This clam dip with cottage cheese is creamy, flavorful, and easy to make. A classic party dip that always disappears fast.
At first, people are usually a little surprised by the cottage cheese, but once they try it, they are hooked.
The combination of cream cheese, cottage cheese, and minced clams creates a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with crunchy potato chips, crackers, or fresh veggies.
I first made this dip for a casual game night, and now it shows up at everything from potlucks to summer BBQ gatherings.
It has that classic party-dip feel while still being a little different from the usual chip-dip recipes.
Jump to:
Ingredients
See the recipe card below for measurements and instructions.
- Cream Cheese
- Cottage Cheese
- Minced Clams
- Lemon Juice
- Potatoe Chips
This recipe keeps things simple with just a handful of easy ingredients.
Cream cheese provides the dip's creamy base, while cottage cheese adds extra texture and protein.
The minced clams add a salty, seafood flavor that works surprisingly well with the creamy cheeses.
A little lemon juice brightens everything up, and you can easily adjust the flavor with extras like garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, or chopped chives.
Clam Dip Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese
- 24 ounces Cottage Cheese
- 1 can Minced Clams
- Lemon Juice to taste
- Favorite Potato Chip
Instructions
- Place the cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals until soft and spreadable.8 ounces Cream Cheese
- Add the cottage cheese and the entire can of minced clams, including the juice.24 ounces Cottage Cheese, 1 can Minced Clams
- Sprinkle in lemon juice to taste, about 1 tablespoon or less.Lemon Juice to taste
- Stir everything together with a rubber spatula, scraping the sides of the bowl until well combined.
Nutrition
Serving Ideas
This clam dip is best served chilled with plenty of crunchy sides for dipping.
Potato chips are my personal favorite because the salt and crunch pair perfectly with the creamy texture. It is also really good with buttery crackers, toasted bread slices, or fresh-cut veggies.
If you are setting up a snack table for a party, serving the dip in a small bowl surrounded by different dippers makes it feel easy but still a little special.
Easy Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize.
You can stir in a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth, add garlic for more savory flavor, or mix in chopped chives and green onions for freshness.
A little cayenne pepper or hot sauce also adds a nice kick if you like a spicier dip.
We've tried this clam dip in a lot of different ways over the years, and honestly, it's been delicious every time.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover clam dip with cottage cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Before serving again, give the dip a quick stir since a little liquid can separate as it chills.
For the best flavor and texture, keep the dip cold until ready to serve and avoid leaving it out at room temperature too long.
More Easy Snack Recipes
Looking for more easy snack recipes? Here are a few more favorites to try next.
Hi, I'm Katie!
I'm so glad you're here. Want to make something fabulous? I'm here to help!
PJ @ Planned in Pencil
Im going to try this because I loved a seafood dip that publix sold when we lived in florida... But no one here sells it and when I did get some when my husband went on a mission trip down there it didnt taste the same. So now I need a replacement!!!
If Youve Seen My Mind...Id Love It Back
I will definitely try this! I had a friend (years and years ago) who used to make a big batch of clam dip for get-togethers. I never got her recipe, nor have I found a good replacement. I'm not afraid...I've discovered that some of the best recipes have odd secret ingredients. Thanks for sharing!
Lisa @ akawest
I only like cottage cheese in things, but my husband can eat big bowls of it plain. This recipe would be perfect for us both. Thanks!
Natalie B.
Sounds amazing, off to find clams over here!
Thanks for sharing this on Tutorial Thursday 🙂
x
Natalie
Maria
Your dip sounds so good!!!! My husband's aunt makes a great one and I never got the recipe from her, thanks for sharing yours!!! I can't wait to make it! :o)
Aiden
We've been making something similar for decades. You can really improve the taste with chopped onion, worchestershire sauce, and chicken boullion.
Katie
We've made it with chopped onion and it is delicious! I will have to try with Worcestershire sauce and chicken bouillon! Thanks for the tip!
Michelle's Tasty Creations
Thanks so much for linking up to Creative Thursday. Can’t wait to see what you share this week! Have a wonderful week.
Michelle
Rachel
My husband's family has a very similar recipe, except they use canned shrimp instead of clams. I know what you mean. It doesn't seem like it would be good, but it is. Thanks for sharing at Terrific Tuesdays.Rachel
Robin @ FlusterBuster.com
I love clam dips, but I don't have a good recipe for one. This sounds really good, however I am not a big cottage cheese fan. I am going to give it a try though.
Thanks
Paul Holman
We've used a version of this and your recipe a great "start." I suggest adding two other ingredients: Worcestershire sauce and a bit of Tabasco sauce. Also, for this quantity of cream cheese and cottage cheese we double the amount of clams. I suggest you start by adding 2-3 tablespoons of Worcestershire and 1/8-1/4 tsp. of Tabasco. If you like the flavor, increase both amounts to your taste. This really makes an outstanding dip. We've also used more cream cheese and no cottage cheese. Every time we've served it we get lots of requests for the recipe, I hope you enjoy this!
Paul
Jeremy
My mom makes a similar recipe but I think she also uses some mayo. She ended up having to triple the recipe to keep up with all the hungry faces lol. I'll have to try this and compare. I love a good clam dip
Steve
This is how my mom use to make it, there was two more ingredients though. She would put some tobacco sauce, and garlic powder. Ooooh so good.
And I agree with you the dip goes best with ruffle potatoes chips or the scoop chips. Thanks for sharing.
Katie
I will have to try it with those two ingredients added. Thanks Steve!!