Our Favorite Ways to Cook Oysters At Home

By Southern Living Editors
December 16, 2014
Credit: Hector Sanchez
Oysters are a hallmark Southern seafood. From the Lowcountry to New Orleans, there are countless Southern communities slurping up half-shells. Although oysters can be a bit divisive, those who love them really love them. From classics like po’boys and oysters Rockefeller to new twists like fried buffalo oysters, you’re going to love making these oyster recipes at home. Whether you like ’em grilled, fried, or even in a casserole, we guarantee you’re going to love these oyster recipes. However you take yours—wild or farmed, raw or cooked, Gulf or East Coast—the hour of the pearl is now. 
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Grilled Oysters

Credit: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Grilled Oysters

The secret to this dish, a chargrilled homage to Gulf oyster houses, is a knockout garlic-herb butter.

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Easy Lowcountry Oyster Roast

Credit: Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Easy Lowcountry Oyster Roast

This simple method translates the regional ceremony of roasting South Carolina cluster oysters on a large metal slab over an open fire to the backyard grill. Just cover them with wet burlap or a wet, clean towel with no detergent smell. To serve, place multiple oyster knives and gloves on a table and encourage folks to shuck their own. Plan on at least 1 dozen oysters per person, and grill them in batches. Be sure to scrub and rinse oysters well before roasting; discard any with broken shells.

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Oyster Bacon Pot Pie

Credit: Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Oyster-Bacon Pot Pie

On the fence about oysters? Consider this Chesapeake Bay-inspired number your gateway dish. This gussied-up riff features a golden puff pastry crown over a creamy, briny filling. You can also make this recipe in a lightly greased 11- × 7-inch baking dish. Seal puff pastry sheet over filling, brush with egg wash, and bake as directed.

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Classic Oyster Stew

Credit: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Classic Oyster Stew

There are countless versions of this simple, elegant stew. To achieve the perfect texture of just-cooked oysters, poach them in the milk until their edges begin to curl, set aside, and return them to the stew just before serving.

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Green Apple Mignonette

Credit: Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Green Apple Mignonette​​​​​​​

Pair this bright condiment, inspired by the new wave of fancy raw bars who make tart sauces with everything from cucumbers to rhubarb, with any fresh oyster on the half shell.

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Smoked-Oyster-and-Andouille Dressing

Credit: Jody Horton

Recipe: Smoked-Oyster-and-Andouille Dressing

Sometimes the simplest kitchen solutions are the best, and here we celebrate the joys of prepared foods—canned seafood at least. This cornbread dressing is a twist on the Thanksgiving classic, adding unexpected ingredients to make it even more rich and delicious. Give your dressing an extra-savory depth of flavor with the addition of humble canned, smoked oysters. We added three cans, as well as two cups of andouille sausage, and some Cajun seasoning. What results is Smoked Oyster-and-Andouille Dressing, a dish that could be a meal in itself. Serve it with lunch or dinner, or simply make it to save for breakfast the next day. Either way, this Thanksgiving dressing recipe will be delicious.

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Broiled Oysters on the Half Shell

Credit: Photo: Robbie Caponetto

Recipe: Broiled Oysters on the Half Shell

For an even easier version of Jim Gossen's oysters, omit the shells, double the recipe, and broil the oysters in a baking dish.

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Oyster-and-Shrimp Po' Boys

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Ginny Branch

Recipe: Oyster-and-Shrimp Po' Boys

You can make this New Orleans-favorite sandwich right at home.

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12. Oyster Casserole

Credit: Greg DuPree

Recipe: Oyster Casserole

Whether you call it oyster casserole, oyster dressing, or some other variation, we can take a pretty good guess that you’re from the Lowcountry if your family eats this dish every year at Christmastime. If you’re not, it’s about time you tried it.

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Oysters Rockefeller

Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Oysters Rockefeller

Any oyster lover who hasn’t had Oysters Rockefeller isn’t a true oyster lover. Created by Jules Alciatore at the famed New Orleans restaurant Antoine’s, Oysters Rockefeller dates back to 1899.

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Fried Buffalo Oysters

Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Fried Buffalo Oysters

If you’re hesitant to try oysters or make them at home, this crispy recipe is a crowd-pleasing option.

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