Best Easy Rhode Island Stuffies Recipe

Rhode Island stuffies are baked stuffed quahog clams with a savory breadcrumb and sausage filling. This unique, protein-rich New England appetizer is a coastal family tradition worth trying.

Cook 55 min Difficulty NORMAL 320 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • Large quahog clams 12 pieces
  • Sweet Italian sausage 8 oz
  • Breadcrumbs 1.5 cups
  • Celery 0.5 cup
  • Sweet onion 0.75 cup
  • Red bell pepper 0.5 cup
  • Butter 3 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Garlic 2 cloves
  • Fresh parsley 0.25 cup
  • Lemon juice 2 tbsp
  • Paprika 0.75 tsp
  • Black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • Kosher salt 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 24 g 30%
Protein 19 g 24%
Fat 15 g 46%
Serving size 170g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Scrub the quahog shells well, then steam clams just until they open—about 8–10 minutes. Set clams aside and reserve any clam liquor.

  2. 2

    Sauté sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart and stirring until just cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove sausage, leaving drippings in pan.

  3. 3

    To the drippings, add butter, then sauté onion, celery, and red bell pepper over medium-low heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute more.

  4. 4

    Chop clam meat and combine in a bowl with cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, lemon juice, paprika, black pepper, salt, and 2–3 tablespoons reserved clam liquor. Mix to fully moisten—add more clam liquor if mixture is dry.

  5. 5

    Spoon stuffing generously into each half shell. Place stuffed shells on a baking sheet and bake 22–25 minutes, or until golden brown and heated throughout. Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Rhode Island Stuffies recipe?
The hallmark ingredient for authentic Rhode Island Stuffies is the fresh quahog clam. Its chopped meat, combined with reserved clam liquor, defines the ocean-forward character of the dish, giving every bite a distinctly briny flavor. The combination of clams with Italian sausage and breadcrumbs creates the signature savory, hearty filling.
Q. How do you prevent overcooking the clams in this recipe?
To prevent overcooking, steam the quahog clams just until their shells open, which usually takes around 8–10 minutes. Remove them immediately—this keeps the clam meat tender rather than rubbery, ensuring the final stuffies have the best texture after baking.
Q. How can I achieve the perfect stuffing consistency?
For optimal stuffing consistency, be sure to thoroughly moisten the breadcrumb mixture with both reserved clam liquor and lemon juice before baking. The mixture should be moist but not soggy, holding together when pressed. Avoid over-mixing, which can compact the stuffing and make it dense.
Q. What is the calorie and protein content per serving?
Each serving of this Best Easy Rhode Island Stuffies Recipe contains about 320 kcal and 19 grams of protein. This means protein makes up around 24% of total calories, making it a robust appetizer choice for those seeking a high-protein seafood option.
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