Clams with Tomatoes, Basil, and Blue Cheese is a bold, briny, and savory dish—perfect for elegant appetizers, seafood dinners, or wine-paired meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Elegant yet easy: Despite its upscale feel, this dish comes together in just 25 minutes.
- Layered flavors: The combination of seafood, fresh herbs, tomatoes, and blue cheese creates a complex, balanced broth.
- Great for entertaining: This dish is a showstopper that’s perfect for a dinner party or romantic meal.
- Naturally low in carbs: Serve with bread or skip it for a lighter option.
- Perfect for seafood lovers: The clams shine while the supporting ingredients enhance without overpowering.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh littleneck clams, scrubbed clean
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Crusty bread, for serving
Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, until they begin to break down and release juices.
- Pour in the white wine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the cleaned clams, cover with a lid, and cook for 6–8 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until the clams open. Discard any clams that remain closed.
- Stir in the torn basil leaves and sprinkle the blue cheese over the top. Let it melt slightly into the hot broth.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
- Serve immediately with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Calories per serving: Approximately 280 kcal
Variations
- No blue cheese: Swap with goat cheese or leave it out for a more traditional broth.
- Spicy version: Increase red pepper flakes or add a sliced chili for extra heat.
- Add greens: Toss in baby spinach or arugula at the end for a touch of color and nutrition.
- Tomato base: Use canned crushed tomatoes for a thicker, saucier broth.
- Citrus twist: Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice or zest for brightness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover clams and broth in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through. Avoid overcooking the clams during reheating to prevent toughness.
- Note: Discard any clams that did not open during cooking or have been sitting too long after storage.
FAQs
What kind of clams should I use?
Littleneck clams are ideal for this recipe due to their size and tenderness. You can also use manila or cockles if available.
Can I substitute the wine?
Yes, use clam juice, seafood broth, or even water with a splash of lemon juice if you prefer not to cook with alcohol.
Do I have to use blue cheese?
No. While blue cheese adds a unique flavor, it can be swapped for feta, goat cheese, or omitted entirely.
How do I clean fresh clams?
Soak them in cold salted water for 20 minutes, then scrub the shells under running water to remove grit.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep all the ingredients ahead. Cook the clams just before serving.
What bread pairs best with this dish?
A crusty baguette, sourdough, or ciabatta are perfect for soaking up the broth.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the blue cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
What wine should I serve with this dish?
Serve with the same dry white wine used in cooking, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Why didn’t all my clams open?
Some clams may be dead before cooking and should be discarded if they don’t open after steaming.
Is this dish suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, the dish itself is low-carb. Just skip the bread or replace it with a keto-friendly alternative.
Conclusion
Clams with Tomatoes, Basil, and Blue Cheese is a seafood lover’s dream that feels special without being difficult. Ready in under 30 minutes, this flavorful dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive starter. With its briny, herby, and creamy flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Explore More Bold & Elegant Seafood Dishes
If this Clams with Tomatoes, Basil, and Blue Cheese recipe awakened your taste for vibrant, unexpected flavor combinations, don’t stop here. Try the buttery richness of our Classic Lobster Bisque Recipe for a soup course that stuns. Love shellfish? The Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon Recipe is an elegant showstopper for dinner parties. For something playful yet flavorful, check out our Shrimp Crab Nacho Corn Dogs Recipe. Prefer a citrus balance? The Lemon Basil Salmon Rolls Recipe are fresh and fragrant. And for a comfort classic with ocean flair, try the creamy and rich Shrimp Melted Cheese Quesadilla.
Print
Clams with Tomatoes, Basil, and Blue Cheese
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A sophisticated seafood dish featuring tender clams steamed in a savory tomato broth with fresh basil and a hint of creamy blue cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh littleneck clams, scrubbed clean
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Crusty bread, for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, until they begin to break down.
- Pour in white wine and bring to a simmer.
- Add clams, cover with a lid, and cook for 6–8 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until the clams open. Discard any that remain closed.
- Stir in basil and sprinkle with blue cheese. Let melt slightly into the broth.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Serve immediately with crusty bread for soaking up the flavorful broth.
Notes
- Ensure all clams are tightly closed before cooking; discard any that are open and don’t close when tapped.
- Do not overcook clams to avoid a rubbery texture.
- Adjust blue cheese quantity to taste as it has a strong flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 45mg