Throw a New England-Style Clambake

Whether you’re vacationing in New England or elsewhere, summer is the time for an authentic, sea-soaked clambake on the beach.

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Whether you’re vacationing in New England or elsewhere, summer is the time for an authentic, sea-soaked clambake on the beach. With the right grill setup and loads of salty seaweed, this seaside feast can be reproduced on just about any sandy shore — barbecue laws permitting, of course. Head down to the water’s edge to collect the seaweed the old-fashioned way, or get it from your local fishmonger. From there, it’s all about assembly. Here’s how to build the quintessential clambake, layer by layer.

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Set Up the Grill

Dig a shallow pit in the sand, line with large stones and then pile wood on top of the coals. Let the wood burn for 1 to 2 hours and rake off the ashes. Using cinderblocks in each corner for stability, lay a barbecue grate on top to make a table. While the stones are heating up, prepare herb butter.

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Start Loading on the Layers

The success of a clambake hinges on the layering method. Begin by covering the grate with a thick layer of fresh, salty seaweed, which works to steam the food and shield it from direct flame. From there, add the ingredients in order of longest cook time, starting with potatoes. Cover with more essential seaweed.

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Corn Is Next

Simply add a few ears of corn, husks and all, over the seaweed layer. Top with a thin layer of seaweed.

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Here Comes Sausage

Add a layer of kielbasa and shroud with a thin layer of seaweed.

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Add the Clams

Here’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for. Mound the clams on top and cover it all with a thick layer of seaweed.

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Cover and Cook

Cloak the entire bake with burlap or a tarp soaked in seawater. Cook until the clams open and the potatoes are tender, about 1 hour, and be sure to pour seawater over the top as needed.

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Set Your Table

From here on out, it’s all about setup. Lay out all the goods over a sun-splashed table and dig in.

Ready to throw your clambake? Get the full step-by-step how-to and recipe at FoodNetwork.com.

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