Reminiscent of oysters Rockefeller, this appetizer is served on the half-shell, but without the heavy cream associated with that famous dish. These succulent baked oysters satisfy with spicy spinach and a crispy topping. Fresno chili pepper lends a subtle heat to a layer of flavorful spinach, garlic and onion. And the panko breadcrumbs and parmesan bring a satisfying browned crunch to each bite. Once you see how easy it is to make this restaurant-style dish, it’ll become a favorite appetizer when you want to impress.
Oysters Au Gratin with Spinach & Breadcrumbs
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 60 kcal
Ingredients
- 12 oysters rinsed
- 1 Fresno chili pepper diced
- 6 cups spinach roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 shallot minced
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 Tbsp. panko breadcrumbs
- 1 lemon wedged
- 1 Tbsp. butter
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- Salt
Instructions
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Heat oven or grill to 400 degrees F. Prepare baking sheet with rock salt or crumpled aluminum foil. (Note: Rock salt and foil cradle oysters to contain brine juices.)
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To shuck oysters, place flat-side up and grip with towel or gloved hand, leaving hinged end exposed. Push tip of oyster knife between top and bottom shells just adjacent to hinge. Twist knife until top shell releases. (Note: Keep oyster level so brine stays inside bottom shell.) Gently slide knife along inside of upper shell, disconnecting oyster from shell; discard top shells.
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On prepared baking sheet, arrange shucked oysters on their bottom shells.
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In sauté pan over medium heat, heat olive oil and add spinach and pinch of salt. Sauté 1 minute, remove from pan and chop finely.
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To same pan, add butter, garlic, chili pepper and shallot. Sauté 1 minute until fragrant; remove from heat and mix in spinach.
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In small bowl, mix parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs.
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To each oyster, add 1 Tbsp. spinach mixture. Top with about 1 tsp. breadcrumb mixture.
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Bake or grill 8-10 minutes.
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Plate and serve with fresh lemon wedges.
Recipe Notes
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Nutrition Facts
Oysters Au Gratin with Spinach & Breadcrumbs
Amount Per Serving
Calories 60
Calories from Fat 36
% Daily Value*
Fat 4g6%
Saturated Fat 1g5%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 2g
Cholesterol 5mg2%
Sodium 76mg3%
Potassium 128mg4%
Carbohydrates 4g1%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 2g4%
Vitamin A 1494IU30%
Vitamin C 15mg18%
Calcium 43mg4%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.