National Clams on the Half Shell Day on March 31st offers clam lovers a day to celebrate one of the world’s most unique dishes. 

The best variety of hardshell clams (also called Quahogs) for serving on the half-shell is the topneck, but you will find recipes using littlenecks and cherrystone as well. The topnecks run about two inches across, and the meaty clam is enough for a bite-sized morsel of Atlantic saltwater goodness.

Clams on the half shell can be raw, steamed, grilled or even smoked.

One popular “on the half shell” recipe originated in Rhode Island.  Often served as an appetizer, Clams Casino is a dish with toasted breadcrumbs and bacon.  Legend has it the recipe for Clam Casino dates back to 1917 and the Little Casino in Narragansett, Rhode Island.  According to Good Housekeeping Great American Classics, maître d’hôtel Julius Keller and Mrs. Paran Stevens developed clams casino for her guests, as she wanted to serve up something special and named it after the hotel.  The dish soon became so successful, word spread, and it began appearing on menus across the nation.

Explore More Seafood….

• National Seafood Month
• National Fried Scallops Day
• National Shrimp Day
• National Baked Scallops Day
• National Crawfish Day
• Clams on the Half Shell Day
• National Shrimp Scampi Day
• Oysters Rockefeller Day
• French Fried Shrimp Day
• National Lobster Day
• National Go Fishing Day
• National Catfish Day
• National Caviar Day
• National Oyster Day
• National Seafood Bisque Day
• National Crab Meat Day
• Lobster Newburgh Day
• Deep Fried Clams Day
• Crab Stuffed Flounder Day
• National Sardines Day
• National Clam Chowder Day
• Spanish Paella Day
• National Catfish Month
• Creamy Shrimp with Asparagus
• Spinach Artichoke Crusted Salmon
• Shrimp Mushroom Pasta Salad
• New England Style Clam Chowder

HOW TO OBSERVE #ClamsOnTheHalfShellDay

National Clams on the Half Shell Day is easy to celebrate! Get steaming or grilling, depending on your preferences. Clam lovers dig in and show the rest of the crowd what they’ve been missing! Demonstrate the best way to enjoy them, the flavors and side dishes, too. Order up your favorite clam on the half shell meal. Then, give the restaurant a shout-out. 

Use #ClamsOnTheHalfShellDay to post on social media.