Oyster Dressing Recipe

Introduction

This classic oyster dressing is a comforting side dish perfect for holiday meals or any special occasion. Packed with fresh oysters and seasoned breadcrumbs, it offers a delightful blend of savory flavors and a tender texture.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 1 ¼ cups celery, chopped
• 1 ¼ cups white onion, chopped
• 10 cups dry bread crumbs (see notes)
• 2 ½ tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 3 ½ cups fresh raw oysters, liquid drained and reserved
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• ¾ tablespoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 ¼ teaspoons poultry seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. Set it aside.
2. Step 2: Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped celery and onion, cooking until they are soft and tender. This step is crucial as the vegetables will not soften during baking.
3. Step 3: Stir in the dry bread crumbs and chopped parsley into the skillet, mixing well. Then remove the skillet from the heat.
4. Step 4: Add the oysters, beaten eggs, salt, black pepper, poultry seasoning, and dried thyme to the mixture.
5. Step 5: Carefully add just enough of the reserved oyster liquid to moisten the mixture, then mix everything together thoroughly.
6. Step 6: Transfer the combined ingredients to the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of melted butter or a handful of chopped nuts before baking.
• If fresh oysters are unavailable, canned oysters can be used, but reduce added liquid accordingly.
• Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for a different twist.
• Use day-old bread to make your own bread crumbs for better texture and flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover oyster dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325 degrees F until warmed through to maintain the crisp top texture. This dish does not freeze well due to the texture of the oysters.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add any reserved oyster liquid before transferring to the baking pan.

What can I substitute for poultry seasoning?

If you don’t have poultry seasoning, use a mix of sage, thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of nutmeg to mimic the flavor.

Oyster Dressing Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 63 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This classic Oyster Dressing recipe is a savory side dish, perfect for holiday gatherings or comforting family meals. Made with fresh oysters, aromatic vegetables, and seasoned bread crumbs, it’s baked to golden perfection for a hearty and flavorful accompaniment.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables and Herbs

• 1 ¼ cups celery (chopped)
• 1 ¼ cups white onion (chopped)
• 2 ½ tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

Main Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 10 cups dry bread crumbs
• 3 1/2 cups fresh raw oysters (liquid drained and reserved)
• 3 large eggs (beaten)

Seasonings

• 3/4 tablespoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 ¼ teaspoons poultry seasoning

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the oyster dressing.
2. Prepare Pan: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly and set it aside for later use.
3. Sauté Vegetables: Heat cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped celery and white onion, cooking until they become soft and tender, which enhances their flavor and texture in the dressing.
4. Combine Bread Crumbs and Herbs: Stir the dry bread crumbs and chopped fresh parsley into the cooked vegetables. Mix well and then remove the skillet from heat.
5. Add Oysters and Seasonings: Incorporate the fresh oysters, beaten eggs, salt, ground black pepper, poultry seasoning, and dried thyme into the mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
6. Moisten Mixture: Gradually add just enough of the reserved oyster liquid to moisten the mixture, helping the ingredients to bind together cohesively.
7. Transfer to Baking Pan: Move the combined mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch greased pan, spreading it evenly.
8. Bake: Bake the dressing in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it is cooked through.

Notes

• Use dry bread crumbs for the best texture; stale bread processed into crumbs also works well.
• Cooking the celery and onions beforehand is essential as they won’t soften adequately during baking.
• Reserve oyster liquid to moisten the dressing and add extra oyster flavor.
• This recipe serves well as a festive side dish for holidays or special meals.
• Check with toothpick for doneness to avoid overbaking and drying out the dressing.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American Southern

Keywords: Oyster Dressing, Thanksgiving Side, Holiday Dressing, Southern Recipes, Oyster Stuffing