Planning a clam bake on Cape Cod? Here’s a list of clam bake essentials to help you throw a classic and memorable seaside feast. This list assumes a traditional beach clam bake (pit-style), but you can adapt it for backyard or pot-style bakes as well.
Seafood & Main Ingredients
Littleneck or cherrystone clams (about 1–2 lbs per person) Lobsters (typically 1 per person, 1¼–1½ lbs each) Mussels (optional but common) Corn on the cob (husk-on, ½ to 1 per person) Red potatoes (small, new potatoes are ideal) Onions (peeled, quartered) Sausage or linguica (optional, but delicious) Seaweed (rockweed) – helps steam and flavor everything Butter (melted, for dipping) Lemons (cut into wedges)
Equipment & Supplies
Shovels (for digging a pit if cooking on the beach) Rocks (to line the bottom of the pit) Firewood or hardwood charcoal Large wet burlap sacks or canvas bags (to trap the steam) Metal baskets or wire racks (to organize ingredients in the pit) Buckets for clams/mussels Tongs, gloves, and heat-resistant tools Coolers with ice (for cold pre-cook seafood) Cooking twine or mesh bags (to portion and control seafood) Heavy-duty foil or cheesecloth (if wrapping individual items)
Serving & Dining Supplies
Plates, napkins, utensils, and cups (preferably compostable) Crackers or mallets for lobster Seafood picks Wet wipes or handwashing station Trash & compost bags Picnic tables, blankets, or beach chairs Tablecloth or newspaper (for easy cleanup)
Extras & Nice Touches
Cape Cod beer or hard cider White wine or rosé Coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans Dessert (like blueberry pie or whoopie pies) Cape Cod chips Music (portable speaker) Tiki torches or string lights (for evening bakes)
Tips:
Permits may be required for beach fires on Cape Cod—check with local authorities. Tide timing and weather matter—low tide is usually best for pit digging. Pre-soak burlap in seawater or freshwater to generate steam. Purge clams/mussels in seawater with cornmeal 4–6 hours before cooking.