Baked Clams

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure the clams cook quickly and evenly.
2. Carefully open each clam over a bowl to catch any juice, using a knife if needed. Discard one half of the shell and keep the clam in the remaining shell half.
3. If a clam is extremely difficult to open, it may be dead and should be discarded to avoid potential food safety risks.
4. Arrange the clams on a baking sheet, placing them so they lie flat to avoid losing any juice.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Mix well to combine.
6. Add olive oil to the breadcrumb mixture and stir until the mixture resembles damp sand. This will help the topping crisp up during baking.
7. Spoon a heaping teaspoon of the breadcrumb mixture onto each clam, pressing it down gently to adhere.
8. Bake the clams in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the clams are cooked through. Be cautious not to overcook the clams as they can become tough.
9. Remove from oven and transfer clams to a serving platter. Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
10. For an extra pop of flavor, add a dash of hot sauce to the clams before serving if desired.