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Once cleaned, cook the clams briefly in a preheated oven at 425°F for 3-4 minutes. This causes many to open, making them easier to shuck. Use tongs or your hands to gently open each clam, carefully removing the meat and discarding any broken shells. Leave some clam juice inside the shell to keep the meat moist—this liquid enhances flavor and appears during baking.
For overgrown or stubborn shells, use a small, sharp knife at the hinge to dislodge the clam, avoiding breakage. Reserve the drained juices for the sauce, which adds depth to the dish.
Ingredients and Flavor Building
The key ingredients for Clams Casino are:
Clams
Bacon: About 10 ounces, chopped into small pieces. One piece per clam optimizes flavor and texture.