Dinner

Oyster Dressing Recipe

Bylina Carter November 28, 2025November 28, 2025

Introduction

This classic oyster dressing is a comforting side dish perfect for holiday dinners or any special meal. It combines tender oysters with seasoned bread and aromatics for a rich, savory flavor that complements poultry beautifully.

The image shows a rectangular black baking dish filled with a mixture of golden-brown toasted bread cubes mixed with chopped celery and cooked oyster mushrooms. The bread cubes have a crispy texture with a light green herb seasoning visible on the surface. The celery pieces are bright green and slightly translucent, while the oyster mushrooms have a soft, beige, and light brown color. The dish is placed on a white marbled textured surface with a cloth underneath that has gray and purple stripes. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 celery rib, chopped
1 small onion, chopped

1/4 cup butter, cubed
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/8 teaspoon rubbed sage

1/8 teaspoon pepper
3 cups cubed day-old bread
1 large egg, beaten

2/3 cup chicken broth
1 cup shucked oysters, drained and coarsely chopped

Instructions

Step 1: In a small skillet, sauté the chopped celery and onion in the cubed butter over medium heat until tender, about 5 minutes. Transfer this mixture to a large bowl.

Step 2: Stir in the minced parsley, poultry seasoning, rubbed sage, and pepper. Add the cubed day-old bread to the bowl and mix gently.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine the beaten egg, chicken broth, and chopped oysters. Pour this mixture over the bread mixture and stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Transfer the dressing to a greased 1-quart baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.

Step 5: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted into the center reads 160°F (71°C) and the top is lightly browned.

Tips & Variations

Use day-old bread for better texture; white or French bread both work well.
For a richer flavor, substitute chicken broth with oyster liquor plus broth.

Add chopped cooked sausage or bacon for a meatier variation.
If you prefer a moister dressing, increase the broth by 2 tablespoons.

Storage

Store leftover oyster dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. The dressing can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a rectangular black baking dish filled with stuffing made of golden-brown toasted bread cubes mixed with pieces of celery, onions, and herbs. The bread cubes are uneven in size and are lightly browned on the edges with a soft, textured surface. Small chunks of celery and translucent cooked onions are distributed evenly throughout the dish, adding light green and white colors to the mix. The herbs are sprinkled across the stuffing, giving it a speckled green look. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a folded striped cloth towel underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make oyster dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dressing mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it. Bake it just before serving for best texture and flavor.

What can I use if I don’t have poultry seasoning?

You can substitute poultry seasoning with a mix of dried thyme, sage, rosemary, and marjoram for a similar flavor profile.

lina Carter