Best 2 Chef Johns Scalloped Oysters Recipes

In the realm of classic comfort food, few dishes evoke such warmth and nostalgia as the timeless Scalloped Oysters. This culinary masterpiece, often associated with the Southern United States, has captured the hearts of seafood enthusiasts for generations. As you embark on this culinary journey, you'll discover not just one, but a collection of carefully curated Scalloped Oyster recipes that showcase the versatility and adaptability of this iconic dish. From the classic Stovetop Scalloped Oysters, where plump oysters are enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce, to the elegant Baked Scalloped Oysters, where a golden-brown crust adds a delightful textural contrast, each recipe promises a unique gustatory experience. Whether you prefer the simplicity of the Basic Scalloped Oysters or crave the indulgence of the Scalloped Oysters with Shrimp, this article has something for every palate. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and let's dive into the world of Scalloped Oyster perfection!

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

CHEF JOHN'S SCALLOPED OYSTERS

Chef John's Scalloped Oysters image

Some recipes you only make once a year because they're just so-so. Other recipes, like this dish of scalloped oysters, you only make once a year because they're too good.

Provided by Chef John

Categories Seafood Shellfish Oysters

Time 1h

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

3 cups crushed saltine crackers
¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cups shucked small oysters with liquor
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley
1 cup heavy cream

Steps:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Combine saltine crackers and butter in a bowl; stir until all crumbs are saturated with butter.
Spread 1/3 of the saltines mixture on the bottom of a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Pour half of the oysters with their liquor over the saltines mixture. Season with cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Repeat with next 1/3 of saltines and remaining oysters. Season with cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and Italian parsley.
Sprinkle remaining saltines mixture over the oysters. Drizzle cream slowly and evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven until bubbling and browned, 40 to 45 minutes. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 333.7 calories, Carbohydrate 18.1 g, Cholesterol 125.4 mg, Fat 24 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 11.3 g, SaturatedFat 13.1 g, Sodium 469.2 mg, Sugar 0.1 g

SCALLOPED OYSTERS

Scalloped Oysters image

Mild oyster taste with a crunch crumb topping.

Provided by Debbie Thomas

Categories Side Dish

Time 40m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

½ cup bread crumbs
25 buttery round crackers, crumbled
½ cup melted butter
1 pint shucked oysters, drained with liquid reserved
1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons milk

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Butter a shallow baking dish.
Combine bread crumbs and cracker crumbs; stir in the melted butter. Place a thin layer of the crumb mixture in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the oysters over the crumbs and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Pour 2 tablespoons oyster liquid and 1 tablespoon milk over the top. Repeat then cover the top layer with the remaining crumb mixture.
Bake at 450 degrees F (230 degrees C) for 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 394.8 calories, Carbohydrate 26.6 g, Cholesterol 88.5 mg, Fat 28.9 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 8.1 g, SaturatedFat 16.4 g, Sodium 471.3 mg, Sugar 3.2 g

Tips:

Choose fresh oysters: Always opt for fresh, plump oysters with tightly closed shells. This ensures the best flavor and texture in your scalloped oysters.
Clean the oysters thoroughly: Before cooking, scrub the oyster shells with a stiff brush under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Use a paring knife to pry open the shells, taking care not to spill any oyster liquor.
Make a flavorful sauce: The sauce is a crucial element in scalloped oysters. Use a combination of butter, flour, milk, and seasonings to create a rich and creamy base. You can also add a touch of white wine or sherry for extra flavor.
Layer the ingredients properly: Arrange the oysters in a single layer in a baking dish. Top with the sauce and breadcrumb mixture, ensuring each oyster is evenly coated. This layering technique helps achieve an even bake and prevents the oysters from drying out.
Bake until golden brown: Bake the scalloped oysters in a preheated oven until the sauce is bubbling and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown. The exact baking time may vary depending on the thickness of the dish, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

Conclusion:

Chef John's Scalloped Oysters is a culinary delight that combines the briny sweetness of plump oysters with a creamy, flavorful sauce and a crispy breadcrumb topping. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this recipe, you can recreate this classic dish at home and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. Enjoy!