Not Ya Mama’s Oyster Dressing

Prepare to elevate your holiday table with our tantalizing recipe for Not Ya Mama’s Oyster Dressing! This dish puts a unique spin on the traditional Southern oyster dressing, infusing it with aromatic herbs, zesty spices, and savory Parmesan cheese. Bursting with flavor and brimming with the briny goodness of fresh shucked oysters, this dressing is sure to become a new favorite at your gatherings. So, let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create this mouthwatering dish that will leave your guests begging for more!

Ingredients:

Produce:

• 2 cloves Garlic
• 1 large Onion
• 1/2 tsp Dried oregano
• 1 1/2 tbsp Dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp Dried thyme

Baking & Spices:

• 1/4 tsp Black pepper
• 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp Salt

Dairy:

• 1/2 cup Butter
• 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese

Other:

• 1 cup Italian seasoned dry bread crumbs
• 1 quart Fresh shucked oysters, drained, and liquid reserved

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the dried oregano, parsley, thyme, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onion mixture with the Italian seasoned dry bread crumbs. Mix until the bread crumbs are evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
6. Gently fold in the fresh shucked oysters, being careful not to break them apart.
7. Transfer the oyster dressing mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
8. Pour the reserved oyster liquid evenly over the top of the dressing, allowing it to seep into the bread crumbs.
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the dressing is golden brown and crispy on top.
11. Once baked, let the dressing cool for a few minutes before serving.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• For added depth of flavor, you can add chopped celery and bell peppers to the sautéed onion mixture.
• If you prefer a spicier dressing, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
• Feel free to customize the dressing by adding your favorite herbs and spices, such as sage, rosemary, or marjoram.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

Q: Can I use canned oysters instead of fresh?

A: While fresh shucked oysters are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use canned oysters as a substitute if fresh ones are not available. Just be sure to drain them well before adding them to the dressing.

Q: Can I prepare this dressing in advance?

A: Yes, you can assemble the dressing up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Simply bake it according to the instructions when ready to serve.

Q: Can I make this dressing keto-friendly?

A: Yes, you can make a keto-friendly version of this dressing by substituting almond flour or coconut flour for the bread crumbs and using a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol in place of the sugar.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Version:

• Substitute almond flour or coconut flour for the Italian seasoned dry bread crumbs to reduce the carb content.
• Use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol in place of the sugar.
• Replace the butter with ghee or coconut oil for a higher fat content.

Low-Carb Version:

• Use a combination of almond flour and flaxseed meal in place of the bread crumbs to reduce the carb count.
• Opt for full-fat Parmesan cheese and cream cheese to increase the fat content and reduce the carbs.
• Increase the amount of herbs and spices to enhance the flavor without adding extra carbs.

In conclusion, Not Ya Mama’s Oyster Dressing is a flavorful and indulgent twist on the classic Southern dish that’s perfect for holiday feasts and special occasions. With its rich blend of savory herbs, zesty spices, and briny oysters, this dressing is sure to impress even the most discerning palates. Whether served alongside roast turkey, baked ham, or roasted vegetables, this dressing is guaranteed to add a touch of Southern charm to any meal. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor the irresistible flavors of this delectable oyster dressing!