Prepare to revolutionize your holiday feast with a stuffing recipe that will have your guests talking for years to come! This isn't just another boring side dish – this Oyster Stuffing brings a luxurious coastal twist to the traditional Thanksgiving table. Imagine tender, briny oysters nestled within perfectly seasoned, crispy bread cubes that promise to elevate your turkey from good to absolutely extraordinary. Whether you're a seafood lover or looking to impress your family with a unique recipe, this oyster stuffing will be the star of your holiday spread!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf bread, cubed
- 1 cup oysters, drained
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp sage
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- Spread cubed bread on a large baking sheet and allow to air dry for about 1-2 hours, or toast lightly in the oven until slightly crisp but not browned.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and celery, sautéing until vegetables are soft and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Carefully drain oysters and pat them dry with paper towels. Roughly chop the oysters into smaller pieces if they are large.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine dried bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, chopped oysters, sage, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Gradually pour chicken broth over the mixture, stirring carefully to moisten the bread without making it soggy. The mixture should be moist but not wet.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly and loosely to allow for proper heat circulation.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let the stuffing rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and settle.
- Serve hot as a side dish with roasted turkey, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Bread Preparation is Key: Allow your bread cubes to dry out completely before mixing. This helps them absorb the broth without becoming mushy.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh oysters if possible, and be sure to drain them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture.
- Don't Overwork the Mixture: Gently fold ingredients together to keep the stuffing light and fluffy.
- Watch the Moisture: Add chicken broth gradually. The goal is a moist (not wet) stuffing that holds together but isn't soggy.
- Crispy Top Secret: Removing the foil in the last 20 minutes ensures a perfectly golden, crispy surface.
- Make Ahead Tip: You can prepare this stuffing a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Vegetarian Alternative: For guests who don't eat seafood, you can easily omit the oysters and replace with additional vegetables or mushrooms.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 122kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 21mg
