Best 8 Traditional Oyster Bread Dressing Recipes

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Oyster bread dressing, a delectable Southern delicacy, is a culinary symphony of flavors and textures that has graced dinner tables for generations. This traditional dish, often served alongside roasted turkey or chicken, is a delightful blend of savory oysters, soft bread cubes, aromatic herbs, and a symphony of seasonings. The result is a moist, flavorful stuffing that elevates any holiday feast.

This article presents a collection of oyster bread dressing recipes that cater to various preferences and skill levels. From classic renditions that stay true to the Southern roots of the dish to innovative variations that incorporate unique ingredients and cooking techniques, there's a recipe here to satisfy every palate.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

LUCY BUFFETT'S OYSTER DRESSING



Lucy Buffett's Oyster Dressing image

Lucy Buffett and her famous brother, Jimmy, grew up in Mobile, Ala., where seafood from the Gulf of Mexico is a key player in the culinary canon. Mr. Buffett went on to a giant career in music. His sister Lucy opened the freewheeling LuLu's restaurant in Gulf Shores, Ala. When they were children, oyster stuffing was always on the Thanksgiving table. And it still is. "Usually, it's all gone by the end of the day because the kids go back for thirds and fourths, just digging directly into the pan," she said. Ms. Buffett likes to use cornbread with a little sugar in it, often relying on a box mix. But any cornbread recipe will do. The best bread is an inexpensive white loaf from the grocery store that will break down into a smooth texture. The oysters don't have to be from the Gulf of Mexico, but fat Gulf oysters are best for conjuring the brackish low tides and sunsets of the Buffett family youth.

Provided by Kim Severson

Categories     stuffing and dressing, side dish

Time 1h15m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

12 tablespoons/1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, divided, plus more for baking dish
1 (8-inch-square) baked and cooled cornbread, preferably on the sweet side
15 slices white or wheat bread, toasted and cooled
1/2 large white onion, finely chopped
2 celery ribs, finely chopped
1/2 large green bell pepper, finely chopped
1/2 cup chicken broth, plus more as needed
2 dozen freshly shucked or jarred oysters, preferably Gulf oysters, drained and coarsely chopped (reserve the oyster liquor)
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon hot sauce, preferably Crystal
1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped, or 1 teaspoon ground sage
1 1/2 teaspoons truffle salt or sea salt
1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9-by 13-inch baking dish.
  • Crumble cornbread into a large bowl. Tear toasted white or wheat bread into very small pieces, add to cornbread, and toss to combine
  • Melt 8 tablespoons butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add onion, celery and bell pepper; sauté, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes. Cover pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are almost translucent, 5 to 6 minutes. Remove cover, add broth, and cook, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, for 2 to 3 minutes. Continue to cook mixture for 1 more minute, then remove from heat, add to bread mixture, and stir to combine.
  • In a medium bowl, stir together oysters, lemon juice, hot sauce, parsley, sage, salt and white pepper. Add to bread mixture and stir well to combine. If dressing seems too dry, add a little oyster liquor and up to 1/2 cup more chicken broth; mixture should be very moist.
  • Pour dressing into greased baking dish. Cut remaining 4 tablespoons butter into small pieces and scatter over top of dressing. Bake until top and sides are browned, 40 to 45 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 295, UnsaturatedFat 6 grams, Carbohydrate 29 grams, Fat 17 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 8 grams, SaturatedFat 9 grams, Sodium 381 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams, TransFat 1 gram

THANKSGIVING TRADITION OYSTER DRESSING



Thanksgiving Tradition Oyster Dressing image

This has been a Thanksgiving tradition. Try using leftovers with poached eggs for breakfast. Mmmm.

Provided by Judy7905

Categories     Side Dish     Stuffing and Dressing Recipes     Oyster Stuffing and Dressing

Time 1h20m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup butter
¾ cup chopped onion
12 cups fresh bread cubes
1 ½ pints fresh oysters, coarsely chopped and liquor reserved
1 ½ cups chopped celery with leaves
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon thyme leaves
½ teaspoon poultry seasoning

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
  • Heat butter in a Dutch oven or large heavy pot over medium-high heat; cook and stir onion until tender, about 5 minutes. Remove Dutch oven from heat. Stir bread crumbs, oysters, oyster liquor, celery, salt, black pepper, thyme, and poultry seasoning into onion. Spoon mixture into the prepared baking pan; cover tightly with aluminum foil.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes; remove aluminum foil and continue baking until lightly browned, about 20 more minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 414 calories, Carbohydrate 32.9 g, Cholesterol 102.1 mg, Fat 26.4 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 11.5 g, SaturatedFat 15.4 g, Sodium 1180.4 mg, Sugar 3.3 g

CAST-IRON OYSTER AND CORNBREAD STUFFING



Cast-Iron Oyster and Cornbread Stuffing image

Growing up in the mid-Atlantic region, my family has always included oysters as a big part of our dining table. This recipe is the perfect way to incorporate these typically uncooked gems into the traditional Thanksgiving spread and pay homage to the early Black oyster farmers of America. The briny and buttery flavor combined with the sweet cornbread is sure to be the talk of the table!

Provided by Food Network

Time 1h55m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter
3/4 cup small-diced tasso ham (see Cook's Note)
5 cups 3/4-inch-cubed cornbread, dried overnight (see Cook's Note)
5 cloves garlic, finely minced
3 stalks celery, small diced
1 small leek, white and light green parts only, small diced
1 small yellow onion, small diced
1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
1/2 cup dry white wine
24 fresh oysters, shucked and halved, plus 1/2 cup oyster liquor (see Cook's Note)
1/2 cup unsalted chicken stock
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
3 large eggs, lightly beaten

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Melt 10 tablespoons of the butter in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the ham and cook, infusing the butter with the ham flavor, about 5 minutes. Remove the ham to a large mixing bowl with the cornbread, leaving the butter in the skillet.
  • Add the garlic, celery, leeks, onions, sage and thyme to the skillet with the flavored butter. Sweat the vegetable mixture over medium heat, stirring as needed, until the vegetables are softened, 5 to 8 minutes. Add the wine and continue to cook over medium heat until the wine is reduced by half, 3 to 5 minutes. Increase the heat to medium-high, then add the oyster liquor and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then remove from the heat and let cool at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Add the oysters to the mixing bowl with the cornbread and ham. Pour the cooled vegetables into the mixing bowl and lightly mix together. Season with salt and pepper, then fold in the parsley and eggs (see Cook's Note).
  • Grease the inside of the same skillet with the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Transfer the cornbread mixture to the skillet, making sure it's evenly distributed throughout the skillet. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake until the top is nice and browned, 10 to 15 minutes. Allow to cool before serving, about 10 minutes.

OYSTER STUFFING



Oyster Stuffing image

My mother made this stuffing every Thanksgiving for my, father who loves it! And now I make it.-Amy Voights, Brodhead, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 1h

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 celery rib, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1/4 cup butter, cubed
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/8 teaspoon rubbed sage
1/8 teaspoon pepper
3 cups cubed day-old bread
1 large egg, beaten
2/3 cup chicken broth
1 cup shucked oysters, drained and coarsely chopped

Steps:

  • In a small skillet, saute celery and onion in butter until tender; transfer to a large bowl. Stir in the parsley, poultry seasoning, sage and pepper. Add bread cubes. Combine the egg, broth and oysters; add to bread mixture, stirring gently to combine. , Transfer to a greased 1-qt. baking dish. Cover and bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Uncover; bake 10-15 minutes longer or until a thermometer reads 160° and stuffing is lightly browned.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 228 calories, Fat 15g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 106mg cholesterol, Sodium 495mg sodium, Carbohydrate 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 7g protein.

GRANDMOTHER'S OYSTER DRESSING



Grandmother's Oyster Dressing image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Yield approximately 8 cups dressing

Number Of Ingredients 13

Neck from a 12 pound turkey
Water to cover
Celery leaves
Carrot top
1 small onion, cut into quarters
3 cups stale white bread
3 cups stale unsweetened cornbread
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 large onion, diced
3 stalks celery, diced
1 tablespoon dried or 2 tablespoons fresh sage leaves
1 1/2 cups oysters, shucked, shells removed

Steps:

  • In a medium saucepan, over low heat, combine turkey neck, celery leaves, carrot top, onion and water to cover. Simmer for 2 hours as the turkey roasts. In a large bowl combine stale breads, set aside. In a large saute pan melt butter with vegetable oil. Add onions, celery and sage and cook over medium heat until onions begin to brown Add onion mixture and enough of the giblet broth to moisten bread, toss, and set aside. About 1 hour before the turkey is done, using a turkey baster or a large spoon remove all but 1/2 cup of fat from pan. Toss the oysters with the bread stuffing and add it in an even layer to the roasting pan with the turkey, stirring to coat the bread. Return the turkey to the oven and continue roasting for the final hour. Serve as a side dish

OYSTER DRESSING (STUFFING)



Oyster Dressing (Stuffing) image

This recipe is the only way I like oysters! And, the best stuffing ever!

Provided by Stephanie Holt

Categories     Side Dish     Stuffing and Dressing Recipes     Oyster Stuffing and Dressing

Time 1h

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped onion
8 cups dry bread crumbs
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
3 cups oysters, liquid reserved
3 eggs, beaten
1 ½ teaspoons salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
½ teaspoon dried thyme

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease a 2 quart casserole dish.
  • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add celery and onion; cook and stir until tender, about 5 minutes. Mix in the bread crumbs and parsley and remove from the heat. Add the oysters and eggs, and season with salt, pepper, poultry seasoning and thyme. Stir in enough liquid from the oysters to moisten and mix everything thoroughly. Transfer to the casserole dish.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until the top is toasted and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, about 45 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 261.2 calories, Carbohydrate 41.5 g, Cholesterol 51.6 mg, Fat 5.4 g, Fiber 2.8 g, Protein 10.7 g, SaturatedFat 1.3 g, Sodium 667.4 mg, Sugar 4 g

TRADITIONAL NEW ORLEANS OYSTER DRESSING



Traditional New Orleans Oyster Dressing image

Got this recipe from the New Orleans Farmer's Market.....this is traditional New Orleans fare! ENJOY!

Provided by Sherrybeth

Categories     Cajun

Time 2h

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 18

1/2 cup butter
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup smoked sausage, finely chopped
2 cups onions, finely chopped
2/3 cup celery, finely chopped
1/2 cup bell pepper, finely chopped
6 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup green onion top, finely sliced
1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
4 cups fresh bread, chunks
1 cup buttered cracker crumb
6 dozen chopped oysters, plus liquid
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon basil
1 teaspoon seafood seasoning
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 cup turkey pan dripping

Steps:

  • In a LARGE black cast iron Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat and saute' the smoked sausage, onions, celery, bell pepper, garlic, and green onion tops until all of them are tender.
  • The one thing you want to remember is to keep the butter hot, but don't let it burn (and don't let the garlic burn either or it will turn bitter).
  • I also suggest that you keep stirring the mixture to cook it uniformly.
  • Next, stir in the parsley.
  • Then gradually stir in the chopped oysters, the oyster liquor, and the turkey pan drippings. Notice I said to gradually stir. The reason for this is that you do not want to reduce the heat, lowering the cooking temperature will cause excessive water to be released from the oysters and you'll have to add too much bread to the finished dish.
  • Now cook the oysters gently over medium high heat for about 4 minutes, stirring all the while.
  • And when all the ingredients are well mixed, drop in the poultry seasoning, basil, thyme, seafood seasoning, black pepper and salt. About the salt; taste your raw oysters to see if they are naturally salty before adding the prescribed amount.
  • You may have to reduce additional salt if nature has provided her own.
  • At this point, cover the pot, lower the heat, and simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes to allow time for the flavors to marry.
  • This is one of the secrets to making a really good oyster dressing. Don't rush or skip this step!
  • After the simmering process is done, remove the pot from the fire and begin adding the bread chunks a few at a time.
  • Note that you do not have to add all four cups.
  • If you want your dressing moist, stop adding bread when you get to the texture you desire.
  • If you want a drier stuffing, add all four cups, even a little more if your taste and needs dictate.
  • Now taste the dressing again and make your final seasoning adjustments.
  • The objective is to get the bread to absorb all the pan liquor, thereby binding everything together.
  • When, in your estimation, the dressing is ready (it shouldn't be soupy, but it shouldn't be dry either), allow it to cool slightly. Then rapidly stir in the raw egg to tie everything together and cover it for a few minutes to let it set up.
  • This is where the richness comes in and it's how the final blending brings out full flavor.
  • Oh, and if by chance you've miscalculated and made the mixture a bit too dry, just pour in a little extra turkey drippings.
  • The only thing left to do is to transfer the dressing right from the Dutch oven to a buttered casserole dish, generously sprinkle the top with the buttered cracker crumbs, drizzle on a little extra melted butter, and bake it for about 25 minutes uncovered in a 375°F oven.
  • Fresh bread chunks are better than dried crumbs in your oyster dressing because they tend to cook up fluffy rather than pasty. So to make fresh bread chunks, just take fresh sliced bread or French bread and pull apart small bite-side pieces.
  • To make your buttered cracker crumb topping, simply drop regular saltine crackers into the processor and, while the blades are spinning, pour in a couple of tablespoons of melted butter.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 805.5, Fat 31.2, SaturatedFat 13.3, Cholesterol 375.9, Sodium 1516.7, Carbohydrate 65.5, Fiber 2.7, Sugar 4.2, Protein 62.6

TRADITIONAL OYSTER-BREAD DRESSING



TRADITIONAL OYSTER-BREAD DRESSING image

Categories     Shellfish     Side     Bake     Thanksgiving     Quick & Easy     Stuffing/Dressing

Yield 4-6 people

Number Of Ingredients 10

8c. Cubed dried bread
1/2c. Butter
11/2c. Chopped celery
11/2c. Chopped yellow onions
Salt & pepper to taste
1T. Poultry Seasoning or to taste
1T. Sage or to taste
3 Eggs beaten
1 10oz. can Oysters cut fine
Giblet broth

Steps:

  • Melt butter and add celery and onions. Cover and cook until tender but not brown. Add finely chopped oysters and beaten eggs gradually. Add sage and poultry seasoning to your taste. Then add remaining ingredients. Mix thoroughly with fork. Add enough broth to make mixture moist. Stuff bird and roast or keep dressing refrigerated until you are ready to stuff bird.

Tips:

  • Use fresh oysters: Fresh oysters will give your dressing the best flavor. If you can't find fresh oysters, you can use frozen oysters, but be sure to thaw them completely before using.
  • Don't overcook the oysters: Oysters are delicate and can easily be overcooked. Cook them just until they are heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Use a good quality bread: The bread you use for your dressing is important. Use a bread that is slightly stale, as this will help it absorb the other ingredients more easily. A good option is to use a French baguette or a sourdough bread.
  • Season the dressing well: Be sure to season your dressing well with salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices. This will help to bring out the flavors of the oysters and the other ingredients.
  • Serve the dressing warm: Oyster bread dressing is best served warm. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.

Conclusion:

Oyster bread dressing is a classic holiday dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a special occasion. With these tips, you can make a delicious oyster bread dressing that your family and friends will love.

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