⅔cupcracker crumbs(use a buttery cracker, such as Townhouse or Ritz)
⅓cupgrated Parmesan cheese
12ouncescanned chopped clamsdrained and rinsed
8ouncesbottled clam juice
6slicesbaconcooked and crumbled (1/3 cup cooked bacon pieces)
2Tablespoonslemon juice(juice of 1 medium lemon)
1teaspoongarlic powder
½teaspoonblack pepper
1teaspoonSriracha or hot sauce of your choice
5ouncesshredded mozzarella cheesedivided
½teaspoonground sweet paprika
Instructions
Heat oven to 375 degrees F.
In a small bowl, combine the cracker crumbs and Parmesan cheese. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the clams, clam juice, bacon, lemon juice, garlic powder, pepper, hot sauce and 4 ounces of mozzarella cheese. (Reserve 2 Tablespoons for sprinkling on top of the dip before baking.)
Transfer ingredients into a 9-inch deep dish pie plate or similar small casserole dish and use a spoon or spatula to spread evenly. Sprinkle bread crumb mixture over top of dip. Top dip with remaining mozzarella cheese and then sprinkle paprika over the top.
Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes or until hot, bubbly, and golden.