There are few things in life as comforting as a warm, creamy, and flavorful seafood dish. This, my friends, is where my Scalloped Oysters recipe comes in. Having grown up in a coastal town, seafood has always held a special place in my heart (and my kitchen!). Scalloped Oysters, in particular, are an enduring classic, with roots tracing back to the 19th century, when oysters were a staple ingredient in American cuisine. This dish embodies the essence of comfort food, with its creamy texture, buttery cracker crumbs, and the delicate, unique flavor of oysters. Topped off with a dash of Worcestershire sauce for that extra umami kick, it’s a dish that’s simply hard to resist. I love it because it’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for both casual family dinners and special occasions. So, are you ready to dive into this culinary adventure? Grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
- 1 pt. oysters
- 2 c. cracker crumbs (Ritz)
- 1/2 c. melted butter
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- dash of pepper
- 3/4 c. cream
- 1/4 c. oyster liquid
- 1/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
Baking Instructions
- Drain oysters, saving liquid.
- Combine crumbs, butter, salt and pepper.
- Spread 1/3 of butter and crumbs in greased casserole (2-quart).
- Cover with 1/2 of the oysters.
- Using another 1/3 of buttered crumbs, spread second layer and add remaining oysters. Finish with last 1/3 of buttered crumbs on top.
- Combine liquid ingredients and pour over top.
- Bake at 350° for 40 minutes.
Calorie: 400
Total cooking time: 1 hour
Difficulty level: Easy
The Great Oyster Escapade
Let me tell you about the time I decided to make Scalloped Oysters. You know, those delightful little creatures that live inside shells and taste divine when cooked right? Yeah, those things.
Laying Down The Foundation
First things first, I had to gather all my ingredients. I needed 1 pt. of oysters, 2 cups of Ritz cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup of melted butter (because who doesn’t love butter?), 1/2 tsp. of salt, a dash of pepper, 3/4 cup of cream, 1/4 cup of oyster liquid, and 1/4 tsp. of Worcestershire sauce. Sounds like a lot, I know, but trust me, it’s worth it.
The Draining Game
The first step was to drain the oysters, saving their liquid. I felt like a surgeon performing a delicate operation. “Hang in there, little buddies,” I whispered to the oysters as I drained them. I felt a pang of guilt, but the thought of the delicious meal ahead made it bearable.
Crumbly Goodness
Next up, combining the cracker crumbs, butter, salt, and pepper. Sounds easy, right? But let me tell you, getting the butter evenly distributed in the crumbs is like trying to find a single sock in a laundromat. Seriously, where does it all go?
Layering Like a Pro
Now came the fun part – layering. I greased up a 2-quart casserole and spread 1/3 of my buttery crumbs on it. Then I covered it with half of my oysters. They looked so peaceful, nestled in their crumbly bed. I felt like a proud parent tucking them in. I repeated the process with another third of the crumbs and the remaining oysters. Then I topped it all off with the last of the crumbs.
The Liquid Gold
Then, in a separate bowl, I combined the cream, oyster liquid, and Worcestershire sauce. This concoction was then poured over the top of my oyster-crumble mountain. It felt like I was christening a boat, only in this case, the boat was an oyster casserole.
The Waiting Game
Finally, it was time to bake. I put my masterpiece in the oven at 350° for 40 minutes. The wait was excruciating. It was like waiting for the final season of your favorite show, only to find out it’s been postponed. But trust me, the end result was so much better than any TV show finale.
The Big Reveal
When I finally took the oyster casserole out of the oven, I couldn’t help but beam with pride. It was golden and bubbling, and the aroma was heavenly. The taste? Let’s just say, if happiness had a flavor, this would be it.
So, that was my journey in making Scalloped Oysters. It had its moments of drama, comedy, and suspense, but in the end, it was a delicious success. So, if you’re up for some culinary shenanigans, give it a shot. Your taste buds will thank you!
