Oysters Rockefeller – A Luxurious Seafood Classic with a Spinach Twist
This iconic appetizer, created in New Orleans, features fresh oysters baked with a rich, savory mixture of herbs, butter, breadcrumbs, and spinach. The briny oysters meld beautifully with the buttery topping, creating a decadent bite that’s elegant and unforgettable.
🛒 Ingredients (Servings: 4)
- 12 fresh oysters, shucked and on the half shell
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 cup finely chopped spinach
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons Pernod (or white wine)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Rock salt, for baking base
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
🍳 Instructions:
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
🔥 Set your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with rock salt to stabilize the oysters and help them cook evenly.
2️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics:
🧄 In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped shallot and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 2 minutes.
3️⃣ Add Spinach and Herbs:
🌿 Stir in the chopped spinach and parsley. Cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes. Add Pernod and cook for another minute to let the alcohol evaporate.
4️⃣ Add Breadcrumbs and Season:
🥣 Stir in breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
5️⃣ Top the Oysters:
🦪 Spoon a generous amount of the spinach mixture over each oyster. Arrange the oysters on the rock salt-lined baking sheet.
6️⃣ Bake and Serve:
🧀 Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the topping is golden and bubbly. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
📦 Amazon Must-Haves to Help You Create the Best Oysters Rockefeller
- 🦪 Oyster Shucking Knife Set – A must for safely and easily opening oysters.
- 🔥 Cast Iron Oyster Grill Pan – Perfect for oven or grill-roasting oysters evenly.
- 🧂 Rock Salt for Baking – Keeps oysters upright and stable in the oven.
- 🧄 Garlic Press – For quick and efficient garlic prep.
- 🧀 Microplane Zester – Ideal for finely grating Parmesan cheese.
- 🍋 Citrus Squeezer – Delivers fresh lemon juice with minimal effort.
💡 Helpful Tip:
Chill your oysters on a bed of ice or rock salt before prepping — this helps keep them steady and food-safe until you’re ready to bake.