How to Make Oyster Stuffing Packed with Flavor

There’s something truly special about family recipes—they connect us to the past, cherished memories, and the warmth of holiday traditions. This Oyster Stuffing recipe comes from Marcia K., who fondly recalls learning it from her grandmother. It was never written down; instead, she memorized each step, tasting and adjusting until she got it just right.

If you’ve never had oyster stuffing before, you’re in for a treat. Oysters add a briny, savory depth that takes traditional stuffing to the next level. And they’re not just delicious—Healthline notes that oysters are packed with essential nutrients like zinc, vitamin B12, and omega-3s, making this dish a nutrient-rich addition to your holiday table.

The combination of tender oysters, crispy cracker crumbs, and fragrant herbs creates an unforgettable flavor. It’s a bold, savory twist on a classic that will have everyone coming back for seconds. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this rich, flavor-packed Oyster Stuffing—a recipe that’s been passed down with love and is sure to impress your guests!

Ingredients

• • 4 cans of 8 oz. oysters
  • 2 sleeves of Saltine crackers
  • 1 cup melted butter (2 sticks)
  • 1 cup half and half
  • Liquor from the oyster cans
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1 cup leftover turkey stuffing (optional)
  • 2 cups sourdough stuffing mix (I used San Francisco brand)
  • 1/2 diced onion
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • Juice of 1 lemon

How to Make Oyster Stuffing

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by preparing your base stuffing. Whether using leftover stuffing from your turkey or a sourdough stuffing mix, you’ll want to add some sautéed onions and celery for extra flavor. Here’s how:

• • With an olive oil dispenser, drizzle a 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  • Add 1/2 diced onion and 1 cup of thinly chopped celery. Sauté for about 8 minutes or until softened.
  • Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Once sautéed, remove from heat and add 2 cups of sourdough stuffing cubes.
  • Slowly pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth to moisten the mixture. Stir well to combine.
  • Add 1 clove of minced garlic and mix again. Set this aside as your stuffing base.

Step 2: Crush the Crackers

For the crunchy layer, you’ll be using good ol' Saltine crackers. Here’s the secret to that perfect texture:

• • Place two sleeves of Saltine crackers into a large Ziploc bag.
  • Use a Rolling Pin or the back of a ladle to crush the crackers until they are coarsely broken into small pieces.
  • Transfer the crushed crackers into a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Add Melted Butter and Garlic

Now for that rich, buttery goodness:

• • Melt 1 cup of butter in a saucepan over low heat.
  • Once melted, pour the butter into your bowl of crushed crackers.
  • Add 2 cloves of minced garlic using your Garlic Press and mix everything together until well combined. This is going to be your flavorful, crispy base and topping.

Step 4: Prepare the Oysters

Now it’s time for the star of the show—the oysters!

• • With a durable can opener, open 4 cans of oysters and drain the liquor into a measuring cup. Save this oyster liquor because it will add a delicious, briny flavor to your stuffing.
  • Transfer the oysters into a separate bowl and squeeze the juice of 1 lemon using a lemon squeezer over them. Stir lightly to distribute the lemon juice evenly.

Step 5: Layer the Stuffing

Get ready to layer up your casserole:

• • Preheat your oven to 425°F.
  • In a 9x13-inch casserole dish, start by spreading a layer of your cracker mixture.
  • Add a layer of whole oysters on top of the crackers.
  • Repeat the layering with another round of crackers, then more oysters.
  • Finish with a final sprinkle of cracker crumbs.

Step 6: Add the Moisture

For that perfect, moist stuffing:

• • In the measuring cup with the reserved oyster liquor, add 1 cup of half and half.
  • Stir to combine, and then drizzle the mixture evenly over the entire casserole dish. This will keep everything moist and flavorful as it bakes.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

It’s time to pop it in the oven!

• • Bake your Oyster Stuffing at 425°F for about 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy.
  • Check on it halfway through to ensure the stuffing is baking evenly. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.

Once done, please remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. The result? A rich, savory Oyster Stuffing that’s crispy on top and tender inside.

Why This Recipe Works

This Oyster Stuffing recipe stands out because it carefully balances flavors and textures. The oysters provide a rich, salty flavor that pairs beautifully with the buttery crackers and savory stuffing. The half-and-half adds creaminess, while the lemon juice brightens the dish. Also, the combination of the crispy cracker topping and the soft stuffing makes for an irresistible bite.

Zulay's Final Thoughts

There's something extraordinary about making a recipe that has been passed down through generations. It's a chance to connect with the past while also creating new memories in the present. This Oyster Stuffing is indeed a celebration of family, tradition, and flavor.

This holiday season, try Marcia K.'s oyster stuffing. With its rich, delicious flavor and wonderful history, it will undoubtedly become a favorite at your table!

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