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Emerils Baked Oyster

Savory Emeril's Baked Oyster Dressing for a Cozy Thanksgiving

Discover Emeril's Baked Oyster Dressing, a delightful Southern dish perfect for Thanksgiving.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Dressing
  • 1 quart Fresh Oysters The star of the dish, ensuring a briny, rich flavor. Always choose the freshest oysters for the best texture.
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil Ideal for sautéing the veggies; you can swap it with butter for added richness.
  • 1 large Yellow Onions Provides sweetness and aroma, essential for building flavor.
  • 1 large Green Bell Peppers Adds crunch and a slightly bitter taste; consider using red bell peppers for a touch of sweetness instead.
  • 2 stalks Celery Key for that classic stuffing flavor and texture; don’t skip this!
  • 1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper Infuses a beautiful warmth; adjust the amount based on personal spice preference.
  • 2 Bay Leaves Enhances the dish's flavor; remember to remove them before serving!
  • 3 cloves Garlic Offers aromatic goodness; fresh garlic is best for a stronger impact.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Brightens the dish; feel free to swap with thyme for an earthy alternative.
  • 1 cup Water Helps in combining the ingredients efficiently during cooking.
  • 1/2 cup Green Onions Introduces freshness and crunch; chives make a great substitute.
  • 4 cups Stale Bread Binds everything together; use day-old bread to avoid sogginess, or go for cornbread for a Southern twist.
  • 1 cup Grated Parmesan Adds a savory flavor and binds the dressing well; other hard cheeses can work too if needed.
Optional Topping
  • 1/2 cup Additional Parmesan For a crispier, cheese-laden topping, sprinkle more just before baking.

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • 9x13 inch casserole dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gather your ingredients and prepare your workspace.
  2. Drain the fresh oysters, reserving 1 cup of their liquor. Set aside the drained oysters.
  3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Then, toss in diced yellow onions, chopped green bell peppers, chopped celery, salt, and cayenne pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Stir in bay leaves, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, and a splash of water into the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and transfer the sautéed vegetables to a large mixing bowl. Add stale bread cubes, green onions, and the reserved oyster liquor, mixing gently.
  6. Fold in the drained oysters and grated Parmesan cheese into the mixture, combining gently.
  7. Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with olive oil. Transfer the dressing mixture into the dish and spread it evenly. Bake for approximately 1 hour.
  8. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, use fresh ingredients and adjust spices to your taste.

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