Can I use fresh oysters instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh shucked oysters work beautifully in this recipe. You'll need about 1 pint of freshly shucked oysters. Just be sure to drain them well and check for any shell fragments before using.

Is this dish very fishy tasting?

Not at all! The oysters provide a subtle, pleasant brininess rather than an overpowering seafood flavor. The buttery crackers and rich cream balance the oysters perfectly, making this dish appealing even to those who aren't typically seafood enthusiasts.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 4 hours ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, and you might need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

While heavy cream provides the best richness, you can use half-and-half for a lighter version. For a dairy-free option, full-fat coconut milk works surprisingly well, though it will add a subtle coconut flavor to the dish.

Scalloped Oysters Recipe - LazyDayRecipes

Name: Scalloped Oysters Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups crushed Ritz crackers; ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (¾ stick); ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon lemon zest; ⅛ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper; 16 ounces canned shucked oysters, drained (2 cans); 1 cup heavy cream; ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; Chopped fresh parsley; Lemon wedges

Description

This classic Scalloped Oysters recipe is a rich, creamy, and flavorful casserole perfect for seafood lovers. Featuring layers of tender, plump oysters and a buttery breadcrumb mixture, it’s baked to golden perfection. This dish is ideal for holidays, family gatherings, or when you crave a comforting meal with a sophisticated twist.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Cracker Mixture

1 1/2 cups crushed Ritz crackers
1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (3/4 stick)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

For the Layers

16 ounces canned shucked oysters, drained (2 cans)

For the Cream Sauce

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Optional Garnish

Chopped fresh parsley
Lemon wedges

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a casserole dish and set it aside.
Prepare the Cracker Mixture
In a mixing dish, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, Panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, kosher salt, onion powder, garlic powder, lemon zest, and ground cayenne pepper. Mix well to ensure even distribution.
Assemble the Casserole
Layer ⅓ of the cracker mixture in the bottom of the greased casserole dish. Follow with half of the drained oysters as an even layer. Add another ⅓ of the cracker mixture and finish layering with the remaining oysters. Top with the last ⅓ of the cracker mixture.
Make and Add the Cream Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this mixture evenly over the prepared casserole.
Bake the Dish
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the juices are bubbling.
Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

For best results, use good-quality canned oysters or fresh if available.
Don’t overbake the casserole, as the oysters may become rubbery.
Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 310
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 460mg
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 65mg