3 Ways to Throw a New England Clambake

Discover three different ways to get all the flavors of a New England clambake: fire pit, stovetop, or stovetop/grill combo. Plus party tips!

1) Fire Pit

For a traditional clambake, the food is cooked in a fire pit lined with hot stones and layered with seaweed. Find a beach that permits open pit cooking and start digging. All the directions are right in the recipe below!

2) Stovetop

No beach? No problem! Steam everything on the stovetop, and your clambake is ready in just one hour. Try this recipe:

3) Stovetop + Grill Combo

This method combines stovetop and grill -- a great solution if you don't have a pot big enough to hold everything for a stovetop clambake.

Stovetop: Steam the clams and chorizo together; add mussels if you like.

• Portuguese Steamed Clams

Stovetop or grill: Your choice for the lobsters.

• Lobster Tails Steamed in Beer
• Grilled Rock Lobster Tails

Grill: Corn and potatoes.

• Grilled Corn on the Cob
• Grilled Baked Potatoes

Related: Choosing and Using Shellfish

Lots of clambakes start off with a hearty bowl of chowder.

Drinks are easy. Cold beer, white wine, or a big jug of lemonade will go nicely.

• Easy Raspberry Lemonade
• VIDEO: Making Fresh Lemonade
• More Recipes for Lemonade

How about a scrumptious berry pie for dessert?

• Send invitations decorated with fishing or sailing motifs.
• Cover tables with newspaper or a red and white checked tablecloth.
• Scatter nautical items like seashells, fishnet, heavy rope, bleached starfish, and lanterns across tables.
• Pick up napkins, cups, disposable plates, etc. in beachy colors.
• Use plastic beach pails for discarded shells.
• Set up a volleyball net and bring colorful beach balls for kicking around.
• Stock extra sunblock and towels for guests if you're at the beach or poolside.

Check out more top-rated Seafood Recipes.