced clams, butter, celery, onions, oregano, and Worcestershire sauce – all the essentials that make this dish so flavorful. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try making homemade tartar sauce or wasabi slaw for an extra kick.
So what are you waiting for? Get cooking and enjoy the tastes of New England with this fantastic Irish’s Clam Balls Recipe!
Irish’s Clam Balls Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (14 ounce) package Pepperidge Farm stuffing
- 1 (8 ounce) bottle clam juice
- 4 (6 1/2 ounce) cans minced clams
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 dash pepper
Instructions
- Melt butter in saucepan, add clam juice ,minced clams and juice form minced clams. Heat this mixture. In a large bowl add stuffing and sauted celery and onions, pepper and oregano. Pour hot liquid over stuffing mix. Mix well and cool. Roll into balls then bake for 30 minutes at 350.
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!