Stuffed quahogs (the Vineyard’s name for hard-shell clams) were my father’s favorite appetizer. On special occasions, he would get dressed in his favorite summer madras slacks and take us out to the Harborside Inn in Edgartown for sundown drinks, where we would sit on the deck. I would feed the ducks and sip my soft drink. He would have a martini and sit back and savor the restaurant’s wonderful way with stuffed quahogs. This isn’t the Harborside’s recipe, but it comes close in taste, and I can never serve it without thinking of my father and the delight he took in watching the sun set over Edgartown Harbor as he ate stuffed quahogs. If you don’t want to mail-order quahogs, you may use any hard-shell clams. They won’t taste exactly like those from the Vineyard, but they will still be pretty darned good.–Jessica B. Harris

Red plate of six stuffed quahogs clams stuffed with breadcrumbs, chopped clams, parsley, Old Bay Seasoning

Stuffed Quahogs

5 / 2 votes
If you don't want to mail-order quahogs, you may use any hard-shell clams. They won't taste exactly like those from the Vineyard, but they will still be pretty darned good.
David Leite
CourseAppetizers
CuisineNew England
Servings6 to 8 servings
Calories142 kcal
Prep Time50 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup Chardonnay or other dry white wine
  • 24 quahogs, scrubbed
  • 1 cup panko, (Japanese bread crumbs)
  • 1/4 cup crumbled saltine crackers, (optional)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 small yellow onion, minced
  • 2 scallions, including 2 inches of green tops, minced
  • 3 tablespoons minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Bell’s Seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring the water and wine to a boil in a 5-quart saucepan. Add the clams, discarding any that fail to close to the touch. Cover, return to a boil, and cook for 5 minutes.
  • Uncover, remove any open clams with a slotted spoon, and then re-cover and continue to cook for 3 to 4 minutes longer, or until the remaining clams open. Remove them with the slotted spoon, discarding any that failed to open.
  • When the clams are cool enough to handle, remove the meats from the shells and reserve the bottom shells. Mince the clam meats. Rinse and dry the reserved shells.
  • Combine the minced clams, panko, saltines (if using), and egg in a bowl and mix well. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the yellow onion and saute for 5 minutes, or until lightly browned. Remove from the heat and add the sauteed onion to the clam mixture along with the scallions, parsley, salt, Bell’s Seasoning, Old Bay Seasoning, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
  • Spoon the clam mixture into the reserved clam shells, dividing it evenly, and place the stuffed clams on a baking sheet. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the tops are lightly browned.
  • Serve hot.
Martha's Vineyard Table by Jessica B. Harris

Adapted From

Martha’s Vineyard Table

Buy On Amazon

Nutrition

Serving: 1 portionCalories: 142 kcalCarbohydrates: 13 gProtein: 6 gFat: 4 gSaturated Fat: 2 gMonounsaturated Fat: 1 gTrans Fat: 0.1 gCholesterol: 43 mgSodium: 326 mgFiber: 1 gSugar: 2 g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tried this recipe?Mention @leitesculinaria or tag #leitesculinaria!
Recipe © 2007 Jessica B. Harris. Photo © 2007 Susie Cushner. All rights reserved.




About David Leite

David Leite is an award-winning food writer, cookbook author, and the founder of the James Beard Award-winning website, Leite’s Culinaria. Known for his informative, witty, and engaging writing style, David has built a reputation as a trusted voice in the world of food and culinary storytelling.

David is the author of two acclaimed books: The New Portuguese Table, a deep dive into the flavors and traditions of Portuguese cuisine, and Notes on a Banana: A Memoir of Food, Love, and Manic Depression, an intimate and courageous memoir blending personal history with his passion for food.

Through Leite’s Culinaria, David shares meticulously tested recipes, thoughtful essays, and vibrant stories that reflect his love for cooking and his dedication to quality content. His work isnโ€™t just about foodโ€”itโ€™s about connection, storytelling, and creating a space where readers feel both inspired and at home.

Beyond writing, David teaches online cooking classes, where he brings his expertise and humor directly into home kitchens worldwide. Whether heโ€™s perfecting a classic recipe or exploring a new culinary trend, David approaches his work with a mix of curiosity, precision, and a deep love for the craft.


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5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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2 Comments

    1. scott! I hear you. In this recipe, the author didn’t include it. My mom had a TONS of choiriรงo in hers. Do you add it to yours?