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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the oyster dressing.
- Prepare Pan: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly and set it aside for later use.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Moisten Mixture: Gradually add just enough of the reserved oyster liquid to moisten the mixture, helping the ingredients to bind together cohesively.
- Transfer to Baking Pan: Move the combined mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch greased pan, spreading it evenly.
- 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
