The Oyster Dressing Recipe is a warm, comforting Southern dish that’s full of flavor. It’s rich, savory and perfect for holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
This recipe mixes fresh oysters, cornbread, celery, onions, and spices into one delicious bake.
Every bite has a balance of soft bread, juicy oysters and buttery taste. If you love traditional Southern comfort food, this recipe will make your table shine.
When I First Tried It Oyster Dressing Recipe
I first tried oyster dressing at a family Thanksgiving dinner in Louisiana. The flavor was new to me — a mix of sea and home.
The oysters added a smooth, rich taste that made the cornbread extra special. After that, I started making it every year, and it became a family favorite.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Oyster Dressing Recipe
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Course: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Southern, American
- Calories: 310 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients You Need for Oyster Dressing Recipe
- 4 cups crumbled cornbread
- 1 cup day-old bread cubes
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 pint fresh oysters (with liquid)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried sage (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking dish with butter.
2. Sauté Vegetables
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and celery. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Mix the Base
In a large bowl, combine cornbread and bread cubes. Add the cooked vegetables and stir to mix well.
4. Add Oysters and Seasoning
Add oysters with their liquid to the bread mixture. Stir in salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, and sage if using.
5. Add Liquids and Eggs
Pour in the chicken broth and beaten eggs. Stir until everything is moist but not soupy. Add more broth if it looks too dry.
6. Bake
Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish. Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden brown on top and set in the middle.
7. Serve Warm
Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. The flavors blend beautifully as it cools slightly.
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh oysters for the best flavor.
- Don’t overmix — keep the texture soft and fluffy.
- Add more broth if the mix feels dry before baking.
- Let the dressing rest before serving for better flavor.
- Try adding a few herbs like thyme or parsley for freshness.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with roasted turkey or baked chicken.
- Pair it with mashed potatoes and green beans for a full meal.
- Add a drizzle of gravy for extra richness.
- Works great as a side dish for any holiday dinner.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover oyster dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warm. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
FAQs about Oyster Dressing Recipe
Q1: Can I use canned oysters?
Yes, just drain them before adding.
Q2: Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it and bake it the next day.
Q3: Can I use store-bought cornbread?
Yes, but day-old homemade cornbread tastes better.
Q4: How do I know when it’s done?
It should be golden and firm in the center.
Q5: Can I make it without eggs?
Yes, but it may be slightly less rich.
Conclusion
The Oyster Dressing Recipe is a true Southern treasure. It’s rich, hearty, and full of warm flavor.
The creamy oysters, buttery bread and spices come together beautifully. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, this dish will always impress.
Try it once, and it will become your favorite comfort side forever.iler at room temperature.
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- Patti Labelle Hot Water Cornbread Recipe
- Popeyes Mashed Potatoes Recipe
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Oyster Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups crumbled cornbread
- 1 cup day-old bread cubes
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 medium onion chopped
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 pint fresh oysters with liquid
- 2 eggs lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried sage optional
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking dish with butter.
Sauté Vegetables
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and celery. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Mix the Base
- In a large bowl, combine cornbread and bread cubes. Add the cooked vegetables and stir to mix well.
Add Oysters and Seasoning
- Add oysters with their liquid to the bread mixture. Stir in salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, and sage if using.
Add Liquids and Eggs
- Pour in the chicken broth and beaten eggs. Stir until everything is moist but not soupy. Add more broth if it looks too dry.
Bake
- Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish. Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden brown on top and set in the middle.
Serve Warm
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. The flavors blend beautifully as it cools slightly.
Notes
- Use fresh oysters for the best flavor.
- Don’t overmix — keep the texture soft and fluffy.
- Add more broth if the mix feels dry before baking.
- Let the dressing rest before serving for better flavor.
- Try adding a few herbs like thyme or parsley for freshness.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
