Cheesy Garlic Butter Oysters: A Perfect Party Appetizer

If you’re looking for a decadent seafood dish that is bursting with rich, garlicky goodness, this Cheesy Herbed Broiled Oysters recipe from Louisiana Cookin is sure to impress. Perfect as an appetizer for a dinner party or a delicious indulgence for a cozy night in, this dish combines the briny sweetness of fresh oysters with a buttery, herb-infused sauce and a smoky cheese topping. Best of all, it comes together in just minutes under the broiler, making it a quick yet luxurious treat. Pair it with some crusty bread to soak up all that flavorful sauce, and you have a dish that will leave everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients:

● 1 pint shucked oysters, drained

● ½ shallot, finely grated

● 10 small cloves garlic, minced

● ½ lemon

● ½ bunch fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped

● ¼ cup shaved smoked Gouda cheese

● ¾ cup unsalted butter

● ¼ cup olive oil

● 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, plus more to taste

● Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste

● Crusty bread, for dipping

Directions:

  1. 1. Begin by setting your oven to broil and adjusting the rack to the highest position. Preheating the broiler ensures the oysters cook quickly and develop a beautifully caramelized surface.
  2. 2. In a small saucepan over high heat, melt the unsalted butter along with the olive oil. Stir in the minced garlic, grated shallot, and Cajun seasoning, cooking until the garlic softens and becomes aromatic. At this point, taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning as needed. Once perfectly seasoned, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the freshly chopped parsley to infuse the butter with its vibrant, herby freshness.
  3. 3. If you have a baking dish with wells, divide the shucked oysters among them, placing one or two in each well. If using a flat baking dish, arrange the oysters evenly. Since the butter mixture may spill over, it’s a good idea to place the baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips. Generously spoon the butter and herb mixture over each oyster, ensuring every bite is infused with its rich flavor.
  4. 4. Transfer the oysters to the oven and broil, keeping a close eye on them. Ovens can have uneven heat distribution, so check every 30 seconds for any hot spots to prevent burning. After about two minutes, when the butter is bubbling and the edges of the oysters start to curl, it’s time to add the cheese.
  5. 5. Sprinkle the shaved smoked Gouda evenly over the oysters and return them to the broiler. Let them cook for another one to two minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden. Be careful not to overcook, as oysters can become rubbery if left under heat for too long.
  6. 6. Remove the oysters from the oven and immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top to brighten the flavors. Let them cool slightly before serving. Pair with slices of crusty bread to mop up the delicious, buttery sauce.

This rich and flavorful dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides that complement its buttery, garlicky profile. Here are a few excellent pairings:

Crusty French Bread – The ultimate companion for soaking up the flavorful garlic butter sauce.

Garlic Butter Linguine – A simple pasta dish tossed in olive oil and garlic provides a satisfying balance to the oysters.

Fresh Arugula Salad – A light and peppery salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the dish.

Cheesy Herbed Broiled Oysters offer an incredible combination of rich, buttery goodness, savory seasonings, and smoky melted cheese. With just a few minutes under the broiler, you can create a restaurant-quality seafood dish that is sure to delight. Whether served as an appetizer or the star of your meal, these oysters are guaranteed to impress. Don’t forget to have plenty of crusty bread on hand to enjoy every last drop of the delicious sauce!

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Soft-shell Chargrilled Oysters

Created in the Big Easy, this recipe truly lives up to that name because it packs a big punch and is a super easy-to-make-and-eat dish that has quickly become an alternative to traditional chargrilled oysters, which are made on a half-shell. Rather than the shell, you will use a slice of French bread. One side is dipped in a sauce and the oyster is placed on top of the sauce then dressed up with cheese and green onion.

The dry side of the bread is placed directly on the grill over indirect heat. When these are done, the bottom of the bread is firm and crisp, so folks can simply pick the treat up off a platter and chow down. Below you will find the oyster and special sauce recipe.  Enjoy, Cher!

 

Ingredients

(Makes around 2 dozen)

24 to 48 raw oysters, depending on size
1 long loaf French bread, enough to slice 24 1-1/2- to 2-inch-thick pieces
For sauce
3/4 pound butter
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon hot sauce, or to taste
3 teaspoons white vinegar
3 tablespoons molasses
1/2 teaspoons paprika
3 teaspoons Worcestershire
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
To top and assemble
1 pound to 3/4 pounds cheese, grated
Creole seasoning, to taste
4 to 6 green onions, coarsely chopped
4 or 5 fresh lemons

Preparation

Shuck oysters, or buy them un-shucked.  Slice French bread on an angle, or bias, into 1/2-inch slices.

Make sauce: Combine butter, garlic, hot sauce, vinegar, molasses, Worcestershire in a bowl and cook over low heat just until the butter is melted. Wait 5 minutes, then add parsley, salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Pour sauce into a shallow side pan or bowl. Allow sauce to cool for about 10 to 15 minutes.  Place bread slices on sheet pans. Dip one side of bread slice into the sauce. Place it dry side down on the sheet pan. Continue until all slices are dipped. (Only dip one side, so that the bottom of the bread can get crisp and firm, making the oysters easier to manage.)  Lift oysters out of oyster liquid and allow to drip for a few seconds. Place an oyster on top of each bread slice. If oysters are small, put 2 on each slice. Sprinkle Creole seasoning on each oyster, to taste. Top each with a generous tablespoon of grated cheese. Sprinkle chopped green onions op top.  Preheat grill or oven to 350 degrees.

If using oven, slide sheet pans into oven and bake about 30 minutes, checking after 15 minutes.

If grilling, use indirect heat by pushing coals to other side of grill; then place bread directly on the grill. Close grill and allow to cook for about 30 minutes, checking after 15 minutes.  Oysters are done when bread just starts to brown and cheese bubbles. Oysters will be hot, so allow to sit for about 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice on top and serve.

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